Daily Telegraph dispenses advice on right time for selling a car or to be a car buyer

Daily Telegraph writer Andrew English has given some timely advice for anyone who's currently selling a car or is in the position of a car buyer; when is the best time to sell or buy a car?

Investigating the old folk wisdom claim that "you should sell your sports car in the spring for the best price and a 4x4 in the autumn,'' English looks at how seasonal factors impact upon the process of buying or selling a car.

Speaking to a range of professionals in the auto trade industry and drawing upon statistical research, English looks at each season in turn.

In spring, he says that the registration-plate change in March can have a big impact on the new car market, as bargains can be hard to find. However, if you're looking to sell a car suited for the rising temperatures of spring, then you're in look. "Convertibles experience dramatic seasonality, with premium brands seeming to rise first" says Adrian Rushmore, managing editor at Glass's Guide.

For summer, it appears that new car sales improve throughout June and July but tend to drop off dramatically in August. It can be a bad period for selling a 4x4 but conversely, used car buyers could find big utility vehicles at a competitive price due to the seasonal changes. Still, when it comes to summer, the favourites are the luxury end of the market - the supercars and the classic motors.

In autumn, it appears that the market for retail plays second fiddle to the fleet market - when companies all round the country fill the stock for the used car buyer market with part exchange programmes. Car buyers should be on the look out for good ex-fleet vehicles - and in the coming years, for those bought during the scrappage scheme. Warmer cars become more popular from a sales point of view, particularly those with high fuel efficiencies.

Winter though appears to the busiest period of the year. Many people will have grown bored with their new purchase by this point - the ones made just after the registration-plate changes. Wholesale markets become incredibly active and the Telegraph's tip is to look at pre-registered stock that dealers don't want to take into the new year. Now is when the Land Rovers, the Jeeps and the other 4x4 utility vehicles become a hot item as well - the best time to sell one.

Michael Morgan, Swadlincote, Mini Cooper

Paul Mason, Milton Keynes, Volvo C30