It’s one of the most Googled questions in the automotive world — “When’s the best time to buy a car?” But is there really a perfect time to buy a car in Australia?
The truth is, yes… and no. While there’s no universal “golden day” for scoring a bargain, there are smarter times to buy (and sell) depending on what you’re after, and how fast you want to close the deal. Whether you’re buying privately, from a dealer, or trading in through a service like We Buy Cars, here’s what to know before you make your move.
If you’re heading to a dealership, timing can be everything. Dealers often have sales targets to hit by the end of each month or quarter. That means you’re more likely to snag a better deal (or negotiate extras like rego, tinting or servicing) right before those dates tick over.
Best times at a glance:
But keep in mind that a better deal on your purchase could mean a lower price for your trade-in. Some dealers make their margins by reducing what they offer for your current car.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about avoiding peak times. Here’s how seasonal factors can influence car prices:
January to March: Many people upgrade in the new year, which can mean more cars on the market and more room to negotiate.
April to June: EOFY pressure can lead to strong dealer incentives, especially on outgoing models.
Spring (Sept to Nov): Popular time for car shopping, especially with families growing in size, or ahead of summer or Christmas road trips.
December: New car plates roll over in January, so you might get discounts on "last year’s model."
When it comes to the best time to buy a car in Queensland specifically, there are some local quirks to keep in mind. With our warmer climate and year-round outdoor lifestyle, 4WDs, utes, and SUVs tend to hold their value longer, especially around peak travel periods like school holidays, Easter, and summer. If you're buying one of these vehicles, it can pay to shop before the seasonal demand spike. On the flip side, if you're selling a car in Queensland (especially in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast), listing it in early spring or late summer can attract more serious buyers planning ahead for road trips or upgrades.
Used car pricing tends to be more consistent year-round, especially when selling through platforms like We Buy Cars, where prices are based on market data, not seasonal haggling.
But market trends still matter. When new car stock is low (like we saw in recent years and the Covid pandemic due to supply shortages), demand for quality used cars rises, and so do prices. That’s why even older models in good condition are fetching decent money right now.
When new technologies come in and cars update their branding or badge (like we’ve seen with Kia), a second-hand car without the latest updates can suddenly drop in demand, meaning they’re likely to sell at a lower price.
Waiting for “the perfect moment” can backfire. If you need to sell your car first, it’s key to take into account when the best time to sell your car will be. Most cars depreciate every month, especially if they’re not being driven or serviced regularly. If you’re thinking of selling soon, it’s worth checking its current value to weigh your options.
At We Buy Cars, we offer fast valuations and quick turnarounds — meaning you can lock in today’s market price and sell on your terms.
If you’re upgrading, simplifying, or just ready to move on, here’s when it’s worth getting a valuation:
Timing your sale before your rego, insurance or big maintenance bills hit can also put more money back in your pocket. You can read more in our article on the best time to sell your car.
There’s no single date circled on the calendar, but there are smarter times to act. Whether you're upgrading or downsizing, buying or selling, being aware of seasonal trends and market timing can make a real difference to your hip pocket.
If you’re curious what your car is worth right now, get a free valuation from We Buy Cars. We make selling easy, fast and fair.
Simply fill out our free car valuation now and discover how stress-free selling your car in Queensland can be. For further reading, find out what the used car market is worth in 2025, plus 5 pre-sale hacks that will add value to your car.
