Should I buy now or wait for the July registration period?

Readers have asked if it’s too late to buy a new car now as the second registration period isn’t far off – starting July 1 – and they feel they will get a “newer” new car for the remainder of this year if they wait.

There are, as ever, pros and cons.

If there is a deal that you feel suits you on the diesel or petrol front I’d buy now instead of waiting, because there is keen competition for market share at this stage and good demand for fresh trade-ins.

You also get more time in a 2024 car; it will probably be less costly than a July purchase as prices tend to drift upwards because of additional equipment added at that juncture.

The only caveat is that prices of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may dip a bit more by then – or firm up, we just don’t know – depending on brand and how sales are going for particular marques.

Making the choice is a balancing act.

But there seems to be some good deals at the moment.

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.