Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've heard that the best time to buy a new car is the week between Christmas and New Years. Makes sense, but how limited is dealer inventory? Is it true one of the reasons why they want to move cars is to reduce inventory for end of the year tax purposes? That leads me to believe that the only cars available then will be perhaps less desirable, or there will be very limited inventory if I want a specific color or equipment package. Any truth to this reasoning?
I'd think that most dealerships (corporations) are on a fiscal year that doesn't end Dec. 31.
My dad had a small dealership and always said the best time to buy was the end of Jan or Feb -- too cold for many people to want to shop the cold, icy, windy car lots, and dealers were more anxious to move a car then. I don't know how accurate that advice was. I usually trade when something breaks on my car and I get peeved with it.
In my experience, late winter is the time when many dealers are most eager to move their inventory. The post xmas buying has ended and the spring surge hasn't started, so sales tend to be slow in late Jan through Feb.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,203 posts, read 80,369,332 times
Reputation: 57070
I have bought our last 4 new cars at or near the end of the year, and have saved $3-5,000 from the sticker on all of them.
The dealerships are like a ghost town the week after Christmas. The finance guy once told me that the factory uses calendar year to determine annual sales which affect their supply and selection of vehicles for the new year, so they are highly motivated to get cars off the lot then. I have never suffered from lack of inventory. Even my last purchase, a used 2013 Challenger was in December. Of course, the downside is having all of the insurance payments coming up at the same time every 6 months.
There is no magical special time in which you get the greatest bargain known to man. Buy a car when you want or need a car.
While I don't completely disagree with you, right now I am in a position to only want a car, there is no need. If I can time my purchase to a time of the year when dealers are more willing to deal, why wouldn't I try to save a bunch of money?
depends how selective you are and how much in demand for the car.
1. Get a previous year model in January. So get a 2016 car in Jan-Feb 2017. A year old model now. Problem with this is extremely limited inventory...aka leftover cars. My dad was able to knock off quite a lot...my sibling too....8 grand under invoice.
2. The changeover model. Usually about Aug/Sept is when the 2017 models will come out...sometimes earlier. Dealers need to move out the 2016 out. You need to be patience
I've always understood it that the best time of the year to buy a NEW car is in September when the next years models are coming out and they need to make room on the lot to bring in the new inventory. As long as you don't mind a car that's been sitting there for a year, and not the flashiest newest thing on the road.
As for Used cars, if you're flexible keep an eye out on what strikes your interest. If you see something on a smaller lot that has been sitting there for a while, check it out an make a lowball offer, see if they are ready to just get rid of it. If you have something specific or at the least a specific make you are looking for, most dealerships (FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN) offer there best discounts every couple of months around big holidays. Christmas/New years, 4th of July, Labor day...
While I don't completely disagree with you, right now I am in a position to only want a car, there is no need. If I can time my purchase to a time of the year when dealers are more willing to deal, why wouldn't I try to save a bunch of money?
Well, sure, without a pressing need I would wait until the right deal comes along. But there are many people who are convinced if they just wait until 3:21pm on February 27, 2021, then the dealership will magically knock $7500 off the price just because. It doesn't work like that.
It varies based on location, manufacturer, and the car you want. For instance, when I worked in dealerships, one of the single busiest times of year was in between Christmas and New Years. I wouldn't worry too much about the time of year so much as keep an eye on the manufacturer incentives.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.