When To Buy Used

Question:

You've said in the past that new cars are usually cheaper in August, September or October, when next year's models have arrived on the lot and the leftovers from 2011 are still hanging around. But is there a best time to buy a used car?

Answer:

The inventory of used cars is often highest when the new-model-year vehicles hit the dealerships in August and September. Most people trade in their car when they get a new one, and rental companies may be updating their fleets around this time, sending their existing cars to auctions.

Many variables will impact a used vehicle supply. Carmakers are now shoving their new models into dealerships on schedules other than the traditional late-summer/early-autumn months. That can significantly reduce the autumn supply of used vehicles. The sluggish economy is prompting many people who would have purchased a new car to buy an older model instead. Natural disasters, such as the tsunami in Japan last year, can impact new car production, again prompting people in need of wheels to hit the used-car market.

There's no fail-safe approach, although most experts still think that the end-of-the-model year period is the best time for a good deal.

Question:

I heard on the news that smaller cars are safer in a crash than they used to be. I don't understand that. A little car hit by a bigger car or SUV is still going to come out on the poor end, right?

Answer:

Well, no one suggested the David-sized car would beat the Goliath-sized SUV in a crash.

Crash tests have found that small cars hold up better in front, side, rollover and rear-impact crashes than their predecessors. Many, in fact, earn the top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Small carmakers have long understood the public concern about safety, and now they're taking steps. They've added more airbags and safety-enhancing structural improvements, as well as stronger materials to better withstand a crash.

(c) CTW Features

Email questions to Sharon@ctwfeatures.com