The Best Time to Buy a Car: Month-by-Month Guide
Car prices fluctuate predictably throughout the year. Here is when dealers are most desperate to deal.
The best months to buy a car are October through December. Dealerships are clearing current-year inventory to make room for next year models, and salespeople are trying to hit annual quotas. The worst time: spring and early summer, when demand peaks and dealers have no incentive to negotiate.
The Monthly Breakdown
January-February: good (post-holiday slowdown). March-May: worst (tax refund season, everyone buying). June-July: average (mid-year clearance starts). August-September: good (new models arriving). October-November: great (year-end push begins). December: best (annual quotas, holiday sales, lowest inventory).
Day of Week and Time of Month
End of month beats beginning (monthly quota pressure). Monday-Wednesday beats weekend (less foot traffic, more negotiating leverage). Late afternoon beats morning (salespeople want to close before going home). The absolute best time: last Monday of December, late afternoon.