Same car. Smaller price.
This is the simple reality of plate clearance time. The model has not changed much, but the build plate has.
As new 2026 stock arrives, dealers drop prices on 2025-plated vehicles to clear space. For buyers, it creates one of the best value windows of the year.
Why Plated Cars Get Cheaper After New Year
The moment a new calendar year begins, something interesting happens in the car market.
The car has barely changed. Same model. Same features. Same warranty.
But the build plate says 2025, and psychologically it now feels older.
That simple perception shift drives real discounts.
Dealerships know that 2026-plated stock is arriving. They need space. They also need sales targets met. The result is bigger incentives on remaining plated vehicles.
This is where buyers who time it right win.
The Problem Many Drivers Face
Most people know plate clearance sales exist.
The challenge is different. It sounds like a good opportunity, but questions quickly pop up:
- Is the deal actually worth it?
- Will the car be outdated quickly?
- How do the savings stack up against running costs?
- Is now the right time or should I wait longer?
So the opportunity is there. The confidence sometimes is not.
That is where the right way to structure your purchases matters just as much as the sale price itself.
Why Plate Clearance Plus Novated Leasing Works So Well
Discounted drive-away pricing is only one part of the picture.
The real benefit comes when you pair that reduced price with novated leasing. Instead of only relying on the dealership discount, you also reduce the way you pay for fuel, maintenance, tyres, registration and insurance.
Suddenly the value is coming from two directions:
1. Lower purchase price through plate clearance.
2. Ongoing savings through the way the car is funded and run.
That combination is what turns a good deal into a great one.
2025 Plate vs 2026 Plate. Does it really matter?
For many drivers, not really.
A 2025-plated car can still be registered for the first time in 2026. In terms of warranty, features and day-to-day use, there is usually no meaningful difference. For most models, the change from one year to the next is cosmetic or minor.
What noticeably changes is the price you pay.
If your priority is value for money, plate clearance stock makes a lot of sense. You are effectively getting near-new model features without paying the psychological premium of a brand-new plate year.
The Sweet Spot for Value is Right Now.
January and February are when dealerships become very motivated.
Storage costs increase. New shipments arrive. Sales teams want clean floors and closed deals. This is why you will often see:
- extra factory bonuses
- dealer-added incentives
- more flexibility on stock in the yard
- quicker delivery timeframes
So instead of waiting for mid-year sales, the beginning of the year can actually deliver stronger outcomes with less waiting.
Who Benefits From Plate Clearance Deals
Plate clearance stock is especially attractive if you:
- Were already planning to upgrade within 6 to 12 months
- Want faster delivery rather than long factory wait times
- Are focused on total cost of ownership rather than just the sticker price
- Are open to choosing from in-stock colours and trims
If you are thinking about upgrading this year, it makes sense to look sooner rather than later. Plate clearance vehicles move fast. As stock disappears, prices rise and choice narrows. Acting while 2025-plated cars are still available can mean better pricing, quicker delivery and lower overall costs. To see what this could look like for you, request a quote and compare your savings.