Buying a car is a big step that requires a lot of consideration and planning. You’ve probably done your research around models and safety features, but have you considered the best time to buy a car? Visiting a dealership when they are extra motivated to make a sale could save you a substantial amount of money. Read on to learn the best time to buy a car so you can drive off the lot with extra savings in your pocket.
Key Takeaways
- Timing Matters: For the best deals on a new car shop early in the week, at the end of the month, or during holiday sales.
- New vs. Used: Thanks to sales quotas and inventory clearances, the end of the year is a great time to purchase a new or used car.
- Online and Regional Factors: Check online deals and research local car prices before buying a car. Online deals align with major sales events, and regional demand can impact pricing.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Car?
If you’re buying a new car, timing your purchase correctly can help you cut costs. Consider visiting the dealership during the following times to secure a great deal.
Early in the Week
Buying a car early in the week, ideally on a Monday or Tuesday, is your best bet. Dealerships are usually quiet on these days, as most customers do their shopping over the weekend. When the dealership is slow, representatives have more time to help you negotiate a good deal. However, if your dealership is closed on Sunday, avoid going on Monday and car shop later in the week when there are fewer people.
End of the Model Year
If you’ve decided to buy a current older model, waiting until the new model is on the horizon can help you save money on your purchase. Manufacturers typically release new models in the fall, making it a good time to shop discounted vehicles before they’re replaced. Some dealerships even offer extra incentives to customers shopping for old models. There are exceptions to the rule—sometimes new vehicles are released as early as March. If you see the newest model being reviewed in the media, you can get an estimated timeframe for its debut. Remember to research incoming models before purchasing an older one, just in case the new model is cheaper.
End of the Calendar Year
Most representatives discount vehicles at the end of the year to hit their yearly sales quotas. Representatives are eager to sell from the months of October to December and might offer you a great price or bonus incentives when you purchase a car.
End of the Month
Just like sales representatives have yearly quotas, they also have monthly quotas. While shopping at the end of the year and month can result in the most savings, if you need a car before the fall, you can still secure a deal by shopping at the end of one of the summer months. If your salesperson hasn’t hit their quota for the month, they’ll likely offer you a good deal on a vehicle. If you need a car quickly, test drive the car at the beginning of the month and close the deal at the end. Some offers are good for a few days into the next month if you need time to deliberate.
Holiday Weekends
If you have a three-day weekend on your calendar and you’re in the market for a new car, you might want to pencil in a trip to the dealership. Most stores have big sales over holiday weekends, which means bigger savings but also bigger crowds. If you want to save time, test drive the car during the week and buy the car over the holiday weekend. Going the day after a long weekend might yield the same savings if the deals haven’t expired.
Black Friday
Black Friday deals used to last one day, but now some dealerships dedicate a week or even a whole month to Black Friday sales. Most dealerships will offer hefty discounts on their vehicles, especially older models, during Black Friday. They also discount cars because Black Friday marks the end of the model year. Doing a little groundwork, like test-driving some vehicles before Black Friday, can make shopping for a car on the big day a lot smoother.
The Best Time to Shop for a Car Can Vary by Location
The best time to buy a car can also depend on where you live. Regional factors like weather, local economy, and demand can influence pricing and availability. Here’s how your location might affect your purchase:
- Northern States: In colder climates, convertibles and sports cars might be cheaper in the winter when the demand is low. On the other hand, SUVs and trucks might be in higher demand before winter, leading to fewer discounts.
- Southern States: In warmer regions, you might find better deals on convertibles during the winter months. However, trucks and SUVs are popular in the south year-round.
- Urban vs. Rural: In urban areas, where public transportation is more common, you might find competitive pricing year-round due to low inventory turnover rates. In rural areas, where cars are a necessity, dealerships might offer fewer discounts outside of major sales events.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?
If you’re in the market for a used car, we recommend shopping during the end of the year for the biggest selection at discounted prices. The new car buying season peaks from October to December, meaning that an influx of just-traded-in used cars is available at that time. You can also save money while shopping at the end of the year when representatives are trying to hit their yearly quotas.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car Online?
In recent years, more people are turning to online platforms to purchase their vehicles. However, does timing matter when purchasing a car online? The answer is yes: like with traditional dealerships, online car retailers often align their promotions with major sales events like Black Friday, end-of-year clearance, and model-year changeovers. Here are some tips to keep in mind while buying a new car online:
- Monitor Sales Events: Keep an eye out for online sales events, especially during the end of the year or around major holidays. Many online retailers offer significant discounts during these periods.
- Negotiate Virtually: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices through chat or email. Just like in-person sales, online deals can usually be improved with .
- Compare Prices: Use online tools to compare prices across multiple websites to help you find the best deal.
Don’t forget to secure insurance for your new ride before you hit the road. If you’re looking for affordable coverage, The General has a policy for you. Everyone is welcome at The General, even drivers with imperfect records and credit scores. Want to learn more? Read some of our five-star reviews or explore more car buying tips on our car insurance blog.
