Autumn Buying Guide: Best Season for Sedans
Why Autumn is the Best Time to Buy
The used car market follows clear seasonal patterns. For buyers of premium sedans, autumn offers particular advantages. In this guide, we explain why October and November are the ideal months for purchasing.
Seasonal Price Patterns
Price Trends Throughout the Year
| Month | Price Level | Demand | Buying Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Medium | Low | Good |
| February | Medium | Rising | Acceptable |
| March | High | High | Avoid |
| April | High | Very high | Avoid |
| May | High | High | Avoid |
| June | Medium-High | Medium | Acceptable |
| July | Medium | Low | Good |
| August | Medium | Low | Good |
| September | Medium | Rising | Acceptable |
| October | Low | Low | Very good |
| November | Very low | Very low | Optimal |
| December | Low | Very low | Good* |
*December: Good for prices, but limited selection
Average Savings in Autumn
| Vehicle Type | Savings vs. Spring |
|---|---|
| Large Sedans | 8-12% |
| Mid-size Sedans | 5-8% |
| Sports Cars/Convertibles | 15-25% |
| SUVs | 3-5% |
Why Autumn Works
1. Seller Psychology
Private Sellers:
- Want to sell before winter
- No desire for viewings in bad weather
- Year-end motivation
- Need garage space for winter vehicle
Dealers:
- Year-end closing approaching
- Storage costs for overwintering
- Sales targets must be met
- Making room for new model years
2. Demand Dynamics
Demand drops in autumn for several reasons:
- Holiday season over, fewer impulse purchases
- Focus on Christmas expenses
- Winter tire/winter car priority
- Less enthusiasm for car viewings
3. Supply Situation
Supply remains stable or slightly increases:
- Lease returns from spring
- Dealer trade-ins
- Company vehicle disposals
- Private sellers under time pressure
Optimal Buying Strategy in Autumn
Phase 1: Preparation (September)
Research:
- Identify target models
- Study price history
- Research weak points
- Set budget (including ancillary costs)
Our model pages help:
- BMW E38 – Average: EUR 16,915
- BMW E39 – Average: EUR 8,147
- Mercedes W140 – Average: EUR 14,234
- Audi C6 A6 – Average: EUR 10,292
Phase 2: Market Observation (October)
Get Active:
- Set up search alerts
- Monitor price developments daily
- Plan initial viewings
- Arrange financing
Negotiation Preparation:
- Document comparison prices
- Prepare defect list
- Set price target
- Define maximum bid
Phase 3: Buy (November)
Perfect Timing:
- Mid-November optimal
- Before the first snow
- View on weekdays (less competition)
- End of month for dealer purchases
Negotiate:
- Request winter tires included
- Demand service before winter
- Negotiate MOT extension
- Discuss warranty/guarantee
Special Autumn Advantages by Vehicle Type
Large Sedans (E38, W140)
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Price benefit | 10-15% below spring |
| Reason | High consumption, winter fear |
| Strategy | Target V8/V12 specifically |
| Negotiation | Winter tires included |
Recommendation: The BMW E38 with V8 is particularly affordable in autumn. Many owners fear the winter costs.
Mid-Size (E39, W210, C6)
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Price benefit | 5-10% below spring |
| Reason | General seasonality |
| Strategy | Well-equipped examples |
| Negotiation | Complete service |
Recommendation: The BMW E39 Touring is ideal in autumn – practical and dropping in price.
Sports Cars and Convertibles
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Price benefit | 15-25% below spring |
| Reason | Out of season |
| Strategy | Prepare for spring |
| Negotiation | Aggressive possible |
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a sports car, now is the time. Prices won’t recover until March.
Checklist for Autumn Buying
Before Purchase
- Model research completed
- Typical weak points known
- Budget including ancillary costs calculated
- Financing/cash payment arranged
- Insurance compared in advance
During Viewing
- Daylight viewing (important in autumn!)
- Test drive in various conditions
- Check cold start (engine noises)
- Test heating/air conditioning
- Watch for moisture/condensation
Negotiation
- Winter tires included?
- Service before handover?
- MOT status/extension?
- Warranty on dealer purchase?
- Written agreements?
After Purchase
- Immediate winter preparation
- Check antifreeze
- Have battery tested
- Mount winter tires
- Check underbody protection
Price Negotiation in Autumn
Negotiation Arguments
Seasonal Arguments:
- “Winter preparation costs extra”
- “Can only be properly used in spring”
- “Storage over winter is risky”
Market-Based Arguments:
- Show comparison offers
- Mention vehicle’s days on market
- Use seasonal statistics
Realistic Discounts
| Starting Price | Realistic Discount |
|---|---|
| Under EUR 5,000 | EUR 300-500 |
| EUR 5,000-10,000 | EUR 500-1,000 |
| EUR 10,000-20,000 | EUR 800-1,500 |
| Over EUR 20,000 | EUR 1,500-3,000 |
Risks and How to Avoid Them
Autumn-Specific Risks
1. Poor Visibility Conditions
- Only view in daylight
- No twilight viewings
- Bring flashlight for details
2. Hidden Winter Damage
- Check underbody carefully
- Watch for salt damage
- Inspect wheel arches
3. Time Pressure
- Don’t rush before first frost
- Better to wait than make wrong purchase
- Keep alternative models in mind
Conclusion
Autumn is the best time to buy a premium sedan. The combination of lower demand, motivated sellers, and stable supply creates ideal conditions for buyers.
Our Top Recommendations for Autumn 2025:
- BMW E38 740i – V8 luxury at lowest price
- Mercedes W210 E280 – Reliable and affordable
- Audi C6 A6 3.0 TDI – Long-distance comfort
- BMW E39 530i Touring – The versatile classic
Use the coming weeks for your search – and go into negotiations well prepared.
Price data from our current market analysis. As of: October 20, 2025