What Is the Best Time to Sell a Used Car in Saudi Arabia?
The right timing to sell your used car can be one of the key paradoxes to get better selling prices. In the Saudi car market, the price is influenced by several factors such as the season, occasions, market conditions, and even changes in fuel prices. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading to a newer model or just want to sell your used car at the best possible price, knowing when to sell is just as important as how to sell. In this article, we detail the best times to sell a used car, the factors that enhance its value, and golden tips to avoid losses and maximize profit from the sale.
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Best Time to Sell Your Used Car in Saudi Arabia
The best times to sell your used car in Saudi Arabia are as follows:
Spring and Summer
Spring and summer are considered the best times to sell your used car in Saudi Arabia, as buying activity increases during this period due to mild weather and high demand for cars, allowing car owners to obtain better prices. The warm seasons encourage people to buy new and used cars in preparation for travel and trips.
Beginning of the Gregorian or Hijri Year
The beginning of the Gregorian or Hijri year is characterized by increased economic and commercial activity. People tend to refresh and welcome the year with a new spirit, creating significant opportunities to sell cars at good prices due to promotions and increased interest during these periods.
National Holidays and Seasons
During national holidays and festivals, demand for cars in Saudi Arabia increases, as these periods are characterized by renewal and celebration. National holidays are an ideal opportunity to conduct promotional offers and profitable deals for both sellers and buyers.
Before Ramadan
The Saudi market experiences a rise in demand for cars before the holy month of Ramadan, as many buy new or used cars in preparation for heavy use or travel during the holy month and the holiday, increasing market liquidity and providing sellers greater opportunities to obtain better prices.
End of the Academic Year
The end of the academic year sees an increase in demand for cars from parents and university students who wish to acquire new cars for commuting or celebrations. This shift creates an opportunity to boost the sales of used cars in the market.
Best Days of the Week to Sell
If you are thinking of selling your used car, choosing the right day of the week can make a big difference in the speed of sale and the offer price. In the Saudi market, the end of the week, specifically Friday and Saturday, are the best days to showcase your car for sale. The reason is simple: many people are off during the weekend, giving them ample time to browse ads, visit dealerships, or communicate with sellers.
During these two days, buying and selling platforms and social media witness high activity in car search, increasing the chances of your ad being seen and reaching more interested parties. Some buyers even dedicate the weekend to inspecting listed cars and making purchase decisions, especially with the availability of time and comfort.
Therefore, if you wish to achieve a faster sale at a good price, make sure to post your ad or arrange inspection meetings during the weekend and take advantage of the momentum in market activity during this period.
Best Months to Sell
Choosing the right month is one of the most important factors that can help you sell your used car at a higher price and in less time. According to market movements in Saudi Arabia, spring and summer are by far the best in terms of demand and prices. This is because many people tend to buy cars during this period in preparation for travel or renewing their vehicles as vacations and seasons approach.
Specifically, the value of used cars rises from March to August, as the market witnesses increased activity, whether from families looking for suitable cars for vacations or from parents wanting to buy cars for their children at the end of the academic year or the beginning of university studies.
If you are looking for the ideal timing to achieve a high selling price and active supply and demand, spring and summer months are your best opportunity.
Best Timing Based on Car and Market Condition
Near Warranty Expiry
It is preferable to sell the car before the warranty period expires, as it is more attractive to buyers who prefer cars that are still under warranty, saving them potential repair costs.
Near Major Service Due
Avoid selling the car close to a major service due, as this may be seen as a potential burden on the buyer. It is better to complete the service or sell after it has been performed to ensure better market value for the car.
Release of New Models
It is typically preferable to sell the car before new models are released to the market, as this can reduce demand for older models and lower their prices.
Decrease in Demand or Economic Recession
A decrease in demand or a recession in the market is not an ideal time to sell the car. After holiday periods or during the month of Ramadan, the market may experience relative stagnation, negatively affecting used car prices.
The Right Time to Sell a Car When Fuel Prices Rise or Fall
The impact of fluctuating fuel prices on the used car market in Saudi Arabia is not as significant as in global markets, but it does create a shift in buyer preferences. When fuel prices rise, the market’s interest in fuel-efficient cars increases, providing this category of cars an opportunity to achieve a relatively higher selling price. If you own a fuel-efficient or hybrid car, the ideal time to sell it is during periods of rising fuel prices.
If your car falls into categories that consume fuel in large quantities, such as SUVs or large engines, selling it during high fuel prices may lead to a decrease in demand and lower value due to increased operational costs for the buyer. Therefore, it is advised to sell this type of car during periods of declining fuel prices when buyers are less concerned about the cost of gas.
When to Avoid Selling Your Car?
Although the right timing can give you the best return when selling your used car, there are times it is better to postpone the selling decision. Selling at the wrong time may expose you to financial loss, difficulty finding a buyer, or a deal that is either illegal or unsatisfactory. Below are the main situations in which it is advisable to refrain from selling your used car:
When There Are Apparent Mechanical or Technical Issues
If your car is making strange noises, experiencing engine vibrations, oil leaks, or emitting abnormal smoke from the exhaust, these are technical signs that would concern any buyer. Selling the car in this condition will lead to a significant drop in price or may cause it to be rejected altogether. It is best to repair these defects before offering it.
When the Car Needs Major Repair or Expensive Maintenance
Major maintenance, such as transmission replacement or repairs for the AC system or brakes, is costly and will make buyers hesitant due to fears of additional expenses. In this case, it is preferable to either complete the maintenance before selling to improve value or postpone the sale until the car’s condition stabilizes.
During Market Slumps or When New Models Are Released
When demand decreases in the market, such as during economic recessions or before the release of new models of the same type of your car, supply increases and prices drop. Selling during these times forces you to accept a price much lower than the fair value of your car. It is better to wait until the market stabilizes and demand returns to its normal level.
When the Car Is Near Its End of Life or Has High Mileage
If the car has exceeded a high number of kilometers without proper maintenance or is very old compared to the market, demand for it will be weak. This situation complicates the selling process unless it is offered at a very low price, making it preferable to consider updating or maintaining the vehicle before attempting to sell.
If the Car Is About to Be Due for Major Maintenance After Warranty
Typically, between 30,000 to 40,000 miles (or the equivalent of 48,000 to 64,000 kilometers), the warranty period ends and a phase of costly maintenance begins. If you are within this range, the best option would be to sell the car before it requires maintenance to avoid significant expenses or sudden drops in value when it is being offered while needing repairs.
The Impact of Religious and National Occasions on Used Car Sales
Religious and national occasions in Saudi Arabia are among the most active periods in the used car market, where buying and selling activity noticeably increases. This is due to several cultural factors that are connected to buying during these times, which are usually seasons of renewal, change, and celebration.
Firstly, demand for cars rises during major occasions like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Saudi National Day. Many individuals tend to renew their possessions and purchase new or used cars as gifts or in preparation for family trips during the holidays, contributing to enhancing market activity.
Secondly, promotional offers and marketing campaigns launched by dealerships and car sales websites during these occasions play a significant role in stimulating purchases. These offers often include price discounts, payment facilitation, or additional free services, making the buying decision more attractive to consumers.
Thirdly, purchasing power tends to be higher during these periods, thanks to bonuses and incentives granted to employees at the end of the year or during holidays. This temporary increase in income encourages many individuals to invest in buying a used car, especially those that fit their family or professional needs.
Therefore, strategically exploiting these occasions can make a significant difference in the success of the selling process. By planning attractive offers and preparing the car well for display, sellers can achieve better prices and increase selling opportunities during these high buying momentum seasons.
The Impact of New Car Model Releases on the Used Market
When new car models are introduced to the market, it has a direct and noticeable impact on the used car market. The primary reason is that the release of new models encourages many current car owners to replace their vehicles, resulting in a significant increase in the supply of used cars. This sudden influx creates competitive pressure on sellers and leads to a noticeable drop in prices.
On the other hand, buyer behavior changes during this period; many tend to wait for the latest models which come with advanced features and technologies, or they prefer to buy semi-new cars instead of older models. This shift in demand towards newer options weakens interest in used cars, negatively affecting their market value and making them harder to sell at a higher price.
Additionally, this shift in supply and demand leads to market fluctuations. After new models are released, prices experience unstable fluctuations for a while. Older cars become less attractive, even if they are in good condition, due to the ongoing comparison with the advantages of modern vehicles, which offer improvements in performance, safety, and efficiency.
Tips for Selling at the Right Time
Choosing the right time to sell your used car is an important step, but it’s not enough on its own to ensure a successful and profitable deal. The good timing should be coupled with the correct preparation of the car and presenting it in the best possible condition. Through a set of practical tips, you can enhance your chances of selling quickly at the best possible price without making mistakes that might negatively affect its market value.
Inspect and Maintain the Car
Before listing your car for sale, ensure that you conduct a thorough inspection at a trusted center. Make sure to fix any issues, change the engine oil, check the tires and brakes, clean the battery from salts, and present a recent maintenance record that provides a positive impression and increases the potential buyer’s confidence.
Clean and Visually Prepare the Car
Cleaning the car plays a significant role in influencing the buying decision. Clean the car inside and out, eliminate any bad odors, polish the glass and lights, and pay attention to the details of the seats and upholstery. A clean car appears well cared for, giving the impression that the owner has always taken good care of it.
Sell Before Warranty Expires
If your car is still under warranty, this gives you a competitive edge. Buyers tend to feel more comfortable purchasing, knowing they can return to the dealership if any issues arise. Therefore, it is preferable to sell before the warranty period ends to achieve a higher price.
Avoid Selling When in Dire Need
Do not sell your car under financial pressure or in urgent need of money. In such cases, you may accept low offers just to finalize the sale, showcasing your urgency to the buyer. Instead, take your time and show confidence and calmness during negotiations.
Seize the Opportunity of Owning Your Dream Car
If you find a car you have been dreaming of, it might be the right time to sell your current one and use its price as a down payment for the new vehicle. This gives you a strong incentive to finalize the deal and may help you make the decision to sell without hesitation.
Monitor the Market and Compare Prices
Before pricing your vehicle, keep an eye on the market and review ads for similar cars of the same type, model, and condition. Accurate comparisons can help you set a reasonable and competitive price, increasing the chances of selling.
Set a Minimum Price
Keep in mind there will be negotiations; therefore, pre-determine the lowest price you can accept, so you don’t fall victim to pressure or unfair bargains. Stand firm on your minimum price confidently and don’t rush to sell if the right price isn’t offered.
Sell Without Intermediaries
Selling the car yourself gives you better control over the price and negotiations. Use digital platforms like Dubizzle or Sayara’s website, and avoid dealers who may impose fees or take a large percentage of the deal.
Honestly Present the Car’s Specifications
Honesty in presenting the car’s specifications increases buyer trust and reduces the chances of withdrawal or doubt. Do not try to hide flaws; instead, be candid in explaining both the advantages and disadvantages, and provide a report of inspection if possible, as this enhances your credibility and makes negotiations more professional.
Choose the Right Timing to Sell
Select a smart timing, such as selling during periods of high demand for used cars, like the end of the year or during the scarcity of new cars. Timing alone can make a difference of 10–20% in selling value.
A Buyer for Your Used Car Anytime
You don’t have to wait for the ideal season to sell your car. Sayara is one of the best places to sell your car, providing you with the service to buy used cars at any time of the year quickly and securely. Whether you want to sell during summer or at the year’s end, you can simply input your car’s details on the platform and get a fair assessment and competitive price without worrying about market fluctuations or searching for a buyer. With Sayara’s website and application, you sell your car easily, confidently, and at a time that suits you.
Sell us your used car at the best price
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there certain seasons when used car prices are better?
Yes, especially in spring and summer when demand is high and used car prices are better.
Is it better to sell a car before or after the warranty expires?
It is better to sell a car before the warranty expires as this increases its value in the eyes of potential buyers who are looking for protection against maintenance costs.
How can the car’s lifespan affect its selling timing?
Cars in good condition generally sell more easily, and the lower the mileage, the higher the chances of selling at an appropriate price. It is preferable to dispose of the car when within the safe mileage figure.
Is there a difference in price when selling a car in summer or winter?
Yes, cars often sell for better prices in summer compared to winter due to increased demand during this period.
Does the release of new models affect the value of older cars?
Yes, it has a direct impact as buyers tend to prefer newer models, which may lead to a decrease in the value of older cars.
Do used car prices vary by city in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, prices may vary depending on the city, such as Jeddah and Riyadh, due to slight differences in demand and economic opportunities in each region.
Is it better to sell before major maintenance?
No, it is preferable to perform major maintenance before selling to ensure the car is presented in good condition and get the best price.
Does mileage affect the purchasing decision?
Yes, mileage plays an important role in influencing the purchasing decision as it is one of the indicators of the car’s usage and overall condition. The lower the mileage, the more attractive the used car is and the higher its value.
Does the timing of sale affect the price of a used car?
Yes, choosing the right timing enhances your chances of getting a higher price, especially during peak demand periods such as spring and summer.
What are the signs of decreased demand for your car in the market?
Signs of decreased demand include the model’s age, upcoming releases of new models, fewer offers on similar cars, and decreased inquiries from buyers.
In conclusion, the timing of selling your used car is not merely a coincidence; it is a strategic decision that can significantly elevate its market value. By understanding the seasonal factors, taking advantage of warranties, and avoiding times of stagnation or technical issues, you can ensure a successful deal that meets your financial expectations. Also, remember that good preparation, cleanliness, transparency, and awareness of market movements all play a role in expediting the selling process and increasing the offered price. If you don’t have time to wait, platforms like Sayara offer you the option of safe and quick sales any time of the year without the hassle of finding the right buyer.
