Timing is everything they say and for new car buyers - and dealers - the end of the Financial Year is traditionally a peak time.

This is especially relevant for business buyers in 2009 who are eligible for tax deductions of up to 50 per cent of the purchase price on new cars bought by the end of June.

However private buyers don't miss out on the bargains in the run-down to 30 June. At this time of the year, advertisements on TV, radio and in print promote special savings as dealers and manufacturers/importers are keen to move as much stock off their balance sheets by the end of the Financial Year.

That means big savings, lots of value-added offers and dealers who are willing to negotiate in order to close deals quickly.

Manufacturer deals

Toyota is advertising "Pencil-Sharpening" deals, but just about every brand has something happening right now - you just have to look and ask.

For example, Mazda has its "50th End Of Financial year sale" with free 3-year roadside assistance, free registration and free CTP plus an extra year of factory warranty. Honda has a "Brilliant Clearance" event with free registration, free CTP, free dealer delivery, a five year warranty with roadside assistance and discounted car insurance from its insurance arm Honda Insurance.

The prestige German brands are also in the picture with BMW offering a special "Finish The Financial Year In Style" program and Volkswagen is offering free registration, free stamp duty, free dealer delivery plus three years free scheduled servicing on all vehicles sold before the end of June.

Luxury cars are not immune to some end of the Financial Year deals. Most are purchased by businesses - either for executive use or by limousine operators - so the tax breaks are relevant.

But with 30 June approaching, dealers with these expensive prestige vehicles in their showrooms will be especially keen to do a deal. Just about everyone is feeling the pinch, so if you shop around you may find some of these vehicles in stock for immediate sale - either orders that have been cancelled or color combinations that have not proved popular.

Dealers

At this time of the year, don't think the bargains are limited to just buying your new car. Now is a great time to secure some extra 'value-added' items from dealers.

Perhaps some free or discounted accessories? Or discounted insurance rates? Just ask and you'll be surprised how amenable dealership sales staff are at this time of the year.

Automotive industry consultant Keith Timmins - a 30 year veteran of the rough and tumble of Sydney new and used car dealerships - says that now more than ever, dealers will be most co-operative in order to close a deal.

"Everyone at the dealership is under pressure to move stock by 30 June, so if that means the F&I Manager (Finance and Insurance) can help by getting the customer a good deal on car insurance, they'll be up for it," Mr Timmins revealed. "And if the salesperson is forced to bump-up a trade-in valuation and throw-in some free floormats, window tinting, headlight protectors or mud-flaps - just to close the deal and ensure the prospect doesn't walk - now is the time they'll do it," he added.

Still not convinced?

Look closely at the ads and you will find some dealerships still holding cars with 2008 build dates. These could provide substantial bargains if you buy before 30 June.

It's a 'win-win' because you get your new car at a massive discount (plus the 50 per cent tax deduction if you're a small business) and the dealer gets a 'problem case' out of his inventory.

So research all of the ads and when you head to a dealership, have your calculator ready because until the end of June there are great bargains just about everywhere.

BRAD LEACH