In this article 20 sections
For most households a car is one of the biggest purchases they will make, and when you buy can change the price as much as how you negotiate. Dealers work toward monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets, automakers add incentives at predictable points in the year, and new model years push older stock off the lot. This guide lays out each window with dated data and a month-by-month calendar for late 2026 and 2027.
Quick answer: For the lowest price, shop the last days of December: Edmunds data cited by AAA show an average 6.1% discount off MSRP that month, and Kelley Blue Book data show incentives peaked at 7.5% of the transaction price in December 2025. Next best: the end of any month or quarter, holiday sale weekends, and late summer, when AAA says most new model years arrive.
Below we cover new and used vehicles, the holiday calendar, model-year changeovers, and why the loan rate can matter as much as the month. For the full purchase process, see our car buying and finance guide.
When is the Best Time to Buy a New Car?
The short answer is the end of the year. October, November and December combine model-year clearance, Black Friday and New Year’s Eve sales events, and dealers’ push to hit annual goals.
According to AAA, salespeople push to reach monthly and yearly sales quotas, so the closer the end of a sales period, the more flexible they may be on price. AAA, citing Kelley Blue Book, points to December 30 and 31 as the best days of the year for that reason.
The Magic of December
December is usually the best month. Dealerships want to clear out the outgoing model year and reach annual goals, and Kelley Blue Book data show incentives climbing to 7.5% of the average transaction price in December 2025, the highest level of that year, up from 6.7% in November.
Manufacturers often add year-end incentives such as 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: late March, June or September. AAA notes that dealerships tend to have seasonal or quarterly sales goals and often run clearance sales to reach them.
The same logic applies at a smaller scale to the end of any month. AAA advises buying at the end of the month rather than the beginning, when salespeople are pushing to make monthly quotas.
Month-by-Month: Best Time to Buy a Car, Late 2026 to 2027
Federal holiday dates come from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s holiday schedule (Black Friday is not a federal holiday; it is the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 26 in 2026); the deal outlook summarizes AAA’s guidance and Kelley Blue Book’s incentive data.
| Month | Key dates | What happens | Deal outlook |
| November 2026 | Black Friday: Nov. 27 | Holiday sales event; outgoing model-year stock still on lots | Strong |
| December 2026 | Dec. 30-31 (KBB’s best days); New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday | Month, quarter and year-end targets at once; incentives peaked at 7.5% of ATP in Dec. 2025 | Best of the year |
| January 2027 | Quiet after the holidays | Fewer shoppers; in harsh-winter areas, AAA says cold weather can add leverage | Fair to good |
| February 2027 | Presidents’ Day: Feb. 15 | Three-day-weekend sales; tax refund season | Good on the holiday weekend |
| March 2027 | Quarter ends Mar. 31 | Quarterly targets; tax refund season | Good at month-end |
| April 2027 | None | Spring is peak demand season, per AAA | Weak |
| May 2027 | Memorial Day: May 31 | Holiday sales event at the end of a busy season | Good on the holiday weekend |
| June 2027 | Quarter ends June 30 | Quarterly targets during peak demand | Fair |
| July 2027 | July 4 is a Sunday; the federal holiday is observed Monday, July 5 | Independence Day sales events | Fair to good |
| August 2027 | Late August | Most new model years start arriving, per AAA | Good on outgoing models |
| September 2027 | Labor Day: Sept. 6; quarter ends Sept. 30 | Model-year clearance, holiday weekend and quarter-end together | Strong |
| October 2027 | Month-end | Clearance of remaining outgoing models | Good |
“Deal outlook” is our summary of the sources, not a guarantee. A hot-selling model may carry no discount at any time of year, while a slow seller can be discounted in any month.
Best Month to Buy a Car: A Seasonal Breakdown
Here is the reasoning behind the calendar, season by season.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is generally not the best time for big discounts. AAA calls spring and early summer peak demand seasons because the weather is nicer, and it notes that many buyers put tax refunds toward a trade-in or down payment. When demand is high, prices stay high. The end of March (a quarter-end) and Memorial Day weekend in late May are the exceptions.
Summer (June, July, August)
Early summer is still busy, but July 4th sales events and the end of June quarter give you openings. By late August, AAA says most new models roll into dealerships, so dealers start pricing the outgoing model year to sell.
Autumn (September, October, November)
This is when the savings really start. The next year’s models fill the lots, the outgoing models must be sold, and Labor Day, the September quarter-end and Black Friday all fall in this stretch. In 2026, Black Friday is November 27.
Winter (December, January, February)
December is the best month for price. January and February are usually quieter, and AAA notes that in areas with harsh winters, fewer people want to shop when it’s cold and snowy, which can give you more leverage. It also suggests buying seasonal vehicles off-season, such as a convertible in December.
Holiday Sales Events You Cannot Miss
AAA lists three-day weekends, including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day, plus Black Friday, the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, as good times for car deals. It also cautions that these weekends are busy, so service can suffer.
Memorial Day
This kicks off the summer buying season and comes at the end of the busy spring stretch. In 2027, Memorial Day is Monday, May 31.
4th of July
Dealers use Independence Day sales events to boost mid-summer numbers. In 2027, July 4 falls on a Sunday and the federal holiday is observed on Monday, July 5.
Labor Day
This holiday in early September is a turning point. It comes just after most new model-year vehicles start arriving, so outgoing models are often discounted. In 2027, Labor Day is Monday, September 6.
Black Friday and New Year’s Eve
These are the heavy hitters, because they fall in the year-end stretch when dealers chase annual targets. Black Friday 2026 is November 27, and New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday this year, so the final push lands on a weekday.
Understanding Model Changeovers
AAA explains that new models can technically come out at any point after January 2, but most roll into dealerships in late August or early September, and dealers then discount last year’s models to make room. Timing can slip: Kelley Blue Book’s September 2026 report said the arrival of next-model-year vehicles was well behind historic norms, which means clearance pressure on outgoing models may build later than usual this fall.
Unless the new model is a redesign with a new body or major new technology, last year’s version is usually little different. This transition period is the best time to buy a new car if you don’t mind the previous model year. Kelley Blue Book also notes that next-model-year inventory is often repriced higher, which is one reason prices tend to rise in the second half of the year.
Best Time to Buy Used Cars
Buying used is different from buying new, but the calendar still matters.
Fall and Winter for Used Cars
AAA says December advice also applies to used cars: so many people trade in their old cars for new ones in December that used-car dealers need to make room for additional inventory.
When supply goes up, prices tend to come down, and you have more choices. Late fall and December are good months to shop used.
Avoid Spring and Summer
In contrast, spring is tough for used car buyers. AAA calls spring and early summer peak demand seasons, and tax refunds give more buyers cash to spend, so dealers have less reason to discount.
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Does it Matter?
For service, yes; for price, less than many guides claim. AAA says the day of the week doesn’t impact deals, but weekends are often busy, so salespeople have less time for you.
Why Mondays and Tuesdays are Best
For more personal service, AAA suggests Monday or Tuesday, or Tuesday or Wednesday if the dealership is closed on Sundays. You are more likely to get unhurried test drives and answers.
AAA adds a related point: early in the month is quieter, and the finance office may process your offer faster. Choose the end of the month for price, or the start of the week and month for service.
Cheapest State to Buy a Car
Geography affects the final price through 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.
Seasonal demand also varies by vehicle type. AAA notes that a convertible is easier to bargain for in December, and four-wheel-drive vehicles in spring and summer.
How to Prepare for Your Purchase
Knowing when is the best time to buy a car is step one. Step two is preparation.
Check Your Credit
Before you look at financing offers, check your score. A better score usually means a lower interest rate; see our breakdown of average auto loan rates by credit score.
Research Prices
Check what others in your area are paying for the exact trim before you visit, and compare at least two dealers. If you are undecided between owning and leasing, run the numbers in our lease vs. buy guide before you start negotiating.
Get Pre-Approved
Go to your bank or credit union first. Get a loan offer. Then, take that offer to the dealership and ask them to beat it.
Comparison: Best Times to Buy
A quick summary of each timing window and its trade-off:
| Event / Timeframe | Why it can save money | Trade-off |
| End of Year (Dec) | Monthly, quarterly and annual targets; 6.1% average MSRP discount (Edmunds via AAA) | Popular colors and trims may be gone |
| Black Friday | Holiday sales event in the year-end stretch | Busy showrooms |
| Labor Day | Holiday weekend as new model years arrive | Busy showrooms |
| End of Month | Salespeople pushing for monthly quotas | Less time for questions |
| Weekdays (Mon-Tue) | Better service, per AAA (does not change the deal itself) | Harder to fit around work |
| Spring Season | Wide selection | Peak demand, fewer discounts |
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 |
Kelley Blue Book’s monthly reports add a second, more recent measure. In December 2025, incentives averaged 7.5% of the average transaction price (ATP), the highest point of 2025, compared with 6.7% in November 2025 and 7.9% in December 2024. Average prices paid also hit a record that month (initially estimated at $50,326 and later cited by KBB as $50,614), because December’s sales mix leaned toward full-size pickups, midsize SUVs and luxury vehicles; KBB says new-vehicle prices typically peak in December. In other words, the discount on a given car is larger, even though the average car sold costs more.
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. Private sellers don’t have a dealer’s overhead, so prices can be lower.
However, be careful. There is no warranty in a private sale, so pay for an independent inspection before you commit. 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
Car shows are useful research, not a place to buy. Manufacturers display upcoming models there, which helps you decide whether to wait. If the new model is a major redesign you want, wait; if it looks nearly the same, the outgoing model at a clearance price may be the better buy.
How to Negotiate Car Price Effectively
Good timing gives you leverage; these habits help you use it.
- 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: Bring written quotes from other dealers for the same vehicle and ask them to beat it.
Current Market Trends (Fall 2026)
Kelley Blue Book’s September 2026 report, published October 13, 2026, put the average transaction price at $50,562 and the average MSRP at $52,342. Incentives averaged 6.6% of ATP, or about $3,359, below the 7.3% of September 2025. That is the baseline heading into the 2026 year-end sales season: if December follows the 2025 pattern, incentives should rise from here.
If you have a trade-in, shop it around. Get written offers from more than one dealer or buying service before you negotiate the new car, and keep the trade-in and purchase price as separate conversations.
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 best time to buy a car depends on your goals. If you want the lowest price, aim for the last days of December 2026. If you need a car sooner, target the end of a month or quarter, Black Friday on November 27, 2026, or the next holiday weekend.
If you can wait until late summer 2027, the model-year changeover and Labor Day on September 6 are the next strong window. Spring is usually the weakest season for discounts.
Whatever the month, get pre-approved, ask for the out-the-door price in writing, and compare at least two dealers. Timing gives you leverage, but preparation is what turns it into savings.
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.
Are car incentives really bigger in December?
Yes, on recent data. Kelley Blue Book reported incentives at 7.5% of the average transaction price in December 2025, the highest level of that year, versus 6.7% in November 2025. In September 2026 they were 6.6%.
When is Black Friday 2026 for car deals?
Black Friday 2026 is November 27, the day after Thanksgiving (November 26). The next three-day holiday weekend is Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday on the federal holiday schedule), Monday, February 15, 2027.
When do new model-year cars arrive at dealers?
AAA says most new models roll into dealerships in late August or early September, although a new model year can technically start any time after January 2. Kelley Blue Book reported in October 2026 that next-model-year arrivals were running well behind historic norms.
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
- Kelley Blue Book / Cox Automotive: December 2025 average transaction price report
- Kelley Blue Book / Cox Automotive: September 2026 average transaction price report
- U.S. OPM: federal holiday schedule
- 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
