Buy a used car in December rather than January and you'll can save enough money to cover cost of Christmas

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Snapping up a used car in December rather than waiting until the New Year could potentially save enough money to cover the cost of Christmas, analysis of prices has shown.

This time of year is always quiet for used car sales as people turn their attention to Christmas shopping. This is followed by an explosion of interest in January as people seek out a new motor.

This seasonal rollercoaster for demand has an impact on used car prices and means savvy buyers can save up to £500 buying now, independent experts CAP Automotive claim.

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Winter bargain: According to CAP Automotive, buyers can save £500 on a used Mini Cooper by buying now, instead of January

It crunched the numbers on how used car prices change at the turn of the year and found savings running ti several hundred pounds for exactly the same model - with some even big enough to cover Christmas.

Based on research claiming Britons spend an average of £487 each to celebrate Christmas, CAP found two popular models that generate big enough savings to cover the cost..

It discovered used Mini Cooper and Toyota RAV4 diesel cars, both 2012 plates, were £500 cheaper on average this month, opposed to next.

It also found Toyota Prius, Audi TT Roadster and Volkswagen Fox were up to £250 cheaper in December, compared to January.

This could mean parents buying a used motor for their children e perhaps learning to drive, may actually make a good value Christmas present.

Philip Nothard, CAP retail and consumer specialist, said: 'The influence of what we call "seasonality" may already be familiar to the more savvy buyer. 

'Some take advantage of it by purchasing their four-wheel-drive in the height of summer and sell it again when others are contemplating how they'll get through another snow-bound winter.

'Another trick is buying a good old "rag-top" when it's cold and wet, rather than when demand shoots up with the approach of spring.

'The trick is to go against the trend and buy when other people aren't looking for the same thing – and that means December can be a brilliant time to change your car.

'Our figures show the potential savings for motorists who bought last December instead of waiting until January were significant.

'These savings may not seem gigantic in comparison to the overall cost of the car, but the clever buyer knows that a few hundred pounds are not to be scoffed at.'

Another winner: The research found a used Toyota RAV4 was cheaper to buy before Christmas

In terms of new cars, experts at valuation specialists Parkers say many dealerships discount their cars heavily at this time of year in order to improve sales figures and also to clear the way for models arriving in the New Year.

According to data, new car sales in December usually run at just a third of normal levels, meaning haggling could result in huge discounts. 

GUIDE: How to haggle on a new car 

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