Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most people make, and timing it right can save you thousands. Whether you're eyeing a new or used vehicle, certain times of the year (and month) tend to come with better deals, more incentives, and stronger negotiating power.
Here's when it's smartest to shop, ranked from the strongest deal windows to the more situational ones.
November and December
This is widely considered the best time of year to buy a car. Dealerships are pushing to meet quarterly and annual sales goals, which means more aggressive pricing. Black Friday and year-end clearance events bring strong financing offers, discounts, and trade-in bonuses. Inventory may be lower the closer you get to year-end, but if you're flexible about model, color, or features, you'll likely find some of the steepest markdowns of the year.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
One of the most underrated times to buy. Sales teams are eager to close out final numbers, and showroom traffic is light. If you've done your research and are ready to sign, you can often lock in an exceptional deal, especially on leftover models from the previous year.
September and October
This is when most dealerships start making room for next year's models. The result? Some of the best pricing of the year on current or outgoing versions. If you're willing to buy a vehicle that's technically "last year's model," this is often the sweet spot between price and selection.
July and August
Mid-year shopping means you'll start seeing early discounts on current-year models, especially if next year's versions are beginning to ship. Dealers may offer bonuses or cash-back on inventory that's been sitting a little too long. Plus, Fourth of July and back-to-school events often bring limited-time promotions.
May
May is when auto sales start to pick back up after the slower winter months. To jumpstart the summer season, many dealerships roll out competitive offers, especially around Memorial Day. It's a good time to shop if you want a wider selection than you'll typically find later in the year, without paying full summer prices.
January
January tends to be quieter at dealerships, which means less competition and more personalized attention. You won't typically find the same level of discounts as November or December, but there may still be leftover inventory from the previous year worth negotiating on. It's also a great time to get pre-approved with your lender. Climb members can lock in competitive rates before stepping foot on the lot.
Other Smart Times to Shop
- End of the month: Many salespeople have quotas, and they're more likely to offer better pricing to meet their targets.
- Three-day weekends: Holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents' Day, and July 4th often come with special promotions and financing offers.
- Early in the week: Showrooms are usually less busy on Mondays and Tuesdays, giving you more negotiating power and a better buying experience.
- End of a design cycle: When a car is about to get a redesign, dealers often discount the outgoing generation. It's a great way to get a brand-new vehicle at a lower price, as long as you don't mind missing the latest tech or styling updates.
Why Timing Still Matters Today
Even as prices stabilize from the historic spikes of the pandemic era, car buyers continue to face fluctuating inventory levels and shifting market demand. Being strategic about when you buy is one of the best ways to stay in control of your budget.
Need help figuring out the right loan before you head to the lot? Climb has great rates and we're here to help with the whole process.
