These Are the Best Days for Car Shopping
Posted 07-10-2018 at 07:57 PM by TinaCrutchfield
Car shopping has become something of a science. If you time your purchase right, you could walk away knowing you did your best, while buying during certain times of the month or on the wrong day can be pricier. Here's a look at when you might have the best financial luck.
Shopping by the Day
Contrary to what the ad campaigns would suggest, weekends generally aren't the best time to buy a car. Three-day or holiday weekends like Presidents Day may offer exceptions, but don't get stuck thinking this is the only time to find a great value.
Instead, avoid the weekend rush and consider buying during the week. Statistically, shopping on a Monday tends to save buyers an average of 8 percent off the MSRP. Weekdays also make it easier to get prequalified by the bank, which can increase your negotiating power.
Money-Saving by Month
Most dealerships and manufacturers incentivize with monthly and quarterly goals. The more eager dealers and employees are to hit their numbers, the more leverage you have to negotiate. Catch them at month's end as the sales cycle comes to a close and you could end up walking away happy.
Markdowns for certain vehicles may also deepen during different months of the year. For example, May is a popular month for SUVs, and you're more likely to find fair quotes on trucks and full-sized pickups in the fall.
Seasonal Offers
At the end of the year, dealerships are probably working to clear out current models to make space for the next year's lot. You could find Black Friday offers in November as well as holiday discounts throughout December.
Dealership rollbacks fluctuate quickly, but that could work to your advantage. Either way, with a little flexibility you may be able to land the car you want while spending a reasonable amount.
Shopping by the Day
Contrary to what the ad campaigns would suggest, weekends generally aren't the best time to buy a car. Three-day or holiday weekends like Presidents Day may offer exceptions, but don't get stuck thinking this is the only time to find a great value.
Instead, avoid the weekend rush and consider buying during the week. Statistically, shopping on a Monday tends to save buyers an average of 8 percent off the MSRP. Weekdays also make it easier to get prequalified by the bank, which can increase your negotiating power.
Money-Saving by Month
Most dealerships and manufacturers incentivize with monthly and quarterly goals. The more eager dealers and employees are to hit their numbers, the more leverage you have to negotiate. Catch them at month's end as the sales cycle comes to a close and you could end up walking away happy.
Markdowns for certain vehicles may also deepen during different months of the year. For example, May is a popular month for SUVs, and you're more likely to find fair quotes on trucks and full-sized pickups in the fall.
Seasonal Offers
At the end of the year, dealerships are probably working to clear out current models to make space for the next year's lot. You could find Black Friday offers in November as well as holiday discounts throughout December.
Dealership rollbacks fluctuate quickly, but that could work to your advantage. Either way, with a little flexibility you may be able to land the car you want while spending a reasonable amount.
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