When is the best time to buy a car?

New plate registrations are in March and September every year, so expect plenty of activity around those months as car buyers look to sell their old cars and dealerships unveil their new stock. But really, there’s no wrong time to buy a car. Great deals are listed daily, and you could find the car of your dreams at any moment – just save a search on AutoTrader and we’ll alert you as soon as your dream car is listed on our site.

Should I buy an electric car?

The electric car market is starting to boom. There’s more choice than ever before, better tech, improved batteries and charging times, and a healthier electric car charging infrastructure. With more used electric cars entering the market, EVs are becoming more affordable to more buyers too. Electric cars might not be right for everyone right now, but with everything from electric city cars to electric SUVs now being released, it’s well worth taking a look before you buy your next car. Electric cars produce fewer emissions and also tend to be cheap to run – charging an electric car from home costs much less than a tank of petrol, and then there are the savings you’ll make on road tax and servicing. AutoTrader have more electric cars listed than any other site, so if you think you’re ready to make the switch or want to learn more, head to our electric car hub .

Should I buy a new car?

We all dream of that brand-new car on the driveway and, with some great finance deals and lease deals available on leading make models, that dream could be in reach. Getting behind the wheel of a brand-new car can get you the latest tech, a full manufacturer warranty and better fuel efficiency, amongst many other perks. New cars might not be affordable for everyone (always budget properly and make sure you can afford a car before you commit), but they’re more accessible than you might think. Shop brand-new releases and compare monthly or outright costs on AutoTrader .

Can I buy a car online?

Buying online is booming, and you can now get a brand-new car delivered to your door in all its glory. Just look for participating dealerships on AutoTrader, find your dream car and arrange your delivery date when you’re ready. We’re working to keep you safe and secure when shopping online and, with AutoTrader, you can do more online – from finding that dream car to financing it. Learn more about buying a car online .

Are used cars reliable?

The UK’s used car market is massive, and so it’s worth doing your research before you buy. We’d encourage used car buyers to get a vehicle history check so they can be sure the car they’re buying is as advertised. It’s the easiest way to avoid a nasty surprise. Check our expert review to see how cars scored for reliability, safety and comfort (amongst other key areas), and take the car for a test drive to make sure it’s right for you. Used cars listed on AutoTrader have to pass a five-point check, so you can shop in confidence knowing they aren’t written off, stolen, scrapped, imported or exported. Learn more about used cars on AutoTrader .

How can I sell my car?

If you choose to sell your car through Auto Trader, you have a couple of easy options: 1. Part-exchange your car. Just find a participating dealer and trade your old car in against a brand-new one. 2. Create an advert and sell it yourself . You can list your pride and joy on AutoTrader in three simple steps. Private sales are a great way to get a good price, and the size of our audience means you’ll get your car in front of more buyers than on any other site. Learn more about selling your car .

Can I win a car for free?

Yes! Enter our monthly electric car giveaway for your chance to win a brand-new electric car. No strings, no entry fees - just a free electric car up for grabs every month.

Cars for sale

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Finance examples for HP, CS and PCP will be returned if available, based on the above parameters. Finance subject to status.

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Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech Allure Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£150

Per month (inc. VAT)

£1,796 initial payment

24 month contract

6,000 miles p/a

May 2025 delivery

Skoda Kamiq

1.0 TSI Monte Carlo Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£215

Per month (inc. VAT)

£2,573 initial payment

24 month contract

6,000 miles p/a

May 2025 delivery

Volkswagen ID.7

Pro 77kWh Match Fastback Auto 5dr

From

£283

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,396 initial payment

24 month contract

6,000 miles p/a

May 2025 delivery

Vauxhall Grandland Electric

73kWh GS Auto 5dr

From

£264

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,159 initial payment

24 month contract

6,000 miles p/a

May 2025 delivery

View more deals

Reserve with Auto Trader

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Once you’ve found your car, build your deal to reserve online.

Build your deal, step-by-step

Add part exchange, finance and choose delivery or collection. We’ll guide you through it all! Then complete the sale with the seller.

Peace of mind with a free vehicle history check

Order with confidence with our free vehicle history check to avoid costly surprises if you decide to buy.

Save time and do more online

Get ahead by sorting some of the details online. Or if you’d like more support, you can talk it through with the dealer later.

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Buying essentials

Check a car's history

Have complete peace of mind before you buy your next car.

Security advice

Advice on how to buy and sell vehicles safely.

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Discover how much you can borrow and find the right package for you.

What's it worth

Get a free valuation. Sell or part-exchange your car at the right price.

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Find all the best deals on brand new electric cars right here. Save money and the environment. It’s a win-win.

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Audi Q5 (2025 - ) review

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Your questions answered

New plate registrations are in March and September every year, so expect plenty of activity around those months as car buyers look to sell their old cars and dealerships unveil their new stock. But really, there’s no wrong time to buy a car. Great deals are listed daily, and you could find the car of your dreams at any moment – just save a search on AutoTrader and we’ll alert you as soon as your dream car is listed on our site.
The electric car market is starting to boom. There’s more choice than ever before, better tech, improved batteries and charging times, and a healthier electric car charging infrastructure. With more used electric cars entering the market, EVs are becoming more affordable to more buyers too. Electric cars might not be right for everyone right now, but with everything from electric city cars to electric SUVs now being released, it’s well worth taking a look before you buy your next car. Electric cars produce fewer emissions and also tend to be cheap to run – charging an electric car from home costs much less than a tank of petrol, and then there are the savings you’ll make on road tax and servicing. AutoTrader have more electric cars listed than any other site, so if you think you’re ready to make the switch or want to learn more, head to our electric car hub.
We all dream of that brand-new car on the driveway and, with some great finance deals and lease deals available on leading make models, that dream could be in reach. Getting behind the wheel of a brand-new car can get you the latest tech, a full manufacturer warranty and better fuel efficiency, amongst many other perks. New cars might not be affordable for everyone (always budget properly and make sure you can afford a car before you commit), but they’re more accessible than you might think. Shop brand-new releases and compare monthly or outright costs on AutoTrader.
Buying online is booming, and you can now get a brand-new car delivered to your door in all its glory. Just look for participating dealerships on AutoTrader, find your dream car and arrange your delivery date when you’re ready. We’re working to keep you safe and secure when shopping online and, with AutoTrader, you can do more online – from finding that dream car to financing it. Learn more about buying a car online.
The UK’s used car market is massive, and so it’s worth doing your research before you buy. We’d encourage used car buyers to get a vehicle history check so they can be sure the car they’re buying is as advertised. It’s the easiest way to avoid a nasty surprise. Check our expert review to see how cars scored for reliability, safety and comfort (amongst other key areas), and take the car for a test drive to make sure it’s right for you. Used cars listed on AutoTrader have to pass a five-point check, so you can shop in confidence knowing they aren’t written off, stolen, scrapped, imported or exported. Learn more about used cars on AutoTrader.
If you choose to sell your car through Auto Trader, you have a couple of easy options: 1. Part-exchange your car. Just find a participating dealer and trade your old car in against a brand-new one. 2. Create an advert and sell it yourself. You can list your pride and joy on AutoTrader in three simple steps. Private sales are a great way to get a good price, and the size of our audience means you’ll get your car in front of more buyers than on any other site. Learn more about selling your car.

Cars for sale

Lease a brand new car

Peugeot 208

Skoda Kamiq

Volkswagen ID.7

Vauxhall Grandland Electric

Peugeot E-3008

CUPRA Born

Volkswagen T-Roc

Nissan X-Trail

CUPRA Born

Hyundai TUCSON

CUPRA Formentor

Skoda Karoq

Skoda Octavia

Volkswagen ID.5

Peugeot 5008

Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen Tiguan

Polestar Polestar 4

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Tesla Model 3

Reserve with Auto Trader

Reserve online with AutoTrader

Build your deal, step-by-step

Peace of mind with a free vehicle history check

Save time and do more online

Browse by brand

Audi

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

Volvo

WIN an MG4 worth £26,985!

Show on the Road. The podcast which takes you along for the ride.

Check a car's history

Security advice

Car finance & loans

What's it worth

Ready to go electric?

Audi Q5 (2025 - ) review

addWhen is the best time to buy a car?

addShould I buy an electric car?

addShould I buy a new car?

addCan I buy a car online?

addAre used cars reliable?

addHow can I sell my car?

addCan I win a car for free?