6 min read
When is the best time to buy a used car?
How month-end, model-year changeovers, tax season, and weather affect used car prices, and when patience pays off.
Dealership timing follows sales quotas
Dealers chase monthly, quarterly, and annual targets. The last week of the month, and especially the last days of December, are when a salesperson is most willing to move on price to close one more unit.
Model-year changeover, usually late summer to early fall, also helps. When the new year's models arrive, dealers discount the outgoing year's used inventory to clear lot space.
Private-party timing follows seasons
Private sellers do not have quotas, but they respond to demand. Spring and early summer bring tax refunds and more buyers, so prices firm up. Late fall and winter bring fewer buyers, longer listing times, and more room to negotiate.
Convertibles and sports cars are cheapest in winter. Trucks, SUVs, and all-wheel-drive cars are cheapest in summer. Buying against the season is one of the simplest discounts available.
Seller motivation beats the calendar
A listing that has been up for 45 days, a seller who is moving, or someone who already bought their next car will negotiate in any month. Ask how long the car has been for sale and why they are selling.
Run any listing through Dealscan first. A fair price in a slow month is still better than an inflated price with a small end-of-month discount.