Finances

Best Time to Purchase a Car

Buyers are always looking for ways to save money on auto purchases.

If you ask someone, “When is the best time to buy a car?”, their answers will range from the end of the month to “when the new models come out.”

The Best Times Can Be

  • End of the model year
  • End of the calendar year
  • End of month
  • End of the car’s design cycle
  • End of the car’s life cycle
  • Memorial Day
  • Fourth of July
  • Labor Day
  • Black Friday
  • Presidents Day
  • November
  • December
  • October
  • Monday
  • Early in the week

Basically, the best time to buy is when you need it. It can be a stressful process so why add to the pressure by trying to plan your buying excursion for a specific day or holiday weekend when others probably have the same idea?

Best Time of the Year to Buy

End of the Month
When the month is ending, salesmen might be short of their sales quota that could get them an extra bonus. Salesmen will have more motivation to make a deal. However, if the sales team has met its quota earlier in the month, they may not be motivated to give you the amazing deal you are expecting.

End of the Calendar Year
According to the industry data, December has the highest discounts off MSRP with 6.1% on average. It can also have the highest incentives. Automakers and dealers are looking to end the year with strong sales numbers and want to get rid of all prior model year cars so they’re motivated.

Best Month to Buy a Car

Months Discounted the Least Amount

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April

Months With Better Discounts

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September

Months Discounted the Most

  • October
  • November
  • December

Best Day to Buy a Car

Weekends are generally the busiest at a dealership. The salesman might be juggling a lot of customers and the finance office is likely to be very busy. If you show up on a Monday or Tuesday instead it will be less busy.

Best Holidays to Buy a Car

  • 3 Day Weekends
  • Presidents Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Fourth of July
  • Black Friday
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