Yahoo Finance This Is the Best Month To Buy a European Car To Save Money
Kelley Blue Book found that the average cost of a new vehicle in the U.S. is $44,417, but that doesn’t necessarily account for European vehicles. These cars often come with a higher price tag than other cars, making them a little less affordable to the average buyer.
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Less affordable doesn’t always mean out of reach, however. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as when you choose to buy, you could get a pretty good deal on that European car you want.
These are the best times to buy a European car, as well as some other ways to save money on your purchase.
November and December Are the Best Months To Buy
As is often the case, shopping around the holidays or end of the year could score you some of the best deals on European cars.
“Timing can make a big difference in price. Checking for deals around holidays is smart because dealers want to move the older cars before the new models come in,” said Robert Walden, an experienced mechanic, car enthusiast and founder of Vehicle Freak. “End of the year is also good since the dealership needs to meet sales goals. Keep an eye on the manufacturer’s website too — sometimes they do cool promotions.”
Discounts Crop Up Throughout the Year, Too
While buying a European car at the end of the year or during the holiday season can save you money, they’re not the only times when you can score some savings.
“You might be able to get a slightly better deal if you buy a European car at the end of the month, quarter or year. That’s when car dealerships really want to make sales, so they might lower prices a little bit,” said Todd Bialaszewski, a certified master mechanic and the founder of Junk Car Medics. “Another time for potential savings is in the fall when new models start to arrive, and dealers want to get rid of last year’s versions.”
Of course, timing varies based on the manufacturer. Keep an eye out for end-of-year sales, major sales events like Black Friday or holiday promotions and discounts.
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Look For Other Ways To Save
When you buy can make a difference in how much you spend, but there are other proactive ways to save money on a European car. One of the best methods is simply to negotiate.
“The very best way to get a good price is simply to be a good negotiator,” said Bialaszewski. “Don’t be afraid to walk away if the dealer won’t budge on an unreasonable price.”
Along with this, consider getting a certified pre-owned vehicle or one from a previous year rather than a brand-new one.
“Those cars went through a big inspection so you know they’re in nice shape, but cost less than brand new,” said Walden. “Demo cars from the previous year can be a sweet deal, too.”
If you don’t have your heart set on a particular make and model, you could also save money by being flexible with your options.
“It pays to be flexible,” said Walden. “Dealers like moving inventory, so see if they’ll go lower on a car that’s been on the lot for a while. Or look at similar models with less fancy add-ons to save some cash. As long as you love how it drives, those little details aren’t as important.”
Do your research so that you know what the average prices are for the make and model you’re looking at. This will help you negotiate and get the lowest price possible.
Use European Delivery or Manufacturer Programs
“Some European car manufacturers offer special programs or incentives that can help you save money when buying a new car,” said Cassie Fields, the president at AutoLeap. “For example, BMW’s European delivery program allows you to pick up your new car in Europe, drive it around the continent and then have it shipped to the U.S. This can save you money on the purchase price.”
You’ll need to account for the airfare, accommodations and other logistics if you go this route. But if you’re already planning a trip somewhere and want to couple it with buying a new car, it could be a great way to get some deals.
Looking For a Good Deal? Check Out These European Cars
Keeping in mind that everyone has their own taste, there are several European cars to consider if you want to keep to some kind of a budget.
“Some affordable yet totally awesome European rides I’d recommend checking out are the Volvo S60, VW Jetta, Fiat 500 or 124 Spider,” said Walden. “They’re tons of fun but won’t break the bank like some other imports. My friends and I have worked on all those models, and they’re really well-made for the price.”
Here’s the typical starting MSRP on these cars, according to the popular automotive website Car and Driver:
2024 Volvo S60: $43,645
2024 Volkswagen Jetta: $22,660
2023 Fiat 500: $31,840
2020 124 Spider: $26,885
“The Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf are two great choices if you want a nicely made, reliable and fun-to-drive car without a super expensive price tag,” said Bialaszewski. “If you want something small and sporty, a used Mini Cooper or Fiat 500 can give you that compact European feel while still being relatively affordable.”
And here are the average starting MSRPs for these vehicles:
2024 Skoda Octavia: $40,590
2024 Volkswagen Golf: $31,965
2024 Mini Cooper: $29,100
“Remember that European cars tend to have higher maintenance costs over time than domestic or Japanese models,” Bialaszewski continued. “So, factor that into your budget when deciding what car to buy. The key things are to buy used, go for simple and reliable models and find a good independent mechanic you trust for repairs. If you do your research and follow these tips, you can get a sweet European car without spending an arm and a leg!”
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