When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car

The best time to buy a car depends on seasonal trends, model-year cycles, and dealer sales goals. By timing your purchase right—like at the end of the month, quarter, or year—you can unlock deeper discounts, better financing, and more negotiating power.

Key Takeaways

• End of the month, quarter, and year are prime times: Dealers often have sales targets to meet, leading to better deals and incentives.
• New model releases create opportunities: When new models arrive (typically late summer to early fall), dealers discount outgoing models.
• Holiday weekends offer special promotions: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday often feature manufacturer rebates and low APR financing.
• Weekdays are less crowded: Visiting a dealership midweek gives you more attention and less pressure from sales staff.
• Winter months can yield savings: Demand drops in colder months, especially for convertibles and sports cars, giving buyers leverage.
• Trade-in values peak in spring and summer: If you’re trading in a vehicle, aim for warmer months when demand for used cars is higher.
• Research and timing go hand in hand: Combine market knowledge with patience to maximize savings and get the best car for your budget.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions many people make—right after purchasing a home. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a fuel-efficient hybrid, the price tag can be intimidating. But what if you could shave off thousands of dollars just by choosing the right moment to buy? It might sound too good to be true, but timing really does matter when it comes to car shopping.

The truth is, car dealerships operate on cycles. They have monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals set by manufacturers. They also deal with inventory turnover, seasonal demand, and new model releases. All of these factors influence pricing, promotions, and how willing a dealer is to negotiate. By understanding these patterns, you can position yourself to get a better deal—without compromising on the vehicle you want.

So, when exactly is the best time to buy a car? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there are several proven windows throughout the year when buyers have the upper hand. From holiday sales events to the end of the model year, strategic timing can lead to significant savings. In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective times to buy, explain why they work, and give you practical tips to make the most of each opportunity.

End of the Month, Quarter, and Year: The Power of Sales Goals

One of the most reliable times to buy a car is at the end of the month, quarter, or year. Why? Because dealerships are often racing to meet sales targets set by manufacturers. These goals come with bonuses, incentives, and recognition—so salespeople and managers are highly motivated to close deals.

Why End-of-Month Deals Matter

At the end of each month, dealerships evaluate their performance. If they’re behind on their sales quota, they’re more likely to offer discounts, throw in free upgrades, or accept lower profit margins just to hit their numbers. This means you, as a buyer, have more negotiating power.

For example, imagine you walk into a dealership on the 28th of the month. The sales team knows they need to sell five more cars to meet their goal. They might be willing to drop the price by $1,500 or include free maintenance for a year just to seal the deal. That’s real money back in your pocket.

Quarter-End and Year-End Push

The pressure intensifies at the end of each quarter (March, June, September, December) and especially at the end of the calendar year. Manufacturers often tie bonuses and rewards to quarterly and annual performance. This creates a “perfect storm” of motivation for dealerships to move inventory.

During December, for instance, many dealers are not only trying to meet yearly goals but also clear out old inventory to make room for new models arriving in January. This dual pressure often leads to some of the deepest discounts of the year. You might see manufacturer rebates, 0% APR financing offers, or cash-back incentives that aren’t available at other times.

A real-world example: In December 2022, a popular midsize SUV was listed at $38,000. By waiting until the last week of the month, a buyer negotiated the price down to $35,200—plus received $1,000 in manufacturer cash back. That’s a total savings of $3,800, simply by timing the purchase right.

Tips for End-of-Period Shopping

To make the most of end-of-month, quarter, or year deals:

• Start shopping a few days before the deadline—don’t wait until the very last day.
• Be ready to walk away if the deal isn’t right. Salespeople know you’re serious if you’re prepared to leave.
• Bring pre-approved financing from your bank or credit union. This gives you leverage and avoids high dealer interest rates.
• Ask about “holdback” and “dealer incentives”—these are hidden profits dealers earn from manufacturers, and you can sometimes negotiate a share.

New Model Release Season: Out With the Old, In With the New

Another golden opportunity to save comes when new car models hit the showroom. Automakers typically release new models in late summer or early fall—think August through October. This timing allows them to market the latest features, designs, and technology as “next year’s model” while clearing out the previous year’s inventory.

Why Older Models Are Priced to Move

When a 2025 model arrives, the 2024 version suddenly becomes “last year’s car.” Even if it’s only a few months old, it’s considered outdated in the eyes of many buyers. To avoid sitting on unsold inventory, dealers slash prices on outgoing models.

For example, a 2024 sedan might have a sticker price of $32,000. But once the 2025 model arrives with minor updates, the dealer may drop the 2024 price to $28,500—even offering additional incentives like free floor mats, extended warranties, or discounted service packages.

This isn’t just about sedans. SUVs, trucks, and even electric vehicles follow the same pattern. A 2024 electric SUV might lose $4,000 in value the moment the 2025 version is announced, simply because it’s no longer the “latest and greatest.”

How to Take Advantage of Model-Year Transitions

To capitalize on this shift:

• Research when new models are scheduled to arrive. Automakers usually announce release dates months in advance.
• Visit dealerships in late summer or early fall and ask specifically about outgoing models.
• Compare the features of the old and new models. Often, the differences are minimal—like a new infotainment screen or updated trim colors.
• Negotiate aggressively. Dealers are eager to clear space, so they’re more likely to accept lower offers.

One buyer in Ohio saved over $5,000 on a 2024 pickup truck in September 2023 by waiting for the 2025 model to arrive. The new version had only a slightly upgraded touchscreen and new wheel design—hardly worth the extra cost.

Watch for “Carryover” Models

Some vehicles don’t get redesigned every year. These “carryover” models may stay the same for two or three years. In these cases, the discounting might not be as steep, but you can still find deals—especially if the model is in its final year before a redesign.

For instance, if a popular compact car is due for a major redesign in 2026, the 2024 and 2025 models might be nearly identical. Dealers may offer incentives to move the 2024 stock before the 2025 version arrives, even if the changes are minor.

Holiday Weekends and Sales Events: Timing Is Everything

Holiday weekends are another prime time to buy a car. Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are especially known for big promotions, rebates, and special financing offers.

Why Holidays Mean Deals

Car manufacturers and dealerships use holidays as marketing opportunities. They know people have time off work and are more likely to shop. To attract buyers, they roll out limited-time offers that can include:

• Cash rebates of $1,000 to $3,000
• 0% APR financing for 60 or 72 months
• Free maintenance for the first year
• Discounted lease terms
• Bonus trade-in value

For example, during Labor Day weekend 2023, several major brands offered $2,500 cash back on select SUVs. Combined with dealer discounts, some buyers saved over $6,000 compared to shopping in June.

Black Friday: The Car Shopping Surprise

While Black Friday is famous for electronics and clothing deals, it’s also a great time to buy a car. Many dealerships participate in “Black Friday in July” or actual November events, offering deep discounts to compete with retail stores.

In 2022, a dealership in Texas advertised “Black Friday Car Blowout” with $3,000 off all new vehicles and 0.9% APR financing. Buyers who acted quickly secured deals that weren’t available the rest of the year.

Tips for Holiday Shopping

To make the most of holiday sales:

• Start researching deals a week or two before the holiday. Offers are often announced early.
• Compare multiple dealerships. Not all will honor the same promotions.
• Be aware of “fine print.” Some 0% APR offers require excellent credit or have strict terms.
• Don’t feel pressured to buy on the spot. Take time to review the contract and financing details.

Seasonal Trends: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall

Beyond specific dates and events, the time of year also affects car prices and availability. Each season brings its own advantages and challenges for buyers.

Winter: The Quiet Season for Car Shopping

Winter—especially January and February—is often the slowest time for car sales. Cold weather, post-holiday budgets, and fewer daylight hours mean fewer shoppers. This gives buyers more leverage.

Dealers are more willing to negotiate during winter months, particularly on vehicles that are less popular in cold climates—like convertibles, sports cars, and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. If you’re eyeing a Mustang or a BMW Z4, winter might be your best bet.

For example, a buyer in Minnesota purchased a 2023 convertible in February 2023 for $8,000 below MSRP. The dealer was eager to move the car before spring, when demand would rise.

Spring and Summer: Peak Demand and Trade-In Values

As temperatures rise, so does car shopping activity. Spring and summer are peak seasons for buying, especially for families looking to upgrade before road trips or vacations.

While demand is high, this also means less negotiating power. However, there’s one big advantage: trade-in values tend to peak in spring and summer. Used cars are in higher demand, so you’ll get more money for your current vehicle.

If you’re planning to trade in, aim for April through August. According to industry data, trade-in values can be 10–15% higher during these months compared to winter.

Fall: The Sweet Spot for Savings

Fall—particularly September and October—is often considered the best overall time to buy a car. Why? You get the benefit of end-of-model-year discounts, holiday promotions, and cooler demand after summer.

Dealers are clearing out old inventory, new models are arriving, and sales teams are pushing to meet quarterly goals. It’s a perfect storm of savings opportunities.

A buyer in California saved $4,200 on a 2024 hybrid SUV in October 2023 by combining a manufacturer rebate, dealer discount, and trade-in bonus. The same car would have cost $3,000 more in July.

Weekdays vs. Weekends: The Hidden Advantage

When you visit the dealership can also impact your experience and the deal you get.

Why Weekdays Are Better

Weekends are the busiest time at car dealerships. Families have time off, and salespeople are stretched thin. This means less personal attention and more pressure to make a quick decision.

On weekdays—especially Tuesday through Thursday—dealerships are quieter. Salespeople have more time to spend with you, and they’re more likely to offer better deals to fill their schedule.

A study by a major automotive research firm found that buyers who shopped on weekdays saved an average of $1,200 more than those who shopped on weekends. The reason? Less competition and more willingness to negotiate.

Best Days to Visit

The best days to visit a dealership are:

• Tuesday and Wednesday: Quietest days, most negotiating power.
• Thursday: Still relatively calm, and dealers may be preparing for weekend traffic.
• Avoid Friday and Saturday: These are peak days with the most pressure.

Other Factors That Influence the Best Time to Buy

While timing is crucial, it’s not the only factor. Your personal situation, market conditions, and vehicle type also play a role.

Interest Rates and Financing

Interest rates fluctuate based on the economy. When rates are low, financing a car becomes more affordable. Keep an eye on the Federal Reserve’s announcements and average auto loan rates.

For example, in 2020 and 2021, average auto loan rates dropped below 4% due to economic stimulus. Buyers who financed during this time saved hundreds in interest over the life of their loan.

Supply and Demand

The global chip shortage in 2021 and 2022 caused car inventory to plummet. With fewer cars available, dealers had less incentive to discount. In such markets, waiting might not save you money—buying when you find a good deal becomes more important.

Conversely, when inventory is high—like in 2023—dealers are more competitive, and prices drop.

Your Personal Timeline

Ultimately, the best time to buy a car is when it fits your life. If your current car breaks down in March, you might not be able to wait until December. But even in urgent situations, you can still use timing strategies—like shopping at the end of the month or on a weekday—to get a better deal.

Conclusion: Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Savings

So, when is the best time to buy a car? The answer is: it depends—but there are clear patterns you can follow to save money and reduce stress.

The most strategic times include:

• The end of the month, quarter, and year, when sales goals drive discounts.
• Late summer and early fall, when new models arrive and old ones are discounted.
• Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
• Winter months for less popular vehicles like convertibles.
• Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, for better service and deals.

By combining these timing tips with thorough research, pre-approved financing, and confident negotiation, you can drive off in the car you want—at a price you love.

Remember, patience pays off. Waiting a few weeks or months could save you thousands. And in the world of car buying, every dollar counts.

So the next time you’re thinking about upgrading your ride, don’t rush. Plan your purchase like a pro. Watch the calendar, track promotions, and strike when the time is right. Your wallet—and your new car—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy a car at the end of the year?

Yes, the end of the year is one of the best times to buy a car. Dealers are pushing to meet annual sales goals and clear out old inventory for new models. This often leads to deeper discounts, rebates, and special financing offers.

Are there really deals on Black Friday for cars?

Absolutely. Many dealerships offer Black Friday promotions, including cash rebates, low APR financing, and bonus trade-in values. These deals can save you thousands, especially when combined with end-of-year incentives.

Should I buy a car in winter or summer?

Winter can be better for negotiating, especially on vehicles like convertibles or sports cars. Summer offers higher trade-in values and more inventory, but less negotiating power. Fall is often the best balance of both.

Do new car prices drop when new models arrive?

Yes. When new models are released (usually late summer or fall), dealers discount outgoing models to make room. You can save significantly by buying the previous year’s model, which often has nearly identical features.

Is it smarter to buy a car on a weekday?

Yes. Weekdays are less crowded, giving you more attention from sales staff and less pressure to decide quickly. Studies show buyers save more when they shop on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Can I negotiate better at the end of the month?

Definitely. Salespeople often have monthly quotas to meet, making them more willing to offer discounts, free add-ons, or accept lower profits just to close a deal before the month ends.