Best Time to Buy a Car (Month, Season and Day)
The best time to buy a car depends on the calendar as much as the deal. The best time of year to buy a car is usually October through December, when Edmunds’ transaction data has historically shown the biggest discounts, with late December often best for new cars as dealers chase year-end targets. The end of any month or quarter, holiday sales weekends such as Black Friday, and the model-year changeover when new models arrive are also good times. For used cars, Edmunds data points to October and November. On a weekly basis, weekdays such as Monday are quieter, giving you more attention and time to negotiate.
Key Takeaways
- Best months: October–December, especially late December for new cars.
- End of month or quarter: dealers and salespeople push to hit targets and bonuses.
- Model-year changeover: outgoing models get discounts when new ones arrive.
- Used cars: fall is often better; tax refund season can raise demand.
- Best day: a quiet weekday, and late in the day near month end.
Best Time to Buy a Car, at a Glance
| Timing | Why it can help | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| October–December | Year-end sales goals, holiday promotions, outgoing model years | Fewer choices of outgoing models late in the year |
| Late December | Annual targets and bonuses, strong incentives | Busy showrooms right after Christmas |
| End of the month or quarter | Monthly and quarterly quotas | Rushed decisions; still read every document |
| Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) | Manufacturer incentives and advertised sales | Crowds; “sale” prices are not always the lowest |
| Model-year changeover (often late summer to fall) | Discounts on last year’s models | Limited colors and trims |
| Weekdays (such as Monday) | Less busy, more time with staff | Some incentives are weekend-only |
Best Time to Buy a New Car
New-car deals are driven by sales targets and incentives. Automakers and dealers set monthly, quarterly and annual goals, and hitting them can mean large bonuses, so they may accept a thinner profit on your car late in a sales period. When new model years arrive, dealers also need to clear space for them, and manufacturers often add cash rebates or special financing on outgoing models.
- Target the last few days of the month, especially in December.
- Look for outgoing model-year cars once the new models are in stock.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for current rebates and financing offers.
- Compare quotes from several dealers by email or phone before visiting.
Best Time to Buy a Used Car
Used car prices follow demand. Edmunds data suggests October and November are good months for used-car shoppers, partly because year-end new-car promotions pull buyers toward new vehicles. Demand for used cars often rises in late winter and early spring as tax refunds arrive, which can firm up prices.
- Shop in the fall and early winter when demand tends to be softer.
- Watch for lease returns, which add supply of late-model used cars.
- Private-party sellers may be more flexible when they have already bought their next car.
When Not to Buy
- When you are rushed: a broken-down car or a deadline weakens your negotiating position.
- Right after a redesigned model launches: hot new models often sell near full price.
- Early spring for used cars: tax refund demand can push prices up.
- Busy Saturday afternoons: less attention and more pressure.
Timing Matters Less Than Preparation
The biggest savings usually come from preparation, not the calendar:
- Know the car’s fair market price and the out-the-door total.
- Get loan pre-approval so you can compare dealer financing.
- Get quotes from multiple dealers.
- Know your trade-in value and sell privately if it pays more.
- Be ready to walk away.
Try the calculator: use our car affordability calculator to see how much car fits your budget.
Best Time to Buy FAQ
December is often the best month for new cars, and October through December has historically offered the biggest discounts, according to Edmunds data.
Often yes. Dealers and salespeople work toward monthly targets and bonuses, so they may be more willing to negotiate near month end.
Weekdays such as Monday are often best because dealerships are less busy, giving you more time and attention.
Fall is often a good time, with Edmunds data pointing to October and November. Late winter and early spring can bring higher demand from tax refunds.
They can be, especially Black Friday and year-end events with manufacturer incentives, but always compare the out-the-door price.
Many new model years arrive in late summer and fall, though timing varies by automaker and model.
It can be, as it falls in the strong year-end sales period, often with holiday incentives.
