Buy now or . . .

CARMAKERS like to move stock as the end of the year looms. It helps boost their annual sales and moves cars that are plated in the current year. They are harder to move once the new year starts for the very reason you mention. You could wait until early 2006 and get a 2006-plated car, or try to crunch the dealer even harder now on a 2005 car. The car with the later date will be a little easier to sell later, but if you buy it for less now you won't be out of pocket.