When to Buy a Car: A Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Time of Year for Car Purchases

Are you wondering when the ideal time is to buy a new or used car? This guide examines month-by-month new car trends and cycles to reveal the seasons and months that offer prime car buying opportunities based on incentives, vehicle availability, and more.

Buying a vehicle is a major purchase, so you want timing on your side to score the best possible deal. While car purchases happen year-round, shopping at key times is proven to maximize purchase power. Follow this monthly breakdown to snag an affordable deal.

Vehicle Shopping Trends and Cycles by Month

Car sales fluctuate in patterns tied to annual new model release cycles, holidays, weather, and other market forces:

• January - Slow sales make January deals tempting. Prior year models go on closeout.
• February - President's Day sales provide some deals before spring tax refund season.
• March - Early spring means great lease and finance rates as interest rates remain low post-holiday season.
• April - Japanese automakers roll out their new model years during this month, bringing deals on outgoing models.
• May - Memorial Day sales mean bargains abound on prior model years as summer nears.
• June - New model hype is high ahead of fall introductions of latest releases. Avoid high prices on latest models.
• July - Deep summer clearance sales as dealerships make room for next year cars arriving soon.
• August - Slim pickings on outgoing models, but good finance rates and terms continue.
• September - Big deals on demonstrator models and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming releases.
• October - Next model year hype returns but can also find lingering deals on previous years.
• November - Buy current model year or wait a month for upcoming releases to get announced holiday deals and incentives.
• December - Holiday deals abound but selection is limited as new models already rolled out.

Let's explore prime car buying months in more detail.

Best Times of Year to Buy a New Car

For new vehicle purchases, target late summer through fall when new model releases coincide with dealers looking to clear out inventory:

End of Summer (July - August) - Best New Car Deals

Summer is an ideal time to buy. Dealers are discounting outgoing models still in stock to make room for next year's impending arrival. You'll also benefit from:

• Hefty cashback offers and financing deals
• Great new lease offers as leasing volume picks up
• Wider availability on colors and trim configurations
• More room for negotiation on price

Late summer offers the perfect intersection of clearance pricing, plentiful choices and strong incentives.

Early Fall (September - October)

If you missed end-of-summer deals, fall is also favorable for new purchases:

• Late model year vehicles still discounted
• Incentives on new arrivals to generate early buzz
• Chance to order a new model build to your specifications
• Opportunity to see upcoming models in person before release

The ability to potentially order your customized new car exactly how you want it gives fall an edge over summer.

Best Time to Buy a Used Car

For shoppers focused on used vehicles, target late winter through spring:

Winter (January - February)

The slowest sales season makes winter a smart period for used buys. Benefits include:

• Low demand means more negotiation power on price
• Post-holiday low interest rates from lenders
• Dealer sales goals lighter early in year allows more flexibility

If you can bear the icy temperatures, winter may deliver big savings on used.

Spring (March - April)

For those who dislike winter, spring brings its own sales perks:

• Pre-owned values remain low before tax refund season
• Drivable weather brings more motivated buyers to the lot
• Retail used sales pick up, putting pressure on dealers for volume sales
• Manufacturers boost new car incentives pulling buyers away from used

With or without tax refund cash in hand, spring remains a prime time for pre-owned deals.

What is the Worst Time to Buy a Car?

On the flip side, avoid car buying during these ill-advised months:

Spring into Summer (May-June)

This period presents the perfect storm of lower supply and higher prices:

• Vehicles flying off the lot ahead of summer road trips
• Used inventory reduced after tax season
• New model hype high and discounts lower ahead of launches
• Pent up demand after slower winter sales

Avoid the rush and wait out this seasonal bubble for better opportunities soon after.

Holiday Season (November - December)

Holiday deals may seem tempting but options are limited:

• New model year already in full swing so prior years hard to find
• High demand around holiday travel season
• Low finance rate offers less common
• Rush to use up expiring annual manufacturer incentives

Shopping before the holidays in October to November yields better selection and pricing.

How Does Vehicle Availability Impact Time of Year to Buy?

Market supply and demand shifts impact optimal timing. Here are inventory trends that affect opportunities:

High Supply Times

• Early in new model year - Prior year leftovers still widely available
• End of current model year - Must clear outgoing year for new arrivals
• Less popular colors - Supply higher on less desirable shades

Low Supply Times

• New model launch - Shortages as hype is high
• Post-holidays - Inventory tighter after holiday sales
• Hot new releases - Tight supply of the newest hot models
• Popular colors - Harder to find preferred black, white, gray cars

Target purchase when supply is high and demand is not to gain advantage.

Manufacturer Incentives By Month

Incentive spending also fluctuates, with prime offers often coinciding with bigger sales months:

Month	New Car Incentive Trends	Used Car Incentive Trends
January	High	Low
February	Moderate	Low
March	Moderate	Moderate
April	High	Moderate
May	High	Low
June	Low	Low
July	High	Moderate
August	High	Low
September	High	Low
October	High	Low
November	High	High
December	High	Low

Watch for high incentive periods for maximum savings, typically late summer and holidays.

What is the best month to buy a new car?

The best time to buy a new car is typically July and August. New model hype has settled down after initial launch, and dealers are discounting remaining inventory deeply to make room for next year's arrivals. You'll also benefit from plenty of cashback, financing, and lease incentives during these end-of-summer sales months.

How Do Holidays Affect Car Deals?

Major sales holidays impact opportunities seasonally:

• Presidents Day (February) - Provides mid-winter clearance deals before new year models roll out.
• Memorial Day (May) - Summer kickoff means deals on older models before new arrives.
• Independence Day (July) - Summer sales in full swing with discounts to offset vacation budgets.
• Labor Day (September) - Marks the transition to new model year, making prior year deals plentiful.
• Black Friday (November) - Huge discounts aimed at holiday shoppers, especially financing rates.
• Christmas (December) - Great finance terms counter more limited inventory this time of year.

Compare holiday promotions across dealers for the best savings.

Cost Saving Tactics: Getting the Best Car Price

Beyond timing your purchase right, certain negotiation strategies can further minimize purchase price:

• Know invoice cost - This reveals how low the dealer can go while still profiting.
• Research fair market value - Gives you realistic pricing leverage for make, model and miles.
• Run the math on leasing - Monthly leasing payments often beat financing terms.
• Secure pre-approved financing - Gives you bargaining power on dealer financing offers.
• Walk away if needed - Be willing to walk out if you're not getting the deal you want.

With the right prep work, you can negotiate the lowest possible price on a great new car.

5 Key Car Buying Questions

When do dealerships offer the most discounts?

Late summer and holidays are prime discount periods to access big savings.

Should I buy at the end of the month? Some end-of-month deals exist but vary. Don't feel pressure based on this alone.

What is the slowest time for car sales?

The slowest months are typically January and February. Sales stay cooler until tax refund season picks up in March and April.

When should I buy to get the best price?

For new cars target July/August. For used models target March/April.

Are Black Friday car deals worth it?

Yes, you can score impressive savings around Black Friday, especially on manufacturer financing offers.

Key Takeaways: Best Time of Year to Buy a Car

Keep these tips in mind when timing your next vehicle purchase:

• For new vehicles, target end of summer through fall for peak availability, incentives, and model year-end discounts
• For used vehicles, target winter and early spring before rates and demand climb again
• Avoid buying in spring and early summer when supply is tight before new model releases
• Manufacturer incentives fluctuate, so watch for seasonal high incentive periods
• Major holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day offer big seasonal promotions

Buying at the prime time for a new or used vehicle means more choice, negotiating leverage, and budget-friendly incentives. Let the calendar guide you to a great car deal!

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