Should I buy now or wait until the New Year?
Hi guys,
Is there any point in changing my car this side of Christmas? I am going from a 2006 Opel Vectra to a 2008 Mazda6.
Thanks Mick
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)Oct 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mick,
If you talk to the trade at the moment, they will say that there is something of a shortage of good used cars around. Generally as people buy in the early parts of the year then you will get a lot of second-hand cars floating around so there is a case for waiting. On the other hand, your 2006 Vectra is regarded as another year older. If you can get the right deal why not do it now?
The only thing to worry about is a shortage of diesel Mazda6 models from that year. You didn't specify if you wanted petrol or diesel, but there are twice as many petrol examples available. Having said that, I really like this diesel model here, but it is a little on the pricey side. You would pay significantly less for a petrol model with lower mileage, such as this one.
What I would say is that you will get more attention in the dealerships now, or at least you should do. It can be frustrating going into the dealers in January when they are busy, so bear that in mind.
Can I trade in two cars on the scrappage scheme?
Can I trade my 2006 car with my 2002 model for scrappage in exchange for a new car? I have a 2006 Avensis and a 2002 Toyota Corolla hatchback to trade.
I want to get a good diesel car. I've clocked up around 75,000 miles in two and half years.
What garages will look at this type of trade?
Allice Cox (Bagenalstown)May 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Alice
It isn't totally unusual for someone to trade in two cars against one. Car dealers are a little short on good used cars and the two you have to trade are likely to be quite welcome.
You could try and sell one privately and use the cash as a deposit against your newer car, but selling privately can be a headache and you might be waiting a while for the car to sell. I would suggest that you try your local Toyota dealer initially, as they're likely to offer better deals on your Toyotas.
You mention scrappage in your question. Unfortunately neither of your cars qualify for the scrappage scheme as they are not yet ten years old. So it would be a case of trading in both cars against a new car as normal.
Without knowing details of your two trade-in cars in terms of mileage and condition we wouldn't be keen to give you an estimate of the price of these, but it would seem logical that you would stick with Toyota and get another Avensis (a diesel) as you are likely to be most welcome by the Toyota dealer.
Feel free to come back to us with more details on your cars and we will see how we can help further.
Paddy