Christmas Buying: Premium Used Cars at Holiday Prices
christmas seasonal buying-tips december
The Holidays as a Buying Opportunity
The Christmas season is traditionally one of the best periods for used car buying. Our data confirms: premium vehicles are cheaper in December.
Why December is a Good Buying Month
1. Reduced Demand
During the pre-Christmas period, demand for used cars drops:
- Focus on gifts rather than major purchases
- Holiday season reduces viewings
- Dealers have less walk-in traffic
2. Dealer Year-End Closing
Dealers want to reduce their inventory before year-end:
- Meet balance sheet targets
- Minimize storage costs
- Make room for new stock
3. Our Data Analysis
| Model | December Average Price | vs. Annual Average |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E38 | €15,890 | -6% |
| Mercedes W140 | €13,456 | -5% |
| Audi C6 A6 | €9,876 | -4% |
Best Models for Christmas Buying
Sedans – Ideal Winter Vehicles
BMW E38 7 Series
- Comfort for long winter drives
- Strong heating, optional rear heated seats
- Current average prices: €16,915
Mercedes W140 S-Class
- Excellent insulation
- Double glazing standard
- Classic appeal for holidays
All-Wheel Drive Options
Audi Quattro Models
- B5 S4: AWD for winter conditions
- C5 allroad: Higher ground clearance
Negotiation Tips for December
- Use time pressure: Dealers want to close before Christmas
- Offer cash payment: Immediate liquidity is attractive
- Reference market data: Use our price analyses as arguments
“The average price according to CarPriceWeb is €X. Since we’re close to year-end, a price of €Y would be fair.”
What to Check When Buying in Winter
Check Vehicle Condition
- Cold start: Engine noises on first start
- Heating: Quick warm-up, all zones functional
- Battery: Voltage below 12.4V = due soon
- Rust: More visible in winter due to salt
Winter Tires
- Are winter tires included?
- Tread depth at least 4mm
- Age under 6 years (check DOT number)
Model Recommendations December 2025
Under €10,000:
- BMW E46 3 Series – solid all-rounder
- Audi B6 A4 – with Quattro for winter
€10,000-20,000:
- BMW E38 7 Series – luxury classic
- Audi C7 A6 – modern technology
As value investment:
- BMW E39 M5 – icon status
- Audi RS4 B5 – collector value rising
Conclusion
Use the holidays for your dream car. The combination of lower demand and dealer year-end targets makes December an ideal buying month.
Price data based on our December 2025 analysis. Current prices on model pages.