The Ultimate Guide to Timing Your Car Purchase Buying a car is likely the second-largest purchase you’ll make, so timing it correctly can save you thousands of dollars. Whether you are looking for the latest model or a reliable used vehicle, understanding the industry's sales cycles is key. 1. Best Time of the Year: The Year-End Push
If you can't wait until December, use these short-term timing strategies:
Major holidays like Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and New Year's often feature manufacturer-backed incentives and deep discounts. 2. Best Time of the Month and Week when to buy a car
Dealerships and salespeople are often racing to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals.
The release of new model years creates a prime opportunity for "leftover" deals. When is the Best Time to Buy a Car? | PNC Insights The Ultimate Guide to Timing Your Car Purchase
Aim for the last few business days of any month. Salespeople under pressure to hit monthly quotas may be more willing to negotiate to finalize a deal.
Shop on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday . Dealerships are typically crowded on weekends, but visiting during a slow weekday ensures more personal attention from staff who are eager to make a sale during a "dry" spell. 3. Transition Periods: Out with the Old Best Time of the Year: The Year-End Push
Many analysts point to December 31st as the single best day of the year for discounts, with average savings around 11% off MSRP as dealers clear out current-year inventory for incoming models.