When it comes to buying a car, timing is everything. Whether you’re eyeing a brand-new model or looking for a reliable used vehicle, knowing the best times to make your purchase can save you a significant amount of money. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the car-buying process and identify the optimal times to buy.

1. The Best Days of the Week: Midweek Wins

Most people do their car shopping on weekends, which means dealerships are busier and less likely to offer significant discounts. To get the best deal and personalized service, consider visiting the dealership on a weekday, preferably midweek. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are particularly good days to shop because the dealership is typically quieter, and salespeople may be more willing to negotiate to make a sale.

2. The Best Time of Day: Late Afternoon and Evening

If you’re looking to strike a deal, consider heading to the dealership later in the day. Salespeople may be more eager to close a deal before they head home, especially if it’s been a slow day. This can work in your favor, as they might be more willing to offer you a better price just to finalize the sale.

3. The Best Months: September, October, and December

Timing your car purchase to the right month can lead to significant savings:

• September and October: These months are when dealerships start receiving new models for the upcoming year. To make room for the new inventory, they’re often eager to sell off the current year’s models at a discount. This is an excellent time to find deals on cars that are still brand new but may not have the latest features.
• December: December is arguably the best month to buy a car. Dealerships are trying to hit their year-end sales quotas, and salespeople are often more motivated to offer better deals to meet these targets. The closer you get to the end of the month, the better the deals tend to be.

4. The Best Time of the Month: Month-End

Car dealerships often have monthly sales targets they need to meet. As the month draws to a close, salespeople may be more motivated to make deals in order to hit their quotas. The last few days of any month are an excellent time to visit the dealership if you’re looking to negotiate a lower price or secure better financing terms.

5. The Best Time for Used Cars: Early in the New Year

If you’re in the market for a used car, consider shopping in January or February. After the holiday season, many people trade in their old cars for new ones, leaving dealerships with a surplus of used vehicles. Dealers will be eager to move this inventory, and you may find great deals as a result.

Worst Times to Buy a Car: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While there are plenty of great times to buy a car, there are also some times you should avoid:

• Weekends: With the dealership crowded with potential buyers, it’s harder to get a good deal.
• Early in the Year: While holiday sales events in January can offer discounts, they are often not as substantial as those later in the year.
• Summer: Unless you’re looking to buy a car model that’s nearing the end of its cycle, summer months generally offer fewer discounts.

Choose Your Best Time to Buy a Car

When you’ve identified the right time to buy, AGCU can help you make and finance your purchase. Our 100% financing options and competitive rates on new and used cars make it easier to drive off in your dream vehicle. Be sure to check out our auto loan rates and apply online for a preapproval before you head to the dealership.

Next Steps:

1. Assess your flexibility and plan your car purchase around one of the best times of the year.
2. Research makes and models, and familiarize yourself with fair-market prices to identify a great deal.
3. Visit your local dealership prepared to negotiate, and consider getting preapproved for an auto loan with AGCU to streamline your purchase process.

By timing your car purchase wisely, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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