Key Takeaways
- December is the best month—dealers push to hit year-end targets
- End of month beats beginning of month for negotiating power
- Monday-Thursday are better than weekends (less crowded, more attention)
- Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) have real incentives
- Late summer/early fall offers model year-end clearance deals
- Timing helps, but negotiating skill matters more than the calendar
The Quick Answer
The best time to buy a car is the last week of December, on a Monday through Thursday, ideally on the 30th or 31st. This combines end-of-year, end-of-month, and end-of-quarter pressure for maximum dealer motivation.
But if you can't wait until December, don't worry—there are good buying opportunities throughout the year. The key is understanding why certain times are better, so you can spot opportunities whenever you're ready to buy.
Best Times to Buy (Ranked)
Best Months to Buy a Car
Not all months are created equal. Here's a breakdown of when you'll find the best deals:
December: The Best Month
December is the sweet spot for car buying. Dealers are motivated by:
- Year-end sales targets: Manufacturers and dealers have annual quotas to meet
- Bonus incentives: Dealers earn bonuses for hitting yearly volume targets
- Clearing inventory: Old model-year cars need to go before January
- Tax considerations: Dealers want to recognize sales before year-end
December Discount Potential
Buyers can typically save 6-10% off MSRP in December compared to 3-5% in slower months. On a $40,000 car, that's an extra $1,200-$2,000 in savings.
October-November: Model Year Clearance
As new model-year vehicles arrive, dealers need to clear outgoing models. The 2025 models arrive in fall 2024, making October and November excellent times to buy a "leftover" 2024 at significant savings.
End of Quarters: March, June, September
Dealers and manufacturers set quarterly targets too. The last week of March, June, and September can offer additional leverage as everyone pushes to hit Q1, Q2, and Q3 numbers.
Months to Avoid
Spring Car Buying Season
April and May are typically the worst months for deals. Tax refunds fuel demand, and dealers have less pressure to negotiate. If you can wait, hold off until summer or fall.
Best Day of the Week to Buy
When you shop matters almost as much as when you buy. Here's why weekdays beat weekends:
Monday-Thursday: Best
- • Dealership is less crowded
- • Salespeople have more time for you
- • Managers more available to approve deals
- • Less pressure to rush your decision
- • Better chance to test multiple cars
Saturday: Worst
- • Busiest day—salespeople spread thin
- • Less negotiating leverage (more buyers)
- • Long waits for test drives and paperwork
- • Pressure to make quick decisions
- • Finance office often backed up
End of Month + Weekday = Ideal
The magic combination: visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in the last week of the month. You get the end-of-month pressure combined with the slower pace that allows for better negotiation.
Avoid the very last day (the 31st) if it falls on a weekend—the dealership will be slammed with other buyers trying the same strategy.
Holiday Car Sales: Are They Worth It?
Yes, holiday sales are real—manufacturers typically offer additional rebates and incentives during major holidays. But you still need to negotiate; the "sale" price is just the starting point.
| Holiday | Timing | Why It's Good | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidents Day | February | Early-year inventory push | ★★★☆☆ |
| Memorial Day | Late May | Summer selling season kickoff | ★★★★☆ |
| 4th of July | Early July | Mid-year push, truck specials | ★★★☆☆ |
| Labor Day | Early September | Model year-end clearance begins | ★★★★★ |
| Black Friday | Late November | Big manufacturer promotions | ★★★★★ |
| Year-End | December | Annual targets, maximum incentives | ★★★★★ |
Holiday Sale Warning
"Sale" prices are still negotiable. The advertised price is just their starting point. Always negotiate the out-the-door price, and compare to what others are actually paying.
Model Year Timing: New vs. Outgoing
New model-year vehicles typically arrive at dealers between August and October. This creates opportunity for both new and "old" models:
Buy the Outgoing Model Year
- Best prices: Dealers need to clear inventory
- Same car: If no major redesign, you get essentially the same vehicle
- Full warranty: Still get the full manufacturer warranty
- Limited selection: May not find exact color/options
Buy the New Model Year
- Latest features: Newest tech, safety, and design
- Full selection: All colors and options available
- Better resale: One year "newer" when you sell
- Less room to negotiate: Dealers less motivated
Pro tip: If a model is getting a major redesign, wait for the new version. If it's just a minor refresh (same platform, slightly updated features), buy the outgoing model for significant savings.
See What Others Are Paying Right Now
Timing helps, but knowing the market matters more. See actual transaction prices from real buyers to know if you're getting a good deal.
See What Others PaidFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to buy a car?
December is typically the best month. Dealers are motivated to hit year-end sales targets, clear inventory, and earn manufacturer bonuses. The last week of December, especially the 30th and 31st, offers maximum leverage.
What is the best day of the week to buy a car?
Monday through Thursday are best. Dealerships are less crowded, salespeople have more time to work with you, and managers are more available to approve deals. Avoid Saturdays when lots are busiest.
Should I buy a car at the end of the month?
Yes. Salespeople and dealers have monthly quotas. If they're close to hitting a target in the last few days, they're more motivated to make a deal. This is especially powerful at end of quarter (March, June, September, December).
Are holiday car sales actually good deals?
Yes, major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and year-end often have legitimate manufacturer incentives. But the "sale" price is still negotiable—treat it as a starting point, not the final price.
When do new model-year cars come out?
New model-year vehicles typically arrive at dealers between August and October. This is when you'll find the best deals on outgoing model-year vehicles as dealers clear inventory.
Is it worth waiting months for a better deal?
It depends on your situation. If you need a car now, focus on negotiating the best deal today. The savings from timing (maybe 1-3% more discount) may not be worth months of waiting, especially if you're paying for repairs or rentals.
What time of day should I go to a dealership?
Arrive in the morning or early afternoon on a weekday. You'll have the salesperson's full attention, and there's no time pressure to rush before closing. Avoid arriving within 1-2 hours of closing.
The Bottom Line
Timing can help you save money on a car, but it's not magic. The best time to buy is when you're prepared: you know the fair market price, you've secured financing, and you're ready to walk away from a bad deal.
If you can wait for December or a major holiday, great. If not, focus on end-of-month, shop on a weekday, and negotiate hard. That matters more than the perfect date on the calendar.
Know the Market Before You Buy
The best timing strategy is knowing what a good deal looks like. See what real buyers are paying right now.