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I tried buying out of season over last winter, I didn't see any fantastic offers.

There will be some bargains but you'll find there is much less choice, most of the stuff left is what other people didn't want so you need to think about why people didn't want it.

I was lucky and bought a nearly new tent from someone buying a trailer tent at the start of this season, as someone mentioned patience is the key.

There seems to be a constant "Sale" by one or other of the retailers throughout the year, so I personally haven't noticed prices dropping dramatically at any time of the year.

I would say the best time to buy a tent is when you see one you like - don't hang around hoping the price may fall as you could end up with no tent at all if they sell out.

The Montana 6 is a popular tent so there probably won't be many bargains to be had as the manufacturers and retailers know they will sell.
Best thing to do is just keep your eyes open and then pounce when the price is right for you.

Generally the sales start at the end of the season but you might find a better bargain in a 'mid season' sale (some of us pot on special weekenders etc).

Two things to note are that Kampa are quite strict on their retailers re. pricing so they hold their value well, and Outwell keep stock short so you will find the most popular tents and accessories will nearly always sell out before the sale.

I would also think that you will find a lot less sale stock at the end of this year as everyone is tightening their belts. Sale prices aren't commercially sustainable and only exist to turn stock into cash before sitting on it all winter only to sell it cheap as old stock next year. I would imagine most retailers won't get left with the same stock levels this year as the state of the industry is more clear now and the optimism which occured last year will not happen this year, so you'll see less stocked availabel for mark downs.

We've had bargains at various times of the year.

We bought an Oakland XL in July last year for a bargain price (£280 for tent, extension and carpet). We then bought a Bear Lake 4 at the end of last season for a good price (now selling but won't lose out).

Are you dead set on getting a brand new one?

Early spring seems to be a good time for getting a second hand bargain on eBay, usally from people who are 'upgrading to a caravan', and they are often selling tons of camping stuff too.