What used car you should buy when

This may not come as a surprise to you but the used car market operates all year round.

So the good cars will always sell, whatever the weather, prevailing conditions, time of the month or whatever.

Sometimes though the availability and prices of used cars can change on a seasonal basis. So as well as having your wits, facts and figures about you, don't forget to consult the calendar and tap the barometer app. Traditionally the fortunes of the new and used car markets have been linked to the change of registration plate, creating an artificially high demand for new cars and to help pay for them, a larger number of part exchanges flood into the car trade.

This situation provides a variety of opportunities for the buyer after a bargain. However, though a plenty of other major, minor and often quite mad factors.

If you can be patient, anticipate and take advantage of the seasonal swings and roundabouts, good – here’s your month-by-month guide.

Want to browse the classifieds yourself? Our sister sites PistonHeads and WhatCar? have some fantastic deals and used reviews.

January

Happy New Year and all that, this is time when new car registrations blip upwards as buyers wait patiently post Christmas for a car registered in 2018. That means part exchanges are up and values are certainly softer. A good time to buy.

February

It could be cold outside, very cold. That means the forecourts are snow covered and deserted. A jolly good time to be shopping for used cars then, as a dealer and desperate private seller are open to offers. Bag a privately advertised convertible.

March

Yes it is 18 plate time. You won’t be part of that madness of course, but you can lurk in the shadows and pick up a part exchange that is being advertised to clear. Mass market Mondeos and Insignias are often the worst affected.

April

Suddenly and especially if the sun has come out, the used car market is back with a massive vengeance. Prices will harden and sharpen and that canvas convertible you promised yourself is out of reach. Be patient. Pick a rainy day.

May

The financial year often ends for some businesses in April and there are a higher number of three and four year old vehicles around. It might be worth hanging around the increasingly busy auctions. Don’t get carried away though.

June

If things are getting sticky you might find that there are certain types of cheaper 4x4s knocking around that have been part exchanged. The higher mileage and less fashionable Japanese and American examples will be the ones to go for.

July

In the early part of the month used business will be buoyant but don’t rush into any hasty deals, as it will start to change. For a while everything will overheat both on the forecourt and at auction. Just wait.

August

Everyone has gone on holiday. The children have been scooped up and the last thing that anyone wants or can do is shop for cars. Dealers will want to rustle up sales, and private deals can become too good to pass up.

September

Plate change for 68s. Those who care about such things have chopped in their old cars and it is your chance to pick them up for a bit less because suddenly there are more used cars around. Prices far from on the floor though.

October

Time to take a look at classics. There are ones that didn’t sell in the summer and disillusioned owners who’ve had enough. As for real cars the novelty of a full convertible could be wearing off as the winter starts to bite.

November

The used car market is winding down a bit. If you are brave enough then the fleet cars washing up the auctions might be worth a closer look. Private sellers are starting to get very nervous indeed, a good time to shop.

December

This is a two-week month if the dealers are lucky. Everyone is thinking about Christmas with the in laws, not cars. This is the right time to take a vehicle off a dealer or private seller in the truly festive spirit.