When is the best time to buy a car? Fall and Winter!
If you are in the market for a new car but don’t want to break the bank, you will want to read this blog. If you are ready to buy a new car, it pays to know the best time of year to make that purchase. When you time it just right, you can save big bucks, especially if you are not picky about upgrades or colors.
First tip: Being flexible with a vehicle’s features can give you the most bang for your buck because you can purchase the car already on the lot and ready to go. Dealerships are more flexible in negotiating prices with a car they already own and can sell on the spot.
With all the sales advertised, from holiday discounts to year-end deals, it makes you wonder when is the best time to buy a new car. Whether you are looking to upgrade or if your reliable old car is on its last leg if you, follow these guidelines to find the best deal possible.
What are the signs that you are ready for a new car? Perhaps your car needs repairs that are more costly than the vehicle is worth. Or your car keeps breaking down or failing state inspections. These are all tell-tale signs that it may be time to look for a new car. Other signs that it may be time to purchase a new vehicle are when you begin hearing odd noises, see new leaks, have excessive rust, or if you feel your steering wheel shaking. If you are ready to start searching for a new car, now is the time!
Experts say that the best time to purchase a new car is the 4th quarter. October-December is prime-time to scoop up this year’s model while dealerships are preparing to make room for the latest incoming models. This is the time of year when you can find the highest discounts of MSRP - up to 6%, bundled with other incentives such as payment deferrals, zero percent financing, and even cash-back offers. As we approach the end of the year, new car deals continue to get better and better.
Experts say if you can, purchase a new car on a Sunday over a three-day weekend in December. If you think about it, fewer people are out and about in the winter months, showing that you are a serious buyer if you are out shopping. It is easier to discount items when you know the potential buyer is serious. And if you wait until the new year, opting for the year prior model that is still on the lot.
Here are a few tips on days, holidays, and times of year to purchase a car.
Even though you may think a weekday is the best time of the week to make a purchase, the latest research shows that car buyers can save an average of 10% off MSRP on Sundays. The next best day to buy a car is Tuesday, and Thursdays are the worst day to purchase a vehicle. During holiday weekends, buyers tend to get 40% better deals on Martin Luther King Jr. Day alone; the thought behind this is that dealerships know that people have more time on their hands during a long weekend and are motivated to offer better deals. If you know you will have a car purchase in the future, be sure to do your research ahead of time to take advantage of these holiday deals.
What about buying a used car? Similar to a new car purchase, you can also save the most during the last quarter of the year. Because it is the peak season for selling new cars, more people are trading in their used vehicles, and the dealerships are flooded with trade-ins. With December the best month to get low prices on a used car no matter what vehicle you are looking for now is the time to do your research, and be sure to schedule a pre-purchase inspection with Walt’s Auto Service to ensure that the vehicle you buy is in good shape. Remember, never allow yourself to feel pressured; there will always be a good deal out there.