Summer End Sale: Best Buying Opportunities in September
The Golden Buying Season Begins
The transition from summer to autumn offers the last major opportunity for bargain hunters. Dealers and private sellers want to clear remaining stock before autumn demand pushes prices back up.
Why Buy Now?
September 2025 Market Dynamics
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| End of vacation season | Sellers become active |
| Dropping temperatures | Convertible prices at yearly low |
| New model years | Dealers clear old stock |
| Before winter tire season | AWD not yet at price peak |
Price Comparison: August vs. September vs. October
| Vehicle Type | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | -4% | -2% | Reference |
| Convertibles | -12% | -15% | -8% |
| AWD/SUV | -2% | +2% | +5% |
| Wagons | -3% | -1% | Reference |
Conclusion: September is the optimal compromise - convertibles still cheap, AWD not yet overpriced.
Top 5 Buying Opportunities September 2025
1. BMW E46 Convertible - Best Season
Average price: EUR 8,500 (normally EUR 10,200)
The E46 convertible reaches its yearly low in September:
| Engine | September Price | Spring Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 318Ci | EUR 6,800 | EUR 8,200 | 17% |
| 325Ci | EUR 9,500 | EUR 11,500 | 17% |
| 330Ci | EUR 12,000 | EUR 14,500 | 17% |
Buying tip: Hardtop models hold value better than soft tops.
2. Mercedes W140 - Classic Bargain
Average price: EUR 14,234
The S-Class W140 currently offers excellent value:
- Dealers want to avoid storage costs
- Collector market pauses until autumn
- Many private sellers motivated after vacation expenses
Recommendation: S320/S500 with under 150,000 km and service history are the best long-term investments.
3. BMW E38 740i - Affordable V8 Luxury
Average price: EUR 16,915
The 7 Series E38 with V8 offers luxury at mid-range price:
| Model | September Price | December Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| 728i | EUR 12,500 | EUR 13,500 |
| 735i | EUR 15,800 | EUR 17,000 |
| 740i | EUR 17,500 | EUR 19,000 |
| 750i | EUR 22,000 | EUR 24,000 |
Act now: Secure the best V8 sedan before the winter comfort boom.
4. Audi B5 S4/A4 - Performance Bargain
Average price: EUR 6,234
The B5 offers AWD performance at low price:
- Biturbo power with tuning potential
- Quattro ideal for upcoming winter
- Collector interest just beginning
Especially affordable: A4 1.8T Quattro from EUR 4,200 - perfect daily sports car.
5. Mercedes W124 - The Eternal Classic
Average price: EUR 12,456
The W124 E-Class knows no season - but negotiating is easier now:
| Engine | September | Price Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 200E/220E | EUR 8,500 | Stable |
| 280E/300E | EUR 12,000 | Slightly rising |
| 500E | EUR 45,000 | Strongly rising |
| E320 Cabrio | EUR 28,000 | September -10% |
Negotiation Strategies for September
With Dealers
Argument 1: “New model year is here”
“Your inventory vehicle is now a year older - that justifies a discount.”
Argument 2: “Before autumn revival”
“In two weeks more interested buyers will come. I’m here now and ready to decide.”
Argument 3: “Package deal”
“Winter tires included and we have a deal.”
With Private Sellers
Season argument:
“For a convertible, the season is over. In spring I would have paid more, but now…”
Time on lot argument:
“The vehicle has been listed since July. Repairs happen even when sitting…”
September Special: Convertibles
Why Buy a Convertible Now?
| Advantage | Savings/Benefit |
|---|---|
| Seasonal low | 15-20% below spring |
| Low demand | Better negotiating position |
| Winter storage possible | Time for reconditioning |
| Spring sale | Potential value increase |
Top Convertible Deals September
| Model | September Price | Spring Value |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 330Ci Convertible | EUR 12,000 | EUR 14,500 |
| Mercedes W124 E320 Cabrio | EUR 28,000 | EUR 32,000 |
| BMW E38 Convertible (rare) | Negotiation basis | - |
AWD Strategy: Now or October?
AWD Model Price Comparison
| Model | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi B5 A4 Quattro | EUR 5,200 | EUR 5,600 | EUR 6,000 |
| Audi B5 S4 | EUR 6,234 | EUR 6,800 | EUR 7,200 |
| BMW E39 530xi | EUR 11,000 | EUR 11,800 | EUR 12,500 |
Recommendation: Buy AWD now - the winter premium starts in October.
Checklist: September Purchase
Before Buying
- Research market prices on CarPriceWeb
- Identify at least 5 comparable vehicles
- Determine time on lot
- Calculate budget including winter tires
During Inspection
- Check for summer operation wear (A/C, tires)
- Inspect cooling system (summer heat stresses it)
- Convertible: Inspect top condition carefully
- AWD: Test function on dry roads
After Purchase
- Get winter tires (still affordable now!)
- Frost preparation (coolant, washer fluid)
- For convertibles: Organize winter storage
September Financing Tip
Many dealers offer attractive financing at quarter end:
| Option | Advantage |
|---|---|
| 0% financing | On selected models |
| Down payment negotiable | Preserve liquidity |
| Balloon financing | Low payments |
Caution: Always compare total costs, not just monthly payment.
Conclusion: September - The Smart Buying Time
September combines the advantages of both worlds:
Left over from summer:
- Low convertible prices
- Motivated sellers
- Little competition among buyers
Before autumn:
- AWD not yet overpriced
- Last chance before winter price spike
- Time for winter preparation
The best deals are at:
- BMW E46 3 Series - All-rounder at low price
- Mercedes W140 - Luxury classic affordable
- BMW E38 7 Series - V8 elegance at bargain
- Audi B5 - AWD performance budget-friendly
Act now - the autumn revival comes faster than expected!
Price data from our current market analysis. As of: September 1, 2025