When is the best time to buy a car?
Quick insights
- The end of the month, quarter or year might offer opportunities for more favorable deals as dealerships aim to meet sales quotas.
- Shopping early in the week may give you more time to ask questions and test drive vehicles.
- Getting preapproved for an auto loan before visiting the dealership may help you better understand your budget and financing options.
The best time to purchase a vehicle is typically when dealers are most driven to sell them, such as the end of fiscal quarters, the beginning of new model years and three-day holiday weekends. While sensible timing may help you secure a more favorable deal, it may also helpful to research financing options before heading to the dealership. By checking your credit score and getting prequalified for an auto loan, you might be better prepared to negotiate when you arrive.
Best day to buy a car
Mondays bode well for bargain shoppers, as they are generally slower market days. Because showrooms are typically less crowded after busy high-volume weekends, salespeople may have more time to answer your questions and accompany you on test drives. They might also take a more relaxed approach to negotiations. You might consider, though, that Mondays might not be the best choice if they immediately follow a massive weekend sales event or if you live in an area where Sunday car sales are prohibited, as Mondays can be busier in those locations.
Best time of day to buy a car
Visiting a dealership later in the day or closer to closing time might work to your advantage. Salespeople and finance managers are often eager to finish their shifts, which could lead to a quicker, more streamlined negotiation process. This tactic typically works best during slower times of the month or year, as the staff may be more motivated to finalize one last deal before heading home.
Best time of year to buy a car
Some of the premier sales promotions and incentives aren't limited to particular days on the calendar, but rather specific intervals related to the auto industry. Generally, the best time of year to buy a car is when sales representatives are making last-ditch efforts to meet their quotas and dealerships are looking to clear out older inventory to make room for new models.
Best month to buy a car
While December has historically been a strong month for car buyers, the entire fall season can offer attractive advantages. As the year comes to a close, dealers often scramble to meet their sales goals and clear out old inventory.
- September: This month typically marks the peak of the new model season. As next year's vehicles arrive at showrooms, dealerships may offer incentives on outgoing models to make room. This might include zero down payments, rebates and special offers on trade-ins.
- October: With new inventory continuing to roll in, older models become more motivated to sell. You might find competitive pricing as dealerships work to balance their lots.
- November: Black Friday sales events often extend to auto dealerships, bringing special financing offers and rebates. It is also the beginning of the final push for end-of-year quotas.
- December: The final month of the year consistently ranks as a top time to buy. Dealerships and salespeople are highly motivated to meet their year-end goals, which could translate into significant savings for buyers.
Best time of month to buy a car
The end of the month is typically one of the best times to purchase a vehicle. Auto dealerships and their associates have set sales goals for each month, and they may receive incentives or bonuses based on meeting those quotas.
Best holidays to buy a car
Holiday deal events are occasions where the dealership may offer exceptional rebates and special financing offers. These include holidays such as:
- Presidents' Day (February): This late-winter holiday typically is the first major sales events of the calendar year.
- Memorial Day (May): Kicking off the summer season, this holiday weekend is a popular time for dealerships to offer competitive promotions.
- Fourth of July (July): Mid-summer sales events can be an opportunity to find deals on current-year models before the new inventory arrives in the fall.
- Labor Day (September): This holiday aligns with the arrival of new model-year vehicles, making it an ideal time to look for clearance deals on outgoing models.
- Black Friday (November): Following Thanksgiving, this major retail holiday has become a popular time for auto dealerships to offer discounts.
- New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (December and January): The transition into the new year is a favorable time for end-of-year clearance events and final quota pushes.
Worst times to buy a car
Just as there are ideal times to shop, there are also times you might want to avoid. Weekends are typically the busiest days at any dealership. With larger crowds, salespeople have less time to spend with individual customers, and the negotiation process can feel rushed or less flexible.
Additionally, early in the new year—such as January and February—can be a challenging time to find discounts. Dealerships have just reset their yearly quotas, and the urgency to clear out old inventory has usually passed following the December sales events.
Is now the right time to buy a car?
Knowing when to buy a new car is a part of a larger process. Timing tips might not help you secure a premium deal if you don't have a well-laid plan. You might consider test driving the cars on your wish list early so you can narrow down your choices to your top favorites.
Try not to wait until your old car leaves you stranded, as having the ability to walk away can strengthen your bargaining position. By learning what car you want, determining what you can afford and showing up at the dealership at the right time, you may be able to find a favorable deal.
In summary
Understanding the natural sales cycles of the auto industry may help you find a more competitive price on your next vehicle. By targeting the end of the month, shopping during major holiday weekends or visiting the dealership early in the week, you might find salespeople more willing to negotiate.
