If you’re asking yourself when is best time to buy a car, you’re already on the right track to saving money. For the best selection and negotiation power, consider shopping for a car during slower sales months like September or January. Timing your purchase strategically can lead to thousands in savings and a much smoother experience.
This guide breaks down the best times to buy, from the ideal months and days to the perfect hours. We’ll also cover the worst times to shop and give you a clear plan for your next vehicle purchase.
When Is Best Time To Buy A Car
There isn’t one single perfect day for everyone. The best time to buy a car depends on your goals. Are you looking for the absolute lowest price, the best selection of models, or the most favorable financing terms? Different times of the year offer distinct advantages.
Generally, you want to buy when dealerships are motivated to sell but other buyers are not shopping. This creates a scenario where you have more leverage. Let’s look at the calendar to find those sweet spots.
The Best Months To Buy A Car
Car sales follow predictable seasonal trends. By targeting the end of certain months and specific seasons, you can align your purchase with dealer incentives.
End Of The Model Year (Late Summer And Early Fall)
Automakers typically release new models in the late summer and fall. This means dealerships need to clear out last year’s inventory to make room. You’ll find significant discounts on these outgoing models.
- Look for “model year-end sales” in August, September, and October.
- Dealers have manufacturer-backed incentives to move these cars.
- Selection may be picked over, but discounts are often deepest.
December (Year-End Closeout)
December is a powerhouse month for car deals. Dealerships have annual sales quotas and goals to meet. Falling short can mean losing out on substantial manufacturer bonuses.
This creates immense pressure to sell every car possible in the final weeks of the year. Combine this with holiday sales events, and you have a prime buying opportunity. The last week of December, especially December 31st, can be legendary for negotations.
January And February (The Winter Slowdown)
After the holiday spending frenzy, showroom traffic plummets in January. This post-holiday lull is a golden opportunity. Salespeople are hungry for deals, and managers are focused on starting the new year strong.
Bad weather in many regions also keeps buyers away, giving you even more room to negotiate without competition. Presidents’ Day weekend in February often features notable sales events as well.
Memorial Day, Fourth Of July, And Labor Day Weekends
These long holiday weekends are synonymous with major sales events. Dealerships advertise heavily, offering special incentives and discounts. While these can be good times to buy, remember that everyone else is shopping too.
You may face more competition for popular models. The deals are real, but you’ll need to be prepared to act quickly and negotiate firmly amidst the crowd.
The Best Days And Times To Buy A Car
Once you’ve chosen the right month, zoom in on the specific day and time. This fine-tuning can make a surprising difference in your final price and experience.
The Best Day Of The Week: Monday Or Tuesday
Weekends are the busiest time at dealerships. Sales staff are stretched thin, and managers are less likely to approve aggressive discounts because foot traffic is high. For focused attention and better negotiation, go on a weekday.
Monday and Tuesday are often the slowest. The sales team is fresh, and they have the whole week ahead to meet targets. You’ll get more one-on-one time and less pressure.
The Best Time Of Day: Late Morning Or Early Afternoon
Avoid going first thing in the morning when the sales team is having their meetings. Also avoid the last hour before closing, when everyone is tired and eager to go home.
- Aim for late morning, like 10:00 or 11:00 AM.
- Alternatively, go right after lunch, around 1:00 or 2:00 PM.
- This gives you ample time to talk, test drive, and negotiate without rush.
The Magic Of Month-End And Quarter-End
Sales quotas are usually measured monthly and quarterly. The final three days of any month, and especially the final days of March, June, September, and December (quarter-ends), are high-pressure periods for dealerships.
A salesperson needing one more car to hit their monthly bonus may be incredibly motivated to make a deal work. This is a powerful card in your hand during negotiations.
When To Buy A New Car Vs A Used Car
The timing strategies can differ slightly depending on whether you want new or pre-owned.
Best Time To Buy A New Car
Follow the model year and calendar rules outlined above. New cars are most heavily discounted when the next year’s models arrive or when dealers need to hit quotas. Focus on:
- End of the model year (Aug-Oct).
- Year-end clearance (December).
- Holiday sales weekends.
- The slow winter months (Jan-Feb).
Best Time To Buy A Used Car
The used car market has its own rhythm. While you can find deals any time, certain periods offer more inventory and better prices.
Late summer and early fall is often a great time. This is when many people trade in their old cars to lease or buy new ones, flooding the market with used inventory. Additionally, rental car companies often sell off large portions of their fleets in the fall, adding more supply.
Tax season (April-May) can be a more expensive time to buy used, as many people use refunds for down payments, increasing demand.
The Worst Times To Buy A Car
Knowing when not to buy is just as important. Avoid these periods if you’re seeking the best deal.
Spring And Early Summer (March Through June)
The weather improves, tax refunds are spent, and buyer demand surges. This is peak selling season. Dealers have less incentive to discount because cars are selling easily. You’ll have less negotiation leverage during these months.
When A Brand New Model First Launches
If you want the latest, hottest model the day it hits the showroom, expect to pay full sticker price or even a market adjustment premium. Dealers have no reason to discount a car with high demand and limited supply. Wait at least 6-9 months after a new model launch for incentives to appear.
Right Before A Major Holiday
The day before Thanksgiving or Christmas is not ideal. The staff is distracted, managers may be gone, and the dealership might close early. You won’t have their full attention for a serious negotiation.
Your Step-By-Step Buying Timeline
Putting this all together, here is a practical plan for timing your purchase.
Step 1: Research In Advance (2-3 Months Before)
Start your research well before you plan to buy. Use online tools to identify the make, model, and trim you want. Research fair market prices, read reviews, and check reliability ratings. Get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union so you know your budget.
Step 2: Time Your Dealer Visit (Follow The Month And Day Rules)
Plan to visit the dealership during one of the optimal times we’ve discussed. Aim for a Monday or Tuesday late in the month, preferably in December, January, September, or during a holiday sales event.
Step 3: Be Ready To Negotiate And Close
Go in with your financing pre-approval and your research on fair price. Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment. Be prepared to walk away if the deal isn’t right—this is your greatest power.
If you have a trade-in, get its value appraised separately beforehand from a source like CarMax or an online tool. Don’t reveal you have a trade-in until after you’ve settled on a price for the new car.
Other Key Factors Beyond Timing
While timing is crucial, it’s not the only factor. Keep these elements in mind for a successful purchase.
Your Personal Readiness
Your credit score has a huge impact on your loan interest rate. Check your credit report and improve your score if needed before you shop. Also, save for a substantial down payment—20% is a good goal—to lower your monthly payments and loan costs.
Inventory And Availability
Even during the best times, if a specific car is in very short supply, discounts will be smaller. Be flexible with color or options if you want a better deal. Consider looking at similar models from different brands to compare incentives.
Current Market Conditions
Broader economic factors like interest rates, inventory shortages, or high demand for fuel-efficient vehicles can override traditional timing advice. Always check current market reports to understand the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Month To Buy A Car?
Historically, December is often the best month due to year-end quota pressure, followed closely by January and the model year-end months of September and October.
Is It Better To Buy A Car At The End Of The Month?
Yes, the last few days of any month, especially the last day, can be advantageous as salespeople and managers work to meet monthly sales targets.
What Time Of Year Are Car Prices Lowest?
Prices tend to be lowest during the winter months (late December through February) when demand is at its lowest and dealers are motivated to clear inventory.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car?
Late summer and early fall can be excellent, as trade-ins from new model releases increase used inventory. Also, look for deals after the winter holidays when demand dips.
Should I Wait For A Holiday Sale To Buy A Car?
Holiday sales like Memorial Day or Labor Day can offer good incentives, but be prepared for crowds. The deals are often genuine, but you should still negotiate the final price rather than relying solely on the advertised offer.
Finding the best time to buy a car requires a bit of planning and patience. By targeting the slower seasons, the end of the month, and being a prepared buyer, you position yourself for maximum savings. Remember to do your research, get financing lined up, and be ready to negotiate confidently. With this strategy, you can drive off the lot knowing you got a great deal at the perfect time.