Auto expert named the best time to buy a car

The rise in car prices in recent years has made many buyers think about when it is best to buy a car — now or wait for a more profitable moment. Alexander Kornev, head of the Department for work with importers at Gazprombank Autoleasing, told Izvestia on March 17 which factors should be taken into account when making a decision.

According to the expert, it is widely believed in the automotive industry that the best time to buy is "now", as cars continue to rise in price. This is due to a number of factors, including an increase in recycling fees and an increase in the cost of supplies. However, as Kornev noted, prices usually do not increase sharply, as a sharp rise in price can reduce demand.

"The increase in recycling already affects the cost of new cars that are imported at updated prices. But prices in the market tend to rise gradually, as market participants try to smooth out sharp jumps through various support programs," the expert explained.

He added that when buying a car, it is important to consider not only the price, but also the cost of borrowed funds. If the car is purchased on credit or leasing, the level of the interest rate and the availability of subsidy programs are important.

"Even at a relatively high rate, a loan or lease can be beneficial because it allows you to fix the cost of the car. In addition, support programs from brands, dealers, banks, and the government are often in place. For example, many Chinese manufacturers subsidize interest rates for buyers," Kornev said.

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The expert also advises paying attention to the macroeconomic situation. In the event of a reduction in the Central Bank's key interest rate, credit conditions may improve, and monthly payments may decrease. However, at the same time, support programs from importers and dealers may be reduced.

Also, according to Kornev, the seasonality of the automotive market plays an important role. At the beginning of the year, dealers often sell cars from the previous year at more favorable prices. January and February are traditionally the period when car dealerships try to sell last year's cars. At this time, you can get good discounts due to low demand and the need to empty warehouses.

In March, on the contrary, sales of new models that arrived at updated prices are intensifying. However, even during this period, you can find favorable offers for cars of the previous year. Kornev noted that the current market situation also contributes to the appearance of discounts: in the first months of the year, sales were relatively low, and dealers still have significant inventory.

In addition, favorable offers often appear in the summer, when demand for cars is seasonally declining. Another discount period is December, when dealers strive to meet annual sales plans.

According to the expert, during the most favorable periods, the discount on a new car can reach about 10% of the average price of the model. In the secondary market, the discount rate may be higher, as it depends on the condition of a particular machine and the seller's willingness to bargain.

By the end of the final month of winter, the average cost of a new car from a Russian manufacturer dropped to 1.99 million rubles. As specified on March 5, at the same time, the average price of the new model officially introduced on the market among Chinese brands has not changed and amounted to 3.94 million rubles.

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