When is best time of year to buy used car? As someone who researches the latest automotive news and frequently shops for vehicles, I’m constantly analyzing market patterns to time my purchases strategically. Over the years, I’ve noticed how certain periods throughout the seasonal cycle, sales quotas, and product launches tend to result in stronger negotiating leverage. In this article, I’ll break down the peak opportunities and least favorable times to buy a used car based on my experience and industry data.
When is best time to buy second hand car?
Holidays
Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are reliable times to find pre-break sales and deals. Dealers want to move inventory before closing for the day or weekend, often resulting in increased negotiating power right before these holidays hit. Even three-day weekends provide similar opportunities.
End of Month, Quarter, Endings
Getting to the dealership in the final days of any given month or quarter practically guarantees the best odds of savings. Sales teams face quotas to close out periods strong while also avoiding unsold vehicle blemishes on reports. Budget-conscious buyers thrive here.
Invest During Off-Seasons
Winter months bring an influx of used vehicles as leases expire, but demand lags. Dealers need to clear lots for incoming models, so motivated sellers meet less competition between November through February. Savings abound with patience off-season.
Winter
When roads get treacherous, buyers skip test drives but dealers still need turnover. Show willingness during blizzards and you may drive a harder bargain as staff eager to send cars home before closing up shop early.
Find Out About Auto Shows
Major conventions in large cities coincide with unveilings keeping eyes locked forward. But surrounding used car “tent sales” aim to steal attention, so shop there too for unadvertised pricing leverage.
Wait for New Model Introductions
Incoming design refreshes shake up resale projections. Once unveiled, leftovers from past years suddenly hold weaker positions. Pounce after reveals but before imminent inventory sell-offs.
Leverage These Times for Deals on Used Cars
End of the Month
As the calendar nears monthly finales, goals-chasing staff get desperate to pad profit-sharing stats. I’ve negotiated thousands off by arriving on the 28th through 30th consistently.
End of Quarter
The dynamic intensifies quarterly as regional managers crack whips. March, June, September and December month-ends offer maximum influence here if your timing’s precise.
Best Day of the Week to Buy a Used Car
Research shows Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays bring the calmest, most conversational buyers and sellers overall. But locally, I’ve noticed Mondays and Fridays especially allowing staff stressed from weekends to cut deals just before or just after peak traffic days. Ask what day recent trade-ins arrived too for freshness opportunities.
Best Holiday to Buy a Used Car
Memorial Day consistently earns this title industry-wide since it kicks off summer driving season when inventory moves fastest. Dealers prep price-slashed lots for the busiest shopping window all year and face three day closure—a sure formula for deals if you visit their Internet departments on weekends leading up.
Worst Times to Buy a Used Car
- Early in a Model Year: New designs debut with premiums while outgoing years hadn’t depreciated much. Prices plateau until winter clearances.
- Immediately after a Launch: New introductions cause surrounding used products to fall out of favor fast as shoppers embrace novelty at new car lots. Wait for resets.
- Start of a New Month: Inventory just replenished from month-end sales means leverage expires briefly as optimism returns. Catch the market low ebb instead.
In summary, with meticulous timing it’s absolutely possible to generate thousands in unadvertised value by shopping at the ideal market inflection points. Hope this guide to seasonal patterns and opportune moments helps you secure the best used car without paying over sticker. Let me know if any other questions arise in your vehicle search.
FAQs
What’s the best month to buy a used car?
Generally, the best months to buy a used car are January and February. This is after the end of the year clearance sales when inventory is high. Dealers are motivated to clear out last year’s models.
What is the cheapest month to buy a car?
Studies show December tends to be the cheapest overall month to buy a new or used car. Dealerships are trying to meet annual sales goals so will negotiate more at this time. January is also typically very affordable as the new model year arrives.
Is it a good time to buy a used car in the US?
Right now can be a good time as used car values remain elevated due to inventory shortages. However, you can still find deals if you shop at optimal times like holidays, month/quarter ends, or just after a new model year launch when last year’s cars get markdowns.
Can you negotiate better prices during favorable buying periods?
Absolutely. Dealers are often more motivated to move inventory during busy shopping seasons and times they’re trying to hit quotas. You’ll have the most leverage if you visit during these peak periods, like month/quarter ends, long holiday weekends, or after a new model launch.
Is there a specific time of day when you should head to the dealership?
Most experts recommend going in the late afternoon, around 4-6pm on weekday nights. Weekend traffic tends to be busier. Late afternoon is that sweet spot when the dealership is trying to wrap up last minute deals for the day before closing. You may find them more willing to negotiate then.
