When is the Best Time to Buy a New Vehicle

Timing can be everything when it comes to buying a new car. Sometimes life gets in the way and you have no choice but to look for a new car to replace your current vehicle. However, if you are considering a vehicle purchase and you have some flexibility, knowing when to buy a new car can allow you to save significantly. The average new car price now exceeds $48,000 in the U.S. as of 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book – knowing when to buy is more important than ever.

Whether you’re aiming for the lowest price, special financing, or additional perks, choosing when to buy a new or used car can significantly impact your deal. From holiday sales to the end of the model year, there are specific windows throughout the year when prices drop and incentives increase. By understanding these trends, you can avoid paying top dollar and score the best possible deal. In this guide, we’ll explore the key times to buy a new car, break down the impact of car redesigns, and answer common questions so you can make a well-informed decision on your next vehicle purchase.

Key Takeaways:

• Timing is everything: The best times to buy a car are during major holidays, the end of the month, and when models are redesigned or discontinued, as dealerships offer significant discounts to meet sales goals.
• Discontinued models offer savings: Buying a discontinued car can provide substantial savings, but consider long-term resale value and parts availability before deciding.
• Know your options: In addition to the deals at local dealerships, car shopping online provides access to out-of-state deals. Sherpa Auto Transport can ship your new or used car purchase anywhere nationwide.

In This Guide:

• Timing Purchase with New Car Deals
• New Car Deals
• Best Holidays for Car Deals
• End of Month Car Deals
• Best Months for Car Deals
• Car has Been Redesigned or Discontinued
• Bottom Line
• Car Buying Timing FAQs

Timing Purchase with New Car Deals

One of the most strategic ways to ensure you get a good deal on a new car is to time your purchase with periods when car dealerships offer significant discounts. Car manufacturers and dealerships tend to release seasonal incentives, particularly during holidays or at the end of a sales period.

If you can align your car-buying decision with these windows, you stand a better chance of receiving discounts, rebates, and favorable financing options. Understanding when these deals occur and planning ahead can save you thousands on your next vehicle.

New Car Deals

One of the smartest ways to save on a new car is by timing your purchase around seasonal promotions and dealership incentives. Car manufacturers and dealers roll out discounts, cash-back offers, and special financing options throughout the year to meet sales goals and move inventory.

Key times to watch for deals include major holidays, the end of each month, and during model redesigns or discontinuations. Staying aware of these cycles helps buyers maximize savings on new cars and even snag special pricing on previous-year models still packed with value.

Best Holidays for Car Deals

Holidays are a prime opportunity to find car deals, as dealerships tend to offer generous promotions to capitalize on high shopping traffic. Major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Christmas typically come with deep discounts, cash rebates, and attractive financing rates.

Three-day weekends especially see a surge in limited-time offers and larger inventories, giving buyers more options. If you’re car shopping during a holiday sale, monitor deals closely and act quickly since promotions often end as soon as the weekend does.

Memorial Day New Car Deals

Memorial Day kicks off the summer car-buying season, making it one of the year’s best times to buy. Dealerships aim to clear out last year’s models to make room for new inventory, offering discounts, zero-percent financing, and cashback rebates for qualified buyers.

Both new and used car shoppers benefit during this time, with certified pre-owned vehicles also seeing markdowns. Extended hours and an influx of inventory mean shoppers have plenty of options to choose from at competitive prices.

Labor Day New Car Deals

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and is another excellent time for buyers looking to score deals on remaining current-year inventory. Manufacturers and dealerships push steep discounts, special financing offers, and incentives on outgoing models.

Used car buyers also benefit as dealers clear out inventory, with markdowns on certified pre-owned vehicles and other perks like extended warranties. With widespread participation from large and small dealerships alike, there’s plenty of opportunity for good deals.

Black Friday New Car Deals

Though best known for retail sales, Black Friday is also one of the top weekends to buy a new or used car. Dealerships offer special holiday pricing, cashback deals, and zero-percent financing, extending many promotions into Cyber Monday.

Used car lots often offer aggressive pricing to move inventory during the holidays, and trade-in events during this time can increase the value of your old vehicle. Buyers ready to act fast can secure excellent year-end savings.

Christmas New Car Deals

Late December is one of the most rewarding times to purchase a car as dealerships aim to close the year strong. Shoppers can take advantage of clearance deals, cash-back offers, and low-interest financing—especially on current-year models.

Foot traffic tends to be lighter around Christmas, which means sales teams may be more willing to negotiate. Leasing terms also improve during this time, making it an ideal season to snag a new vehicle at a reduced price.

End of Month Car Deals

The final days of the month are strategic for car buyers as dealerships scramble to hit sales quotas. Salespeople are typically motivated to offer better pricing, trade-in values, or financing perks to close deals and reach targets.

Whether you’re in the market for a new or used car, shopping during this window increases your chances of securing a favorable deal. Being prepared to negotiate and act quickly can help you capitalize on these end-of-month incentives.

Best Months for Car Deals

December Deals

December is widely considered the best month to buy a car, as dealerships are eager to clear inventory and hit end-of-year sales goals. You’ll often find deep discounts, holiday promotions, and dealer incentives that could save you thousands. The end of December coincides with Christmas and New Years for additional savings.

August Deals

August is a great time to buy if you’re looking for a current model at a discount. Many new models are released in the fall, so dealers begin to offer sales on the outgoing year’s vehicles. It’s a perfect time to snag a good deal if you’re flexible on the latest features.

March Deals

March can also be an advantageous time to purchase, as manufacturers frequently offer sales incentives to boost sluggish post-winter sales. This is often combined with attractive financing options, making it easier to afford a new vehicle. March is also a great time for college students to explore new and used car deals ahead of the school year.

Car has Been Redesigned or Discontinued

Another great time to buy a new car is when a model has been redesigned or is being discontinued. When a new generation of a vehicle is introduced, dealerships are eager to clear out older models to make room for the latest version.

This can result in significant discounts on the outgoing model, even though it may still offer most of the features that buyers are looking for. For buyers who aren’t concerned about having the newest version, this can be a prime opportunity to get a great car at a lower price.

Similarly, when a car model is discontinued, manufacturers and dealerships are keen to sell off remaining inventory. While a discontinued car might raise some concerns about long-term availability or resale value, it can also provide steep price reductions and special financing options.

Should I Buy a Discontinued Car?

Buying a discontinued car can be a smart decision for buyers looking to maximize value. When a manufacturer stops producing a specific model, auto dealers often offer significant discounts to clear out remaining inventory.

These cars are typically brand new and come with the same warranties and features as current models, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, discontinued cars may have been highly rated in previous years, so you’re not necessarily sacrificing quality.

However, it’s important to consider potential downsides. A discontinued model might have lower resale value compared to newer models, as the market could perceive it as outdated. Additionally, while parts and maintenance for discontinued cars are usually available for years, they may become more difficult to find as time goes on.

Despite these concerns, for buyers who plan to keep their car for the long term and are focused on getting the best deal, a discontinued vehicle can provide significant savings.

Bottom Line

The best time to buy a new car is often during the end-of-year sales events in December or around major holidays such as Memorial Day and Black Friday. August and September can also be ideal if you’re looking to take advantage of model year transitions. By planning ahead and watching for these key sales periods, you can time your purchase to get the best possible deal. No matter when you purchase, Sherpa Auto Transport can safely ship your new car to your door.

Car Buying Timing FAQs