Silly question I know but I'm going to buy a car and wonder if it's  better to wait until the new year.

 

If I bought a car in January but the car was a few months old, would it be classed as a 2017 model or 2016?

 

Do they usually lower the prices in the new year?

the blue book (registration doc) will show when it was first registered and also what year the car was built. if it was built in 2016 then it is a 2016 model.

 

Usually prices don't lower in the new year, or any other part of the year, unless it is an unpopular model. Mostly they will add things for free like insurance and smaller accessories.

In the US the 2017 cars will be out mid 2016.

 

In most other countries in 2017.

 

But don't confuse the 1st registration date in the Blue Book and the date the car was actually built.

The 1st registration in the Blue Book can be years later, the car running on red license plates meanwhile.

Anyway to check the date the car was made? Is there a stamp  somewhere?

Chassis number will certify manufacturers production date.

So when selling a car do they quote the build date or the date the car was registered in the Blue book?

 

Isn't there a time limit for driving with red plates?

 

2 hours ago, Johnniey said:

So when selling a car do they quote the build date or the date the car was registered in the Blue book?

 

Isn't there a time limit for driving with red plates?

 

 

Some sellers will try quoting the first registered (or later).

Buyers usually go by the model year. 

There is a legal time limit for red plates but it is often ignored.