When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
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7 minute read- The best time to buy a new car is October to December, when dealers face monthly, quarterly, and annual quotas simultaneously — driving discounts of 10–20% off MSRP.
- January is a hidden gem for buyers, with post-holiday low demand pushing deals 10–15% below sticker price and 55% more discounts available compared to peak months.
- Avoid spring and summer if possible — tax refund season and warmer weather spike demand, with June seeing 20–30% fewer deals and significantly less negotiating leverage.
- End-of-month and weekday visits give you an edge, as salespeople are chasing quotas and foot traffic is lower, meaning more attention and more room to negotiate.
- For used cars, January to February is prime time, when trade-ins flood the market and prices are at their lowest — while March and April see prices jump roughly 10% due to tax refund demand.
There are countless myths surrounding this topic. For example, a lot of people believe that rainy or snowy days are a good time to visit the dealership. But this isn’t actually true. In fact, the best way to get a deal is by timing your purchase based on dealer quotas and inventory cycles. It’s exactly the same as waiting for an end-of-season sale on something like winter coats.
Yes, if you want to maximize savings, then time your purchase with the dealer’s desperation to clear stock. Buyers who do this could save thousands without aggressive haggling. The latest data backs this up. Studies show that people who buy in January get at least 10% off on the average price. This is mostly due to low demand post-holidays.
Another good time to buy a car is at the end of the year from October to December. You can get a better price during these months because dealers have quotas to make and want to sell cars. There is also less foot traffic during this time.
Play your cards right and you’ll get low-interest financing and as much as 10-15% off the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.) In this article we’ll reveal more techniques for getting a deal. You’ll learn what really influences car prices and when to buy if you’re looking for the biggest possible discount.
Understanding Dealer Motivations: Why Timing Matters for the Best Time to Buy a Car
Sales quotas and incentives
If you’re buying a new car, then do it at the end of the month. Salespeople have monthly quotas, meaning your negotiation leverage is increased as well as your chances of getting a deal.
Another good time to buy is at the end of March, June, September, and December. These periods align with fiscal targets. Many dealers also receive manufacturer’s bonuses for hitting sales targets, meaning you could get a 5-10% price reduction if you buy at the end of the quarter.
But the absolute best time to purchase a new car is from October to December. This time period combines monthly/quarterly pressures with annual targets. The colder weather also reduces buyers, and this amplifies dealers' desperation.
This isn’t theory. It’s backed up by data that show that December is #1 for discount frequency and size. Manufacturer incentives (like cash-back or low APR) also peak here. It’s just like a store manager slashing prices to hit yearly revenue goals.
Inventory dynamics and floor plan costs
Dealers pay monthly holding costs (known as floor plan financing) on unsold cars. These costs escalate after 60-90 days. This means that vehicles still unsold after 120+ days may see steeper discounts. Look for cars that have sat on the lot for a while.
Seasonal Factors Influencing the Best Time to Buy a Car
Winter months: Low demand drives deals
December to February is a great time to purchase a new car. The post-holiday spending fatigue and cold weather deter shoppers. Dealerships see reduced foot traffic, and this incentivizes price reductions.
January averages 55% more deals, according to new data. For example, surplus 2025 models sold 10-15% below MSRP in January 2026. It’s the same as when hotel rates drop during off-season due to fewer tourists.
Spring and summer: High demand; avoid if possible
Don’t buy a car if it’s March or April. This is tax refund season, which increases the number of people who are looking for a car and inflates prices. You’re unlikely to get a deal or discount during this time. May to August is also a bad time to buy.
Data shows that in June you see 20-30% fewer deals. This is because the weather is warmer and more people are on vacation or out shopping. Demand peaks during summer, and this greatly reduces your leverage.
Fall transition: Model-year changeover opportunities
New models hit dealer showrooms from September to November. Outgoing vehicles are cleared out to free up space for new stock. This means dealers are highly incentivized to reduce prices on older models, and you could get a discount of as much as 20%.
Holiday and Event-Driven Opportunities for the Best Time to Buy a Car
Major holidays: Manufacture-backed promotions
Holidays are frequently used to sell cars. A great example of this is Memorial Day and Labor Day. The 3-day weekend helps dealers reach their sales targets. This incentivizes discounts, and you could get as much as 10% off plus low APR.
Other holidays to watch out for include Black Friday and New Year’s. November to December is always a great time to look for a car. Data shows that a high volume of discounts is given during this period.
Look out for specials and rebates near these holidays. Also make sure to visit dealerships mid-holiday when there’s less competition. You can combine this with end-of-month visits for enhanced savings. For example, the period between Christmas and New Year’s is a great time to look for bargains.
Weekdays vs. weekends: Daily timing tweaks
Try to buy during the week instead of on weekends. Monday is the best day to visit the dealership. There are fewer shoppers during the week, and this means salespeople will pay more attention to you. You’ll also have more time to talk things over and negotiate.
The exact opposite is also true: avoid buying a car on the weekend. Foot traffic is higher, and this means you’ll receive less individual attention. Dealerships also prioritize quick closes over deep discounts due to higher sales volumes.
Special Cases: Discounted Models and Used Cars
Discounted or redesigned models
Dealers will often discount cars to get rid of old stock. This can happen if the model is redesigned. Dealers want to get rid of these cars as quickly as possible because they are losing value. This means you could get as much as 15-20% off the sticker price.
Used cars: Similar but seasonal
January to February is the best time to buy a used car. This is usually when old cars are traded in for new ones. According to the stats, you have a 55% greater chance of getting a deal during this period. On the other hand, the worst time to buy a used car is during tax season. This is because tax refunds spike demand for used cars. Data shows that prices go up by about 10% during March and April.
Conclusion
So when is the best over-all time to buy a new car? Aim for the end of the year (October to December) or at the start of the new year (January to February.) This is the best time to look if you want to buy the previous year’s model. Demand is low at this time, and dealerships are trying to clear old stock. They also need to hit quotas, and this means you could save as much as 10-20%.
Another factor influencing price is dealer costs. These rise with aging inventory, which is why dealers want to get rid of older stock. There is also less foot traffic in winter, and this amplifies incentives. That’s why December is one of the best times to get a discount.
The worst time to buy a car is during spring and summer. This is because new and redesigned cars are being launched. If you have to buy a car during these months, then look for models that are selling slowly.