In this article 19 sections
Short answer: the best time to buy a car is usually the last days of December, when dealers chase monthly, quarterly and annual targets at once and Edmunds transaction data has historically shown the year’s largest average discounts off MSRP. If you cannot wait, aim for the end of any month or quarter, a holiday sale weekend (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Black Friday), the model-year changeover in late summer and fall, and a quiet weekday visit. This guide explains each window.
Buying a vehicle is a huge decision. For most households it is one of the biggest purchases they will make. Therefore, you want to get the lowest price possible. Most importantly, timing is the secret weapon. If you go to a car shop on a busy Saturday, you might pay full price. However, if you visit at the right moment, you can save a lot of money.
This guide will explain exactly when is the best time to buy a car. We will look at specific months and holidays. In addition, we will discuss new car deals and tips for buying used vehicles. Let’s explore the calendar to find your dream ride.
When is the Best Time to Buy a New Car?
The short answer is the end of the year. Specifically, the months of October, November, and December are golden opportunities. Dealers have annual goals. As a result, they offer big discounts to sell more cars.
For example, a car salesman salary often depends on bonuses. They need to sell a certain number of vehicles. As a result, they are more willing to negotiate in December. This makes late winter the best time to buy a car for bargain hunters. You hold the power during these cold months.
The Magic of December
December is usually the absolute best month. To clarify, dealerships want to clear out old models. They need space for incoming stock. Therefore, you can find the cheapest new cars during this time.
In addition, manufacturers often add year-end incentives. These might include cash-back offers or low-interest financing. Waiting until the final days of the month adds leverage, although popular trims may be sold out by then.
End of the Quarter Sales
If you cannot wait until December, try the end of a quarter. These months are March, June, and September. Dealers have quarterly targets. Thus, they push hard to sell cars before the quarter ends.
Visiting a dealership near me in late March is smart. You might find a hungry sales team ready to make a deal. This is another best time to buy a car if you need one in the spring.
Best Month to Buy a Car: A Seasonal Breakdown
Different months offer different advantages. Let’s break it down so you can plan your car purchase.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is generally not the best time for huge discounts. People get their tax refunds. As a result, demand for cars goes up. When demand is high, prices stay high. However, Memorial Day in late May is an exception.
Summer (June, July, August)
Summer brings hot weather and hot deals. 4th of July sales are famous for a reason. Many auto sales events happen during this holiday. Also, incoming models start arriving. As a result, dealers price the current year’s models to sell fast.
Autumn (September, October, November)
This is when the savings really start. The next year’s models, like a new SUV, start filling the lots. Therefore, the current models become “old news.” Dealers must sell them. Black Friday in November is a massive shopping day. You see ads for everything, from Tractor Supply Black Friday deals to electronics. Similarly, car shops offer incredible car deals during this weekend.
Winter (December, January, February)
As mentioned, December is king. However, January and February are slow months for car shops near me. The weather is bad. People are paying off holiday debt. As a result, showrooms are empty. A hungry salesman will fight for your business. This is certainly the best time to buy a car if you like to haggle.
Holiday Sales Events You Cannot Miss
Holidays are perfect for car shopping. Dealerships create big events to attract crowds. Let’s look at the major ones.
Memorial Day
This kicks off the summer buying season. You will see many advertisements for new car deals. It is a good time to look for a car dealer near me.
4th of July
Mid-summer creates a lull in sales. Therefore, dealers use Independence Day to boost numbers. There is usually a wide selection of cars for sale.
Labor Day
This holiday in early September is a turning point. It signals the end of summer. More importantly, it is when the new model year vehicles arrive in bulk. Thus, the outgoing models get deep price cuts.
Black Friday and New Year’s Eve
These are the heavy hitters. Best car deals right now often happen during these year-end events. If you are looking for cheap cars, mark these dates on your calendar. Many experts agree this is the best time to buy a car.
Understanding Model Changeovers
Understanding model years is crucial. Typically, new model years start arriving in the late summer or fall.
When the new models arrive, the previous versions lose value. They are no longer the “newest” thing. However, they are still brand new cars. This transition period is the best time to buy a new car if you don’t mind the previous year’s model. You get a new car with a used car price tag.
Best Time to Buy Used Cars
Buying used is different from buying new. The best place to buy used cars might be a local lot or an online site. But when should you buy?
Fall and Winter for Used Cars
Just like new cars, used car prices drop late in the year. People trade in their old cars to buy new ones in December. As a result, the supply of used cars increases.
When supply goes up, prices go down. CarMax used cars and local dealers will have plenty of inventory. Therefore, you have more choices and better prices. Determining the best time to buy a car that is used is easy; just look at the calendar in November.
Avoid Spring and Summer
In contrast, spring is tough for used car buyers. Tax refunds mean more people have cash. They are looking for used cars under 10000. Competition is high. Thus, prices rise.
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Does it Matter?
Yes, the day of the week matters significantly. Most people shop on weekends. The showrooms are busy. Salespeople are juggling multiple customers. As a result, they have less time for you.
Why Mondays and Tuesdays are Best
Visit the lincoln dealership or any autoshop early in the week. Mondays and Tuesdays are quiet. You might be the only customer. Therefore, the salesperson can focus entirely on you.
In addition, they might be eager to start their week with a win. They want to put a sale on the board. This gives you leverage to negotiate car price. For personal attention, the beginning of the week is the best time to buy a car.
Cheapest State to Buy a Car
Did you know geography affects price? The cheapest state to buy a car often has lower documentation fees and sales taxes.
For example, some states have high dealer fees. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax. However, crossing a border rarely avoids tax: you generally pay sales or use tax to the state where you register the car, with credit for tax already paid elsewhere. A neighboring-state dealer can still win on price or fees.
Also, look at the car market in different areas. Trucks might be cheaper in the south. Convertibles might be cheaper in the north during winter.
How to Prepare for Your Purchase
Knowing when is the best time to buy a car is step one. Step two is preparation. You cannot just walk in blind.
Check Your Credit
Before you look at the best car financing deals, check your score. A better score means a lower interest rate. This saves you money every month.
Research Prices
Use the best online car buying sites to check values. Know what the car is worth. If you are looking for the best model, see what others are paying.
Get Pre-Approved
Go to your bank or credit union first. Get a loan offer. Then, take that offer to the dealership. Ask them to beat it. This is a smart way to handle car purchase financing.
Comparison: Best Times to Buy
Here is a simple table to help you visualize the best opportunities.
| Event / Timeframe | Savings Potential | Inventory Selection |
| End of Year (Dec) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highest) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Lower) |
| Black Friday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Labor Day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| End of Month | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Weekdays (Mon-Tue) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spring Season | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How Big Is the December Discount? What the Data Says
Edmunds research, as reported by AAA, found that dealers take an average of 6.1 percent off the MSRP during December. AAA, citing Kelley Blue Book, also points to December 30 and 31 as the year’s best days, when salespeople push to reach yearly quotas. That is an average across many vehicles, so a hot-selling model may carry no discount at all while a slow seller carries much more.
To see what 6.1 percent means in dollars, multiply it by the sticker price (our arithmetic):
| MSRP | Average December discount (6.1%) |
| $30,000 | $1,830 |
| $40,000 | $2,440 |
| $50,000 | $3,050 |
Timing also trades off against selection. By late December the popular colors and trims are often gone, so decide in advance whether a lower price is worth a less specific car. AAA also notes Tuesday or Wednesday visits for better service when a dealership is closed on Sundays, and says three-day weekends such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Black Friday bring sales events.
Used Cars for Sale by Owner
Sometimes, the best deal isn’t at a dealership. Used cars for sale by owner near me can be great bargains. Private sellers don’t have overhead costs.
However, be careful. There is no warranty. You must inspect the vehicle. Bring a mechanic if possible. Sites that list used cars often have filters for private sellers.
Timing vs. Financing: Why the Loan Rate Can Matter as Much as the Month
A good month can save a few thousand dollars, and a bad loan can give it back. The Federal Reserve’s G.19 consumer credit release (published October 7, 2026) shows an average 7.54 percent rate on 60-month new-car loans at commercial banks for August 2026 (preliminary). Here is what a two-point difference does on a $35,000 loan over 60 months (our calculation with the standard payment formula):
| APR | Monthly payment | Total interest |
| 5.54% | $669 | $5,151 |
| 7.54% | $702 | $7,120 |
| 9.54% | $736 | $9,145 |
Going from 9.54 to 7.54 percent saves about $2,025 in interest, roughly the same as the 6.1 percent December discount on a $33,000 car. The FTC gives three habits that protect that money:
- Get pre-approved first. The FTC says pre-approval shows you the APR, loan length and maximum amount before you shop.
- Ask for the out-the-door price in writing. The FTC defines it as the total price before financing, including taxes and fees, so you can compare dealers fairly.
- Treat add-ons as optional. The FTC says add-ons are not free, that it is fine to say no, and that dealers may not tuck them into your deal or lie about them.
The Role of Car Shows and Meets
Attending a car show or car meet is fun. But is it good for buying? Sometimes.
Manufacturers display their upcoming models at car shows. This helps you decide if you should wait for the new model. If the new model has amazing features, wait. If it looks the same, buy the current model now for less.
How to Negotiate Car Price Effectively
Negotiation scares many people. However, it is a game. You need to play it well.
- Be Ready to Walk Away: This is your strongest weapon. If the price isn’t right, leave.
- Focus on “Out the Door” Price: Don’t just look at monthly payments. Look at the total cost.
- Use Silence: Make an offer. Then, stop talking. Let the salesperson speak next.
- Mention Competitors: Say, “I saw a better deal at the car shop near me down the street.”
Current Market Trends
The car market is always changing. Inventory levels fluctuate. This affects availability. When inventory is high, best new car deals are easier to find.
Incentives are often larger when lots are full. “We buy cars” signs are everywhere because dealers need trade-ins. If you have a trade-in, shop it around. Get quotes from CarMax used cars and local dealers to maximize your value.
Your Rights After You Sign: There Is No Federal Cooling-Off Period
Many buyers assume they can return a car within three days. According to the FTC, federal law does not require dealers to give you three days to cancel the deal and return the car. Some states give that right, and some dealers offer it voluntarily, so get any return policy in writing before you sign. A year-end deal is not worth much if you cannot back out of a mistake.
Checklist for a used-car purchase, based on FTC guidance:
- Find the Buyers Guide on the window. Dealers must display one on every used car for sale and give it to you after the sale.
- Check whether the “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” box is ticked. In an as-is sale the dealer will not pay for problems or repairs.
- Write any spoken promise onto the Buyers Guide. The FTC says spoken promises are difficult to enforce.
- Ask whether implied warranties apply. They do not apply to as-is sales, and in other cases they can last up to four years depending on the state.
- Pay for an independent inspection before you commit, especially on private-party sales, which have no dealer warranty.
Conclusion
The bottom line, the best time to buy a car depends on your goals. If you want the lowest price, wait for December. If you need a car now, aim for the end of the month.
Remember to look for new car deals during holidays like Labor Day and Black Friday. Do your research on the best models. Above all, be patient.
Buying a car is a journey. Don’t rush it. Use this guide to find the best month to buy a car. In other words, plan your attack. Check auto sales listings frequently.
Finally, drive safely and enjoy your new ride. You worked hard for it. Now you know the secrets regarding the best time to buy a car.
Related guides: car buying calculators and tools and New Cars Guide 2026.
FAQs
When is the best time to buy a car?
When is the best time to buy a new car?
When is the best time to buy a used car?
When is the best time of year to buy a car?
Which day of the week is best to buy a car?
More Car-Buying Timing Questions
How much can I save by buying a car in December?
Edmunds data cited by AAA shows dealers take an average of 6.1 percent off MSRP in December. On a $40,000 car that is about $2,440, though popular trims may be gone by the last days of the month.
Do I have three days to return a car I just bought?
Usually not. The FTC says federal law does not require dealers to give you three days to cancel a car deal. Some states give that right and some dealers offer it, so get any return policy in writing.
Should I get a car loan before going to the dealership?
Yes, getting pre-approved is recommended by the FTC. It shows your APR, loan length and maximum amount, so you can compare the dealer’s financing offer. The Federal Reserve reported 7.54 percent on 60-month new-car bank loans in August 2026.
For official rules, ratings and consumer guidance on this topic, see:
Sources
- Edmunds: When is the best time to buy a new car?
- California DMV: use tax and credit for tax paid to another state
- Tax Foundation: state and local sales tax rates
- AAA: the best time to buy a car to save you money
- FTC: financing or leasing a car
- FTC: buying a used car from a dealer
- Federal Reserve: G.19 consumer credit, finance rates
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
