First post, be kind to me.
I am looking at buying a second hand C4, possibly 55/56 plate and am wondering what happens to the prices when the new 09 plate comes in. Is it best too wait for a few weeks or will it make no difference?
I have been to a dealer and they refused to give me anything of the price of the vehicle on the forecourt. He did offer me a couple of litres of petrol lol. It was very well priced to be honest. I did walk away though.
Cheers
|
The trade revises used car prices monthly. Usually, unless for a particularly rare or desirable car, the price drops every month.
Sometimes events happen which throw a spanner into the works, - such as the current "credit crunch", a quick look at the news items on this site will show that prices paid at auction (where many trade cars are bought) have begun to rise for cars in certain sectors, partly because the people who have nice cars are hanging on to them, and others are downsizing and increasing demand, therefore creating a shortage.
Your C4 is probably in the "certain sector"
A "plate change" drop in used prices is not automatic, but would more be dependent on a lot of older cars being part-exchanged, if this doesn't happen, prices will remain stable.
Couple of things that might help,
If you are buying from a big dealer the salesman may be on a performance bonus, and the last week of the (any) month might secure a better deal if the salesman hasn't had a particularly good month.
Look at the "Autotrader" website for cheaper, similar cars from other reasonably nearby dealers, printout any ads, show them to your dealer, and ask him to match them (this definitely works, the last person i advised saved £1000 comparing two dealers 20miles apart on a £10000 car)
|
Thank you so much Stan. That certainly has helped me out.
Unfortunately there was only one other car that was cheaper but it was 29 miles away and they stated 20 mile radius. They weren't having any of it. There is also a part exchange involved so I knew it would just be a low offer on that (standard trade) I think my only option is to sell my car privately and then go in at the end of the month. Thats the only way I am going to get a better deal.
|
You are looking for a 3/4-year-old car which is a time when some private owners like to part exchange.
But as Stan says, new cars are not selling which means fewer part exchanges, so less choice for you.
No-one has much faith in car salesmen, but have you left your details with a dealer or two?
A good salesmen will be thinking 'that car might do for joannej' if he gets offered a nice C4 in part-exchange.
Used prices might be firming up, but equally the car you've seen might still be there in a couple of months' time.
If so, your bargaining position will be considerably strengthened.
|
|
|
You might of course decide to move on to another choice of car and/or dealer. If, however, you would still quite like to buy that particular car, my suggestion would be to decide in advance how much you want to pay. Once you have that number firmly in mind, make them a take it or leave it offer. They will probably initially refuse but make sure they have a contact number for you and that they are clear that you would do the deal at your price. It might have a surprising effect. If it doesn't, there are plenty of other cars for sale.
|
|
If you post the model and price someone on here may be able to tell you if it's a good price or not.
|
Citroen dealers are usually good on deals, if this one won't talk, try elsewhere.
Loads and loads of C4 Picassos in France last week - it is now the third best selling car there (even excluding C4 hatches) after the Clio and 207.
|
Citroen HQUK - Slough have a sign outside the dealer saying C4 Picasso's buy new one for the price of 2nd Hand one.
I take it they have oversupply? Might be worth an enquiry. They did a Sales weekend recently with some staggeringly good money off across the range
If I was in the market, now is an incredibly good time to drive a hard bargain
|
Best buying time for s/h cars is my view is the month after the new registrations... Lots of tradeins at main dealers.. so prices fall..
Autotrader search and ebay saved searches keep you up to date of changes..
|
J
post your p/e details and car details on the site to gain more accurate feedback on your deal. Sound advice already given: end of month to get salesman targets, April or October after new reg to get pick of 3 year olds traded in. However Easter is early April this year and showrooms will be full of folk looking to pick up a bargin, so I would go week before schools break up. Make an offer, take or leave, leave your details. If they want the sale they will call you. If you can sell privately quickly that will add to your bargining hand.
Good luck
|
|
I would buy one when it was car-shaped and not looking like a robot ;)
|
|
|
|
|
:no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/7320e7710700d7dc476565471b3b2834/a316416c42eb75de3abf9abf96b631c5.jpg)
![2022 Citroen C4 1.2 PureTech [130] Sense Plus 5dr](https://img.common.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/unsafe/trim/90x60/smart/filters:quality(70):no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/734c981dc65e5e6bfb16702a6ad105e5/8218643c0a54b429fb14a70079eac83d.jpg)
:no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/e225747d9f74b9e2b6ce7125e3206154/d87821cddecf47dde3a67b224db68d49.jpg)
![2023 Citroen C4 1.2 PureTech [130] Plus 5dr](https://img.common.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/unsafe/trim/90x60/smart/filters:quality(70):no_upscale():format(webp)/https://cdn.uk.prod.group-mobility-trader.com/images/cas/0cbc6030b177464ae5f5c8b202d21b6b/4c0a89e74f57189dd00fda2e21e363f0.jpg)
