The Best Time of Year to Buy a Car (and Get the Most Wiggle Room on Price)

If you’re looking to buy a car and want to score the best deal possible, timing is everything. While features, mileage, and even your credit score play a role in how much you’ll pay, the calendar can be just as important when it comes to saving money. Dealerships operate on sales goals and inventory cycles that make certain times of the month and year more favorable for buyers. Knowing when to shop can mean hundreds—or even thousands—off your final price. In this post, we’ll break down the best times to buy, from the end of the month to new model rollouts, so you know when to show up with confidence and negotiate like a pro.

End of the Month: When Sales Goals Matter Most

One of the most well-known tactics in car buying is to shop at the end of the month. Why? Because dealership salespeople often have monthly quotas to hit. If they’re short of their target as the month wraps up, they may be more willing to cut you a deal to secure another sale. In some cases, they’re working toward bonuses or incentives from the manufacturer, meaning your purchase could help push them over the line. This gives you, the buyer, more leverage. Be sure to come in during the last three days of the month and make it clear you’re ready to buy today—but only if the price is right.

End of the Year: Maximize Manufacturer Discounts

If you’re really serious about getting the lowest possible price, the end of the year—especially December—is prime time. Dealerships are not only trying to meet year-end quotas, but they’re also clearing out inventory to make room for the next year’s models. That double pressure can lead to significant markdowns, better financing offers, and manufacturer-backed cash rebates. Additionally, many buyers are distracted by the holidays and year-end expenses, which means fewer people are on the lot. Less competition means more attention from sales staff and a better shot at negotiation success. Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is often considered the absolute sweet spot.

Model Year Changeovers: The Hidden Savings Window

Car manufacturers typically release new models in late summer through early fall. As these new vehicles arrive, dealerships become motivated to move out the current year’s inventory. This makes late August through October a particularly strong buying window, especially for those who don’t mind getting a car that’s technically a year older but still brand new. You’ll often find big discounts, low APR offers, and other manufacturer incentives. Just remember: while you’re getting a new car, its value will reflect the previous model year, which can impact future resale or trade-in value—but the upfront savings are usually worth it for most buyers.

Holiday Sales Events: Capitalize on Promotional Seasons

Holidays aren’t just for family gatherings—they’re also major shopping events for car buyers. Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, and even Black Friday are all known for aggressive dealership promotions. These events often include special lease rates, cash back, and price slashes, especially if they align with the end of a quarter or year. Some of these deals are designed to bring in foot traffic, so do your homework beforehand and be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that the showroom can get busy during these times, so being pre-approved for financing and knowing exactly what you want can help you beat the rush and close the deal fast.

Best Time Depends on You: Combine Timing with Preparation

While there are ideal times on the calendar to buy a car, the best time ultimately depends on your personal readiness. Having your trade-in appraised, getting pre-approved for a loan, researching fair market prices, and being flexible on make or model can all boost your negotiating power. Pairing these steps with smart timing—like shopping at the end of a quarter or during a model-year transition—can lead to real savings. Dealers are more likely to negotiate with well-informed, ready-to-buy customers, especially during slower sales periods. So before you head to the lot, plan ahead, time your visit wisely, and walk in ready to strike a deal when the odds are most in your favor.