Some times of the year can be better than others to buy a car. For example, October through December tends to be the best time for many people. You can get good deals when you car shop on holidays, too, including Black Friday. The end of a month or the end of a quarter can be a great time, too. That said, the best time of the year to buy is when you feel ready.
End of the Year/New Model Releases
October through December can be a sweet spot for car purchases. Car manufacturers and dealerships are usually clearing out current-year models to clear space for new models. You can get good deals in the fall and winter on the previous year’s inventory and take advantage of incentives such as cash-back programs. December specifically may have a lot of opportunities as deadlines near. New Year’s Eve is a prime car-buying holiday for many people.
Also, car sales tend to slow down in the winter, especially in colder areas. If you shop for a car during this time, you may have good luck finding dealerships that negotiate and offer nice discounts.
End of the Month or Quarter
If you are eyeing a new Chevrolet for sale, your best window could be at the end of the month or quarterly since dealerships may have sales targets and quotas to meet. They may offer more incentives to reach their goals.
Holidays and Holiday Weekends
Holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Presidents Day, and the Fourth of July are popular times for car dealerships to offer discounts, incentives, and special financing options. On Black Friday, you may be able to find special discounts, too.
Similarly, dealerships often run promotions when people get tax refunds. Look for a good deal during tax refund season.
End-of Cycles
You can find great deals at end-of-car cycles, end-of-car-design cycles, and end-of-car-life cycles (when a car is discontinued). Do check first whether the discontinuation is due to safety reasons. Often, a lack of buyer interest is what causes a car to be discontinued.
When You Are Ready
The best time to buy a car is when it makes sense for you. Buy when you’re ready and when you need a new car. Purchasing a vehicle can be stressful enough as is, and trying to time your purchase to match a possible lowest price may add unnecessary stress to the process.
Also, it can take a month or more for shoppers to evaluate their options and visit dealerships before making a final decision. Rushing that decision can mean you end up with a vehicle that is not the best for your purposes.
Buy a Car When it is the Right Time for You
Buying a car requires research and planning. Before you buy, you should be aware of pricing considerations, financing options, and additional costs such as taxes, fees, and insurance. If you can remain flexible with your choice of make and model, you have an even better chance of finding great deals during peak times such as the end of the year or holidays.
