The next 3 months is the most popular time to buy a second hand car

Collectively we will spend around £27 billion on second hand cars over the next three months, according to Sainsburys Bank, with 5.3 million of us paying an average £5,104 each on a vehicle.

Collectively we will spend around £27 billion on second hand cars over the next three months, according to Sainsburys Bank, with 5.3 million of us paying an average £5,104 each on a vehicle. This is 11.4% more than the period October 2005 to March 2006 when 5.06 million people planned to collectively spend £24.28 billion on second hand cars or £4,799 each.

On a regional basis, the South East has the largest number of people, more than a million - around 13% of the total adult population in the area - planning to buy a second hand car followed by London.

Steven Baillie, Loans Manager, Sainsbury's Bank said, "It's important to be well informed before buying or selling any car. Having knowledge of the car's market value will help you get a good price and protect you from losing out on a deal. You should also be prepared to haggle when buying a car as it could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds."

What kind of car will buyers be looking for? According to insurer MORE TH>N, an increasing number are looking for a greener motor with one in six saying they would consider switching to a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicle registrations have already risen 74% between 2004 and 2005.

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