Does Buying a Car at the End of the Year Count as One Year After the New Year?

[LaMaya]

Car age is calculated based on the date when the new car is registered. Differences between registering at the end of the year and the beginning of the year: Registering at the end of the year versus the beginning of the year can result in a one-year difference in the car's age. The older the car, the lower its value. The depreciation rates for the first five years of a new car are 15%, 12%, 10%, 8%, and 7%, respectively. Advantages and disadvantages of buying a car at the end of the year: Dealers, aiming to meet the annual sales targets set by manufacturers—which come with substantial rebates upon achievement—often lower prices to attract customers. If registering at the beginning of the year, a temporary license plate must be obtained, requiring an additional step in the process.