Motoring » Buying A Car Buying New Buying Used Finance Insurance Buyer Beware On The Road On Two Wheels Emotive     When is the best time to buy my car? The best time to buy a used vehicle is when there's an excess of supply over demand - cars are cheaper and there's a greater choice. This traditionally happens during the two months immediately after the numberplate changes (on 1st March and 1st September). During this period, sales of new cars rise dramatically, and as a result, there are more part-exchange cars entering the trade. During the winter ­ and December especially ­ retail demand slackens, and prices fall. Values usually remain depressed until the spring. The trade is managing its winter stocks better these days and the fall is less marked than it once was, but it is still apparent. Likewise, you'll still find that convertibles are cheaper in the winter and dearer in the summer, again because of consumer demand. Exceptional circumstances, such as an impending general election or extended periods of bad weather, can also bring about cheaper prices, so keep an opportunist eye out for any events that may keep buyers off the forecourts for a month or so. Where is the best place to buy my car? Read the following sections and think hard about which suits you best. Choosing the best place to shop will increase your chances of buying the right motor for the right money. From a franchised dealer, expect; Good quality stock Good aftersales back-up Reassurance about what you're buying High prices VERDICT: The greatest peace of mind, but at a price From a car supermarket, expect; Plenty of ex-fleet mainstream models Very few specialist cars Lower prices than at franchised dealers Occasionally patchy quality of cars Reasonable after-sales back-up VERDICT: Good value, but examine the cars carefully From an independent dealer, expect; Wide variety of stock Cheaper prices than most supermarkets Varying levels after-sales care Some untrustworthy dealers Occasionally patchy quality of cars VERDICT: A good choice if you find a good dealer From the classified ads, expect; Generally the lowest prices of all Some real rip-offs Hassle finding the right car Plenty of choice VERDICT: The novice buyer may get stung From an auction, expect; Keen prices if you don't get carried away Patchy quality and some real rogue cars Less chance, if any, for a test drive Some comeback on serious faults More public-friendly than you might imagine VERDICT: You need to know your stuff NEXT: PAPERWORK BACK TO BUYING A CAR HOMEPAGE