When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car? Months, Days and Events To Know
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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There are many approaches to buying a new car. Some people prefer to plan carefully, researching makes and models well in advance, giving heavy credence to reviews. Others? Well, they like to ride their car down to the rims right into the car dealership.
No matter your style, one question always comes up: When is the best time to buy a car? Timing can play a big role in how much you pay — and knowing when to shop could save you hundreds or even thousands.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
When you’re buying a car you want to have every advantage. Timing can mean everything in scoring a great deal. Here are four optimal times to shop for a car:
End of the Month
At the end of the month, car dealers are trying to meet sales goals. If you’re walking into a dealership on the 29th through the 31st of any given month, there is a good chance that car dealers will want to negotiate with you.
End-of-month bonus incentives for dealers may make them more willing to offer you a discount on the car of your choice.
End of the Year: October – December
Similar to other retailers, car dealers want to welcome new inventory in the upcoming year. This works to the buyer’s advantage. Car dealerships will likely have clearance sales to make room for new models.
You can also score year-end rebates and manufacturer incentives at the end of the year.
Holiday Sales Events
Planning your car shopping around certain holidays is an easy way to snag a deal. Car dealers like to showcase their special financing offers around these holidays:
- Black Friday
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Fourth of July
During the holidays, you may find that dealerships will offer extra incentives like limited-time promotions or cash-back deals.
New Model Release Time: Late Summer – Early Fall
It’s no secret that older models get discounted when the newer models arrive. This typically happens in late summer and early fall. This is the best time to buy a previous year’s model at a lower price.
Best Days of the Week to Buy a Car
What day of the week should you buy the car? You want to walk into a dealership when it is less busy. Typically those days are Monday or Tuesday. With fewer customers walking in, salespeople will be more willing to negotiate.
Saturday and Sunday are also ideal days to get a car deal. Although there is likely more foot traffic, sometimes dealers will offer special promotions and deals.
When To Avoid Buying a Car
Is there a certain time frame when you shouldn’t buy a car? Yes — timing matters just as much when not to buy. Certain periods in the year and month tend to offer fewer deals and less room for negotiation.
Here are a few time frames to watch out for:
- Beginning of the month: Dealers aren’t under pressure to meet sales goals yet, so there’s less urgency to offer discounts.
- Spring and early summer: Demand tends to increase during these months, especially around tax refund season and graduation time, which can drive prices higher.
- New model launches: When a dealership rolls out a new module, pricing is at a premium — and discounts are rare.
New vs. Used Cars — When Is the Best Time to Buy?
When is the best time to buy a new car? Should you buy a used car at a similar time?
| Car Type | Best Time to Buy | Why It’s a Good Time |
|---|---|---|
| New Car | End of year | Dealers clear out current-year inventory to make room for next year’s models |
| End of month | Salespeople aim to meet quotas, often offering better deals | |
| Holiday sales event | Manufacturers and dealers offer incentives and special financing | |
| Used Car | Early in the year | Slower sales season means more room for negotiation |
| End of the month | Like with new cars, dealers may cut prices to hit monthly targets | |
| When inventory is high — spring or summer | More trade-ins mean more options, giving you better selection and leverage |
Pros and Cons of Buying a Car at the Right Time
Timing your car purchase can make a big difference in what you pay — but it also comes with trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide whether to buy now or wait for a better deal.
Pros of Buying at the Right Time
- Better deals: There are bigger discounts and the possibility of getting cash-back offers if you go to the dealership at optimal times.
- Lower financing rates: You may be able to finance at a lower interest rate or score a special promotion if you buy a car during the right time frame.
- More negotiation power: Car dealers will be willing to negotiate with you because they are trying to meet their sales goals.
Cons of Waiting
- Limited inventory: If more people are buying at a specific time period to capture a deal, you may not get the car of your choice.
- Time-sensitive deals: The offer may expire if you do not act quickly.
- Fewer choices: Certain car colors and features may sell out when prices drop.
4 Tips for Getting the Best Deal Anytime
Sometimes you can’t wait for an ideal time period to shop for a car. You need a car now, but it doesn’t align with the ideal time to buy.
Here are some tips for getting the best car deal no matter what time frame you’re in:
- Preapproved financing:
- If you get preapproved financing before you walk into a dealership, the car dealer will know you are serious about buying a car. This will work in your favor when it is time to negotiate.
- Do your research:
- Compare prices online. You can use sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
- Be flexible:
- Be open to different car models, car colors and trim levels.
- Negotiate add-ons and fees:
- Ask your dealer if they are willing to remove some of the fees. You can also choose features you don’t need.
Final Take: When Should You Buy a Car?
Generally, the best time to purchase a new car is at the end of the month or year. Another good time period to get a car deal is when the old model cycle is being cleared for newer models. Holiday weekends also offer promotions and financing incentives.
The best way to shop for a new car is to compare prices, plan ahead and consider the time before you make your purchase.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about when to buy a car.- When is the absolute cheapest time to buy a car?
- End of the year -- especially in December -- is the best time to score deals on a car.
- Is it better to buy a car at the end of the year or during a holiday sale?
- End of the year deals often have more discounts than a holiday sale. You could be strategic and buy a car on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and stack your savings to capitalize end of the year and a holiday.
- Do dealerships negotiate more at certain times?
- Yes, you'll have more negotiating power at the end of the month, quarter or year.
- Are cars cheaper in the winter?
- Cars are less expensive in January and February when demand is low.
- Should I wait for a new model release or buy the previous year's model?
- Buy the previous year's model since those are discounted to welcome the new car models.
Laura Bogart contributed to the reporting for this article.
