If you’re thinking about getting a new or used vehicle, you might be asking yourself, When Is the Best Time to Buy A Honda Car? The answer isn’t just one date on the calender, but understanding a few key cycles can save you thousands.
This guide breaks down the best times to shop, from monthly sales goals to yearly model cycles. We’ll look at holidays, end-of-year pushes, and even the best day of the week to visit the dealership. Knowing these patterns puts you in the driver’s seat for negotiations.
When Is the Best Time to Buy A Honda Car?
The very best time is usually when dealerships are most motivated to meet a quota and have excess inventory to move. This typically happens at the end of a month, quarter, or calendar year. New model-year arrivals also create urgency to clear out older stock.
Let’s look at the specific timing factors that lead to the biggest discounts and best deals.
The Best Months of the Year for Honda Deals
Certain months offer consistently better opportunities than others. Your timing can be as important as your negotiation skills.
* December: This is often the top month. Dealerships have year-end sales targets and manufacturer incentives to hit. They also want to clear the lot before January. Bad weather in many regions means fewer shoppers, so your offer is more welcome.
* Late Summer / Early Fall (August-October): This is when new model-year Hondas start arriving at dealerships. To make room, dealers need to sell the previous model-year vehicles. You can find great deals on brand-new cars that are just one model year “old.”
* End of Quarter (March, June, September, December): Salespeople and managers work on quarterly bonuses. The final week of these months, especially the last few days, can see aggressive pricing to hit those bonus thresholds.
* January: After the December rush, inventory is lower, but some leftover models may still be available. Incentives often carry over from December, and foot traffic is slow, giving you negotiating leverage.
The Best Days of the Week to Buy
The day you choose to visit and negotiate matters more than you think.
1. Weekday Evenings: Aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening. Weekends are busy, so sales staff has less time to focus on lengthy negotiations. On a quiet weekday night, they are more likely to work harder for your sale.
2. The Last Day of the Month: If this day falls on a weekday, it’s golden. The sales team is scrambling to meet monthly goals. Your deal could be the one that puts them over the top.
3. Avoid Weekends: Saturdays are the busiest. You’ll get less personalized attention and the dealership feels less pressure to give ground, knowing other customers are waiting.
Why Holiday Weekends Can Be Hit or Miss
Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th, and Presidents’ Day are famous for sales events. While advertised discounts can be genuine, the atmosphere is hectic. The “special” pricing is often the same as other end-of-month deals. The real advantage is that dealers plan for high volume these weekends, so they stock up on incentives.
Just be prepared for crowds and potential high-pressure tactics. Do your research on pricing beforehand so you can recognize a true deal.
Understanding Honda’s Model Year Cycle
Honda typically releases new model-year vehicles in the late summer or fall. This cycle creates predictable opportunities.
Best for New Car Discounts: Buy the previous model year when the new ones are arriving. A 2024 Honda Civic sitting on the lot in October 2024 is “old” inventory, even though it’s new. The dealer wants it gone.
Best for Latest Features: Buy the new model year if you want the absolute latest tech and styling. You’ll pay closer to MSRP, but you get the newest design. This is a less optimal time for pure discount hunting.
* Mid-Cycle Refresh: Sometimes Honda updates a model mid-cycle. When a refreshed version is announced, deals on the pre-refresh models can become very attractive.
When to Buy a Used Honda
The rules for used cars are slightly different, but timing still plays a role.
Tax Season (Late April – May): Many people get tax refunds and rush to buy used cars. This increased demand can raise prices. It’s often better to shop before (January-March) or after (late summer) this surge.
* New Model Depreciation: When new car deals are strong (like year-end), more people trade in their used cars. This can increase used inventory 1-2 months later, giving you more choices.
* End of Month for Dealerships: Even on the used side, dealerships have monthly volume goals. A used car sale still counts toward their target, so the end-of-month pressure still applies.
Step-by-Step: Your Buying Timeline Strategy
Follow this plan to combine all the timing factors for maximum savings.
1. Research (2-3 Months Before Buying): Decide which Honda model and trim you want. Use online tools to research Fair Market Price and read reviews.
2. Secure Financing (1 Month Before): Get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union. This gives you a bargaining chip and you know your rate.
3. Time Your Visit (Aim for the Last Week of a Month): Plan to start serious negotiations and test drives during the final week, preferably on a Tuesday-Thursday.
4. Check for Incentives: Visit Honda’s official website to check current national offers (cash back, low APR). These change monthly and stack on your deal.
5. Negotiate the “Out-the-Door” Price: Focus on the total price including all fees, not just the monthly payment. Be prepared to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
6. Close the Deal: If the price meets your target, finalize the paperwork. Remember, the best deal is one you’re comfortable with.
Other Key Factors That Affect Timing
Beyond the calendar, keep an eye on these market conditions.
* Inventory Levels: Visit dealer websites to see their stock. If they have 15 of the exact Honda CR-V you want, they are more likely to deal. Low inventory means less motivation.
* Model Popularity: Very popular models like the Honda Civic Hatchback or hybrid variants may have fewer discounts anytime. Less popular trims or colors often have better deals.
* Economic Factors: When interest rates are high, fewer people buy. This can lead to better incentives from manufacturers to attract buyers. It’s a double-edged sword, as your loan cost may be higher.
FAQs on Buying a Honda
Q: Is it better to buy a Honda at the end of the year?
A: Yes, December is generally the single best month due to year-end sales targets and inventory clearance.
Q: What is the cheapest day to buy a car?
A: The last weekday of the month, especially if it’s also the end of a quarter, is typically the cheapest day due to sales quotas.
Q: Should I wait for a holiday sale to buy my Honda?
A: Holiday sales can offer good deals, but they aren’t always the best. The discounts are often similar to month-end promotions, but with more competition.
Q: When do new Honda models come out?
A: New model-year Hondas typically start arriving at dealers in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.
Q: Is it a good idea to buy last year’s Honda model?
A: Absolutely. Buying a previous model-year vehicle when the new ones arrive is one of the most reliable ways to get a significant discount on a brand-new car.
Q: What time of day should I go to the dealership?
A: Going in the evening on a weekday is often best. The staff is less busy and more likely to engage in detailed negotiation.
Final Tips for Your Purchase
Always be ready to walk away. This is your most powerful tool. If the deal doesn’t feel right, or the timing seems off, there will always be another car and another opportunity.
Get quotes from multiple dealerships, even ones a bit farther away. Use those quotes against each other to get the best price. Email can be a great tool for this initial bargaining.
Remember, the “best time” is when you are informed, prepared, and find a vehicle that meets your needs at a price you consider fair. By aligning your purchase with the natural sales cycles we’ve discussed, you stack the odds heavily in your favor. Paying attention to these details can turn a stressful process into a smart financial decision.