Not everyone loves the process of buying a new car because it can be time-consuming and stressful. However, there are specific times during the year when you can get your dream car for a better price and with fewer hassles.
There are several times a year that align with car manufacturers’ schedules, leading to sales on current models before the new ones arrive. Let’s break it down:
### Best Times to Buy a Car
Buying a car follows a seasonal pattern—there’s a perfect time for everything. Car manufacturers often release next year’s models earlier than expected, causing current models to drop in price significantly.
This price drop happens because dealers need to clear out their current inventory to make room for the new models, allowing them to maximize profits on the latest arrivals. To make this happen, dealers organize big sales events.
So, when is the best time to get a deal? The sweet spot usually falls around the back-to-school season, from mid-August to mid-September. During this period, you can score significant discounts on this year’s models, sometimes saving between $1500 to $5000, depending on the make and model of the car.
Keep in mind that dealers might try to push you towards the newest models since their profit margins are higher. Make informed decisions and be prepared to stick to your budget!
Unless there’s been a major redesign, the differences between model years are often just color options or minor cosmetic tweaks. Do your research before heading to the dealership. Know what you want and what kind of deal you’re looking for.
This principle often applies to slightly older models too; dealers earn less profit on them and are thus more willing to negotiate. Buying an older model can often get you the best deal.
### Other Great Times to Buy
Besides mid-August to mid-September, there are two more excellent times to grab a car deal.
**End of the Quarter:** March, June, September, and December are great months because car manufacturers set quarterly sales goals for dealerships. To meet these targets, dealerships offer significant incentives, resulting in great deals for buyers, especially if the dealership hasn’t met its quota.
**Month-End:** Most dealerships have monthly sales targets. If they haven’t met these goals by the end of the month, they become more willing to negotiate. This is especially true during the last weekend of the month when dealerships see more customers and are keen to finalize sales.
### Key Times to Shop
Armed with this knowledge, take your time to find the right vehicle for you. Test drive different models, calculate your budget, and once you’re sure, make your move. Here are the best times to shop for significant savings:
– Mid-August to Mid-September
– Last few days and final weekend of September
– Last few days and final weekend of August
– Final weekends and days of March, June, and December
– Last weekend and final few days of other months
With these key periods in mind, you’re well on your way to securing a fantastic deal on your next car. When have you found the best deals on cars? Share your experiences!