Yusra3
VIP Contributor
Timing is everything when it comes to getting a great deal on a new or used vehicle. Certain times of the year are better than others for finding discounts, incentives, and eager salespeople looking to move inventory. If you're flexible on when you purchase, taking advantage of these prime car buying periods can save you thousands of dollars. Here are some of the best times to buy a car:
End of the Year
As the end of the calendar year approaches, dealerships are extremely motivated to sell off the current year's models to make room for next year's inventory. This provides ample opportunity to negotiate hard on pricing, especially in November and December. Dealers want to hit year-end sales goals and will be more willing to accept lower offers.
End of the Month
Most salespeople operate on monthly quotas, so they'll be incentivized to make deals at the end of the month to hit their numbers. Plan to shop during the last few days of the month when inventories are getting thin for maximum leverage.
Holiday Weekends
Three-day holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents' Day are natural sales events for automakers and dealers. Expect to see storewide discounts, cashback offers, low APR financing, and other perks to entice shoppers into the showroom.
Early in the Week
Dealerships tend to be less busy on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, especially in the morning. Head in early in the week when sales teams are fresh and more eager to start racking up numbers for the month. You'll likely encounter less competition from other buyers.
End of the Model Year
As automakers prepare to roll out brand new models, they need to clear out the remaining inventory from last year. Late summer through fall is prime season for generous incentives and bargaining power, especially on models that haven't sold well.
Beginning of Each Quarter
Salespeople are hungry at the start of a new quarter in January, April, July, and October. This provides prime chances to pit dealers against each other with competing quotes. Shop early in the quarter to work that fresh motivation to your advantage.
While timing is important, it shouldn't be the only factor you consider. Do your research, secure financing ahead of time, and don't get so caught up in finding the perfect buying period that you settle for an unsuitable vehicle. If you shop wisely and strategically, you can save significantly on your next car purchase.
End of the Year
As the end of the calendar year approaches, dealerships are extremely motivated to sell off the current year's models to make room for next year's inventory. This provides ample opportunity to negotiate hard on pricing, especially in November and December. Dealers want to hit year-end sales goals and will be more willing to accept lower offers.
End of the Month
Most salespeople operate on monthly quotas, so they'll be incentivized to make deals at the end of the month to hit their numbers. Plan to shop during the last few days of the month when inventories are getting thin for maximum leverage.
Holiday Weekends
Three-day holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents' Day are natural sales events for automakers and dealers. Expect to see storewide discounts, cashback offers, low APR financing, and other perks to entice shoppers into the showroom.
Early in the Week
Dealerships tend to be less busy on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, especially in the morning. Head in early in the week when sales teams are fresh and more eager to start racking up numbers for the month. You'll likely encounter less competition from other buyers.
End of the Model Year
As automakers prepare to roll out brand new models, they need to clear out the remaining inventory from last year. Late summer through fall is prime season for generous incentives and bargaining power, especially on models that haven't sold well.
Beginning of Each Quarter
Salespeople are hungry at the start of a new quarter in January, April, July, and October. This provides prime chances to pit dealers against each other with competing quotes. Shop early in the quarter to work that fresh motivation to your advantage.
While timing is important, it shouldn't be the only factor you consider. Do your research, secure financing ahead of time, and don't get so caught up in finding the perfect buying period that you settle for an unsuitable vehicle. If you shop wisely and strategically, you can save significantly on your next car purchase.
