When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Car?

Thinking of selling your car? Timing can make all the difference.

Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply want to cash in on your current ride, knowing when to sell can help you get a better price, avoid long waiting periods, and close the deal faster. In the Philippines, car demand can fluctuate depending on the time of year, market trends, and even personal circumstances.

So, when exactly is the best time to sell your car? Let’s break it down.

1. Sell Before Your Car Loses Too Much Value

Let’s start with depreciation. Cars begin to lose value the moment they’re driven off the lot. In fact, vehicles lose 20% of their value in the first year alone, and depreciation continues every year after.

If your car is between 3 to 5 years old, that’s considered a sweet spot. It’s still relatively new, and many buyers prefer cars in this age range because:

They’re more affordable than brand-new cars
They’re less likely to have major mechanical issues
They usually still look modern and well-kept

Selling before your car reaches high mileage (e.g., 100,000 km and above) can also help maintain its value.

2. Consider Selling During “Car Buying Season”

In the Philippines, some times of the year naturally see more activity in the car market. Here are a few high-demand periods:

December to January

With Christmas bonuses and year-end cash incentives, many Filipinos consider making big purchases, including vehicles. It’s also when people prepare for long holiday road trips, family visits, or New Year upgrades.

Tip: Sell a few weeks before this period, when buyers start looking and listings are fewer.

Tax Season (March to April)

This is the time when people reassess their budgets and make lifestyle changes. Some will look to upgrade, while others downsize or let go of extra vehicles.

Tip: Make sure your registration and documents are updated—buyers will be more confident in transacting.

Back-to-School (June to July)

Families may purchase a second car for student transport, or working professionals may invest in a personal vehicle for convenience and safety, especially post-pandemic.

3. Sell When the Market Supply Is Low

Used car prices go up when demand is high but supply is limited. If you notice that there aren’t many cars similar to yours listed online—or if they're selling quickly—it might be the perfect time to list yours.

You can check marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Carousell to compare listings and gauge market activity.

4. Sell Before Your Registration or Maintenance Costs Are Due

If your car registration is about to expire or your next major maintenance is coming up, that’s another good reason to sell sooner rather than later.

Why? Because:

A freshly registered car looks more appealing to buyers
You avoid spending on repairs or registration for a car you're no longer keeping
It saves time and money for both you and the buyer

Just be transparent about the car’s current condition and provide complete documents to build trust.

5. Sell When You’re Not in a Rush

The best deals often go to sellers who aren’t in a hurry. If you can take your time to prepare your car, get it detailed, and wait for a good offer, you’re more likely to sell at your asking price—or close to it.

If you’re pressed for cash or need to sell quickly, you may have to accept a lower offer just to get it done. So plan ahead if you can!

Bonus Tip: Watch for Economic Trends

Used car prices also react to big-picture trends. For example:

When gas prices rise, buyers look for fuel-efficient cars (like compacts or hybrids).
When supply chain issues delay new car releases, demand for used cars spikes.
During tight lending periods, more people look for affordable used cars with financing options.

Keeping an eye on these trends can give you an advantage—and help you choose the best time to list your car.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best time to sell your car in the Philippines is when:

Your car is still in good condition and hasn’t depreciated too much
There’s strong demand (e.g., holidays, year-end, back-to-school)
You can avoid upcoming expenses like registration or major repairs
You’re not rushing and can negotiate confidently

Thinking of selling soon?

Start by checking your car’s current market value on popular listing platforms. Prepare your documents, take clear photos, and post your ad at the right time. With the right approach, you can sell faster—and at a price you’re happy with.

For more tips on how to make your listing stand out and attract serious buyers, check out this guide on best practices for selling your car online.