Best Time to Buy a New Car: Save More with Smart Timing
Getting a great deal on a new car takes patience and strategic thinking. Salespeople at car dealerships have a lot of leeway when it comes to negotiating prices and included features. Regardless of your experience with haggling, you can significantly improve your chances of landing a great deal by understanding the **best time to buy a new car**.
At Foxx Insurance, we help our customers save money not just on auto insurance, but on all the decisions that impact their finances. That’s why we created this guide to help you determine the **best and worst times to buy a new car**.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Car?
Believe it or not, timing your purchase by the calendar can save you thousands. These are the months that typically yield the best deals:
- November/December: Year-end quotas drive dealerships to offer serious discounts. Salespeople are under pressure to close as many deals as possible, and managers often approve generous incentives and bonuses. Walk into a showroom during these months, and you might find the staff willing to cut you a great deal just to meet their sales goals.
- August/September: This is when dealerships clear out current-year models to make room for next year’s vehicles. The savings can be huge, especially if you’re not particular about having the latest model. While styling and features may vary slightly, the value is still excellent.
For additional insight, check out this helpful article from Edmunds on car-buying timing.
What Are the Worst Months to Buy?
Conversely, here are the months when good deals are harder to come by:
- February/March: Tax refunds mean lots of buyers hit dealerships, which reduces your negotiating power. Demand goes up, and dealers are less desperate to make deals.
- April/May: Graduation season and improved weather motivate people to shop for new cars. Dealerships often experience solid sales during this time, so they have no reason to discount prices heavily.
What About the Type of Car?
In some cases, the **best time to buy a new car** depends on what you’re shopping for:
- Convertibles and Sports Cars: Winter is best, especially in colder states. Rear-wheel drive vehicles don’t sell well in snowy weather, so dealers may offer steep discounts.
- Trucks and SUVs: Consider buying during the summer, when gas prices rise and demand for high-mileage vehicles increases. Dealers will be more willing to negotiate on fuel-hungry vehicles.
Is There a Best Time of Day?
Yes—show up near closing time. When salespeople are tired and ready to wrap up, they may offer quicker and better deals just to finalize the sale and head home.
Final Thoughts: Plan for the Best Time to Buy a New Car
In conclusion, the **best time to buy a new car** isn’t just about personal readiness—it’s about using the calendar to your advantage. Whether you’re aiming for year-end sales or summer clearances, being informed gives you negotiating power.
And when the deal is done, don’t forget to protect your investment. Foxx Insurance offers competitive rates and expert advice. Visit our quote page to get started or explore our auto insurance tips.