January-February (Best for Buying)
Post-holiday quiet period. Dealers are keen to hit early-year targets. New plate registrations create pressure to clear stock. This is typically the best time to negotiate.
March-June (New Plate Period)
New financial year planning begins. Businesses buying fleet vehicles create demand. Still reasonable deals available, especially on trade-ins from fleet changeovers.
June-July (End of Financial Year)
EOFY is a goldmine for car buyers. Dealers slash prices to hit annual targets, clear old stock, and make room for new models. Business buyers rush to claim depreciation deductions. Second-best time to buy after January.
September-November (Spring Rush)
Demand increases as people prepare for summer road trips. Convertibles and 4WDs peak in value. Generally the worst time to buy — prices are at their highest.
December
Mixed — some great end-of-year deals as dealers clear remaining stock, but the holiday period means less negotiating power. Early December often yields better deals than late December.