When is the Best Time of the Year to Buy a Car?

People always ask us "When is the best time of the year to buy a car?" Well, there's a lot of different answers. It all depends on what factors you look at. First, let's look at individual seasons.

Winter

The colder nastier months are typically the low point of the year for auto sales. Since business is slow, you may find some excellent deals, but since customers are scarce, you may find some very hungry salespeople who could be a bit pushy. If you are in the market for a convertible, buy during the winter. Most people buy convertibles as the weather gets nicer, so a convertible that's for sale at a dealership may have been on the lot for some time, and the dealership would want to move it. You could get a great deal on it.

Spring-Summer

The beginning of the season. President's day starts the real upswing in automotive sales after the winter. Dealerships try and get the season started with the holiday sale, and you'll find the industry busy.

Fall

Customers say to themselves "I don't want to drive this car through another winter" and thus provide a good stream of business throughout the fall months.

Final Thoughts...

All that being said, you should be able to get a great deal at any time of the year. What you should do is find out what manufacturers rebates are being offered at any time. For instance, you may be able to save a few thousand off of a $25,000 car with some haggling, but say that on top of that discount, you throw in $2000 cash back from the manufacturer. Now that $25000 car is selling in the high-teens.

Do your research. Overall, AutoHeroes likes buying cars during the winter. Automobile dealerships are not as busy, and therefore you won't feel rushed and you can get a great deal on your car.

Copyright © 2003, AutoHeroes

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