When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car? What to Know

Here’s a breakdown of the best time to buy a used car. Buying a used car is a smart way to save money, but if you time it right, you could save even more. While there are always used cars available, there are certain times when dealerships are more likely to offer better deals. Whether it’s the end of the year or a slow weekday, understanding when to buy can make a huge difference in how much you pay. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to shop for a used car.

1. End of the Year

The end of the year is one of the best times to score a great deal on a used car. Dealerships are eager to clear out their stock and make room for new models. This means you can take advantage of year-end sales and bigger discounts.

Why It’s a Good Time:

• Sales targets: Dealers and salespeople are often trying to hit yearly sales goals, so they’re more likely to negotiate.
• Holiday promotions: Around Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s, dealerships often run special sales that you can benefit from.

2. End of the Month

If you can’t wait until the end of the year, try shopping at the end of the month. Dealerships typically have monthly sales targets, and if they’re close to meeting their goals, they may offer better deals to close more sales.

Why It Works:

• Monthly quotas: Dealerships are more motivated to sell cars to hit their monthly numbers, which could lead to discounts.
• Better negotiating power: Salespeople may be more flexible and willing to negotiate if they’re trying to hit their targets.

3. End of the Quarter

Similar to the end of the month, the end of a quarter (March, June, September, and December) can be a great time to buy. Dealerships operate on quarterly cycles, so when the end of the quarter approaches, they may offer deeper discounts to meet their sales goals.

Why It’s a Good Time:

• Quarterly goals: Dealerships are more likely to cut deals to meet their sales numbers for the quarter.
• Bigger savings: You might find even better discounts than at the end of a regular month.

4. During New Model Releases

When new car models hit the market, people start trading in their older cars. This means dealerships will have more used cars on hand, giving you a wider selection to choose from.

Why It’s a Good Time:

• More inventory: When new models arrive, dealerships get more trade-ins, which means more used cars are available for you to buy.
• Older models get discounted: As new models roll in, the price on last year’s models often drops, allowing you to get a great deal on a slightly older car.

5. The Off-Season

Buying a car in the off-season, like during the winter months, can also be a smart move. Fewer people are shopping for cars in the colder months, which means less competition and a better chance to negotiate a deal.

Why Winter Works:

• Less competition: Since fewer people are buying cars, dealerships are more likely to offer you a deal.
• Dealers want to sell: It’s a slow time for sales, so dealers may be more motivated to sell, meaning better prices for you.

6. Weekdays

If you want a relaxed car-buying experience, consider going to the dealership on a weekday. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays tend to be the quietest days, which gives you more time to shop, test drive, and negotiate without the weekend rush.

Why Weekdays Are Great:

• Less traffic: With fewer customers, you’ll get more attention from the sales team and have more time to consider your options.
• More negotiating room: Salespeople may be more willing to negotiate during a slower time when there’s less pressure.

7. When Gas Prices Are High

When gas prices spike, demand for fuel-efficient cars goes up, while larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles like SUVs and trucks become harder to sell. If you’re looking for a bigger vehicle, you might find a great deal when fuel prices are high.

Why Gas Prices Matter:

• Bigger vehicle discounts: When gas prices are high, dealerships may offer discounts on gas-guzzlers that aren’t in high demand.
• Better deals on fuel-efficient cars when gas prices are low: When gas prices drop, the demand for fuel-efficient cars also drops, which could lead to lower prices.

Final Thoughts: Timing Matters

So, when’s the best time to buy a used car? Here’s a quick recap:

• End of the year, end of the month, and end of the quarter are all great times to shop for deals.
• Winter months and weekdays offer less competition and more negotiating power.
• Keep an eye on new model releases and gas prices to find even more savings.

By timing your purchase right, you can get a great deal on a reliable used car while avoiding paying more than necessary.

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