Car buyers 'must move fast' to avoid VAT rise

People thinking of buying a new car better move fast if they want to avoid the forthcoming rise in VAT.

This is according to CAP, the used car pricing network, which claims that there is an unusually long wait between the ordering and receiving of a new car at the moment.

In fact, some models ordered today may not even arrive before VAT goes up to 20 per cent in January - a move which will add £375 to the cost of an £18,000 car, CAP claims.

And if you were thinking that this would only apply to exotic or luxury vehicles where the whole process moves at a more sedate pace, you'd be wrong.

Even common manufacturers like Skoda have delivery delays - a Superb ordered today will not arrive until mid-November, notes Mark Norman of CAP.

"The need to make enquiries early is particularly urgent if you want optional extras because they will be subject to special factory build," he added.

It was recently confirmed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that new car registrations fell for the first time in a year during July.