The Debate over the Best Month to Buy a New Car

Car buyers often ask "what is the best month in which to buy a new car?" What do you think? Do you think there is a better month than another to buy that new car you want? I'm not so sure if the month of the year matters all that much – because sometimes by waiting you can lose out on the car that you want or wait endlessly for the car of your dreams. Sometimes it pays to wait and other times it pays to be first in line.

The best month to buy that new car is the month you need a new car. You’re probably smiling and nodding in agreement at this one. Anyone who has needed a new car is not all that interested in a debate between March or November. If it is May, and you need a new car then you’re not going to wait until next March or November to get that best new car month. You’re going to buy that car between May and July when you can find the best new car for you. So while it can be great to look for that best month – the best month is the one you need the car.

No matter in what month you are car shopping, it is always best to wait until the last week before negotiating. The reason for this is because dealership and salesmen all have monthly quotas to meet. Your car purchase could be the sale that earns your salesman a $1000 bonus. Don’t you think he would be willing to work with you to get that? Car dealerships earn bonuses on lots of different thing - from the number of models they sell to the ratings on their customer satisfaction surveys. Catch them at the end of the month and they will be much more willing to take less profit in lieu of reaching their bonus goals.

The third quarter and fourth quarter of every year is also a popular time to deal. This is when the following year’s cars are coming in and last year's need to be cleared out. September through December is often thought of as an excellent time to buy a car, with a special emphasis on the end of the year December. Buying that year’s car in the very end of the year can often get you a great deal. The only frustrating thing about buying a car in this way is that you are doing so knowing that the hottest new models are around the corner – offering innovations and improvements on the car models you are looking at now. Some little “quirk” in the car you buy today could be completely gone in the new model. That’s a chance you take buying at the end of the year.

Holidays all year-round are another excellent time to buy a car. Just look at the calendar and you’ll see many holidays where buying a car you can be offered a special deal. Veteran’s Day and 4th of July are holidays where quite often special deals are offered on new cars. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend are also excellent choices for car buying. Consider other holidays and how they fall in terms of your car buying – and use them to your advantage. If you can wait until the next holiday comes around then take this to your benefit. It could mean a lower price or more options on the car for you at a special price.

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