September’s number plate change has been and gone, but you’re still looking for your next car. Have you missed the moment, or could autumn be a good time to buy?

September’s Cazoo Market View gives buyers something encouraging - more choice!

Used-car stock reached its highest level of the year in September, with inventories increasing across independent dealers, franchised dealers and car supermarkets.

But more cars on forecourts doesn’t automatically mean lower prices, with the average advertised used-car price on Cazoo coming in at £17,484 in September, up 0.4% on August.

So autumn is worth a look - just don’t expect a bargain simply because you’ve flipped the page on your calendar.

More choice could help you find the right car

Dealers stocked an average of 59 cars in September, which is one more than in August and three more than in September last year, according to Cazoo Market View.

Car supermarkets averaged 21 cars, compared with 219 in August and 206 a year earlier. Stock also increased across the other retail sectors.

For buyers, that potentially means more opportunities to find the right combination of price, specification, mileage and condition.

That matters if you’ve been compromising on your shortlist in recent months. Perhaps the model you really want keeps appearing without a parking camera. Maybe everything within your budget has higher mileage than you’d like. Or you just struggling to find find the right automatic.

A bigger selection is a reason to revisit your search - not a reason to rush into buying.

What about cars traded in after the plate change?

The September plate change can bring part-exchanges into the used-car market as drivers collect their new cars. The weeks that follow are a sensible time to check what has recently arrived at local dealerships.

However, September’s stock figures don’t tell us how many cars came from those part-exchanges, or whether they’re cheaper than comparable stock.

Treat “just arrived” as an invitation to investigate, not proof of a good deal. Ask about the car’s history, what preparation it will receive and when it will be ready to view.

The right car is still the one that fits your needs and stands up to scrutiny.

Are used cars getting cheaper?

No, not across the board. Based on September’s figures, anyway.

Indeed, the average advertised price on Cazoo rose by 0.4% compared with August.

That points to a broadly stable market rather than a sudden wave of discounts.

It’s also important to understand what an average can - and can’t - tell you. It reflects the mix of cars advertised, not the price movement of every individual model. It isn’t necessarily the amount buyers eventually pay, either.

A particular car could still offer good value even when the overall average rises.

Equally, something advertised below the market average isn’t automatically a bargain.

The useful comparison is with similar cars: the same model, engine or battery, trim, age and broadly comparable mileage. Then look at the differences in condition, service history, warranty and equipment.

There are more used electric cars to consider

The number of used electric vehicles advertised on Cazoo increased by 17.6% compared with September last year.

If you’re considering an EV, that growing selection gives you a reason to take another look. It doesn’t prove that every used electric car has become cheaper, but it could give you more options to compare.

Start with how you’ll use it. Can you charge at home or somewhere convenient? What journeys do you regularly make? Does the car’s likely real-world range suit those journeys?

Then check the particular version you’re viewing. Cars with the same model name can have different battery sizes, charging capabilities and equipment.

Ask what battery-health information is available and check the remaining battery warranty, including its terms. Don’t choose purely on the advertised range or because the price looks tempting.

How to find a good deal this autumn

Start with a shortlist rather than a season. Decide what you need from the car, which features matter and how much you can spend.

Compare several similar examples. If one is noticeably cheaper, find out why. There may be an understandable reason, such as higher mileage or a lower specification, but you need to know what you’re trading off.

Look beyond the headline price, too. Check whether servicing is due, inspect the tyres and ask about the warranty and any work the dealer will complete before collection.

If you’re part-exchanging, compare the whole deal: what you’re paying for the next car and what you’re receiving for your current one. A generous-looking trade-in figure isn’t the full story.

Above all, view and test-drive the car where possible. More choice should help you be selective.

So, should you buy a used car in autumn?

Autumn can be a great time to look, particularly if your search has been held back by limited choice.

September’s Cazoo Market View shows more dealer stock, a growing selection of used EVs and broadly stable advertised prices. That gives buyers options, but it doesn’t guarantee seasonal discounts.

Buy because you’ve found the right car, checked its history and compared the price - rather than because of the time of year.