Winter End: Last Chance for Bargains
bargains winter buying-tips seasonal price-trends
The Winter Window is Closing
March traditionally marks the end of the cheapest buying season in the used car market. Those who don’t act now will miss the last real bargains before the spring surge. Our analysis shows where potential still lies.
Current Price Levels vs. Annual High
BMW Models
| Model | Current | Annual High (June) | Savings | Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | €16,800 | €18,500 | -9.2% | 3-4 weeks |
| E39 5 Series | €8,200 | €9,100 | -9.9% | 3-4 weeks |
| E46 3 Series | €6,900 | €7,800 | -11.5% | 2-3 weeks |
| E46 Convertible | €9,200 | €12,500 | -26.4% | Now! |
| E39 M5 | €35,500 | €38,200 | -7.1% | 4-5 weeks |
Mercedes-Benz Models
| Model | Current | Annual High (June) | Savings | Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | €14,200 | €16,100 | -11.8% | 3-4 weeks |
| W210 E-Class | €5,800 | €6,500 | -10.8% | 3-4 weeks |
| R129 SL | €28,500 | €38,000 | -25.0% | Now! |
| W124 E-Class | €12,200 | €13,800 | -11.6% | 3-4 weeks |
Audi Models
| Model | Current | Annual High (June) | Savings | Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 A4/S4 | €6,100 | €6,800 | -10.3% | 3-4 weeks |
| C6 A6 | €10,200 | €11,400 | -10.5% | 3-4 weeks |
| TT 8N Roadster | €8,900 | €12,200 | -27.0% | Now! |
| RS4 B5 | €46,500 | €49,200 | -5.5% | 5-6 weeks |
Why Now is the Last Chance
The Seasonal Price Cycle
| Month | Price Level | Activity | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -12% | Low | Buy |
| February | -10% | Low-Medium | Buy |
| March | -6% | Rising | Last Chance |
| April | -2% | High | Too late |
| May | Baseline | Very high | Sell |
| June | +5% | Peak | Sell |
Reasons for the Trend Reversal
- Tax refunds - Many buyers have budget from March
- Spring awakening - Emotional purchase decisions increase
- Convertible season - Enormous demand for open cars
- Easter holidays - Time for viewings and test drives
Top 5 Bargain Categories
1. Convertibles and Roadsters
Buy now - 20-30% more expensive in 8 weeks!
| Vehicle | Current Price | June Price | Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 330Ci Convertible | €11,500 | €15,200 | +32% |
| Mercedes R129 SL 320 | €26,800 | €35,500 | +32% |
| Audi TT 8N Roadster | €8,900 | €12,200 | +37% |
| BMW Z3 2.8 | €14,200 | €18,500 | +30% |
2. All-Wheel Drive Vehicles (still affordable)
The AWD premium is melting - but not completely yet
| Vehicle | Current | Summer Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A6 quattro | €11,800 | €10,400 | +13% more expensive now |
| BMW E39 530xi | €9,800 | €8,900 | +10% more expensive now |
| Mercedes E350 4MATIC | €12,500 | €11,200 | +12% more expensive now |
Tip: Wait for summer for AWD - then 10-15% cheaper!
3. Sedans (best time)
Now ideal buying time for long-distance drivers
| Vehicle | Current Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E38 740i | €16,500 | Very good |
| Mercedes W140 S500 | €18,200 | Very good |
| Audi A8 D2 | €8,900 | Excellent |
4. Youngtimers with Potential
Under the radar - for now
| Vehicle | Current Price | 12-Month Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E34 525i | €8,500 | +15% |
| Mercedes W201 190E 2.6 | €9,200 | +12% |
| Audi 100 C4 2.8 | €4,800 | +18% |
5. High-Performance Models
Collector prices, but stable
| Vehicle | Current Price | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E39 M5 | €35,500 | Very stable |
| Mercedes W210 E55 AMG | €28,200 | Stable |
| Audi RS4 B5 | €46,500 | Very stable |
Negotiation Tips for the Last Winter Week
Optimal Strategy
- Contact Monday-Wednesday - Dealers have more time
- Use end of month - Sales pressure on dealers
- Offer cash payment - 3-5% additional discount possible
- Mention competitor offers - Shows market knowledge
Realistic Price Discounts
| Seller Type | Normal Discount | Winter Bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private sale | 5-8% | 3-5% | 8-13% |
| Dealer | 3-5% | 2-3% | 5-8% |
| Brand dealer | 2-3% | 1-2% | 3-5% |
Regional Differences in March
| Region | Price Level | Supply | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | +5% | High | Avoid |
| NRW | Baseline | Very high | Good |
| Eastern Germany | -8% | Medium | Very good |
| Northern Germany | -3% | High | Good |
Tip: A 200km drive can save €500-1,500!
What to Avoid
Overpriced in March
| Category | Reason | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| SUV/Off-road | Winter demand | Wait for May |
| AWD sedans | Seasonal premium | Wait for summer |
| Winter cars | Demand still high | Wait 2 months |
Warning Signs for Bargains
- Too cheap: More than 20% below market without reason
- Pressure: Seller pushes for quick closing
- No history: Missing service book for premium vehicles
- Many owners: More than 3 for cars under 10 years old
Conclusion: Act Now!
The next 2-4 weeks are crucial. Anyone looking for a premium used car should act now:
Buy immediately:
- Convertibles and roadsters
- Sedans under €15,000
- Youngtimers with collector potential
2-3 weeks time:
- Standard sedans
- Estates
- High-performance models
Wait for summer:
- All-wheel drive vehicles
- SUVs
- Expensive sports cars
All prices based on our market analysis. As of: March 3, 2025