Each Season Brings Customers New Car Deals

by Christopher Burdick

People are always asking us the question: "When is the best time of the year to buy a car?" Well, there are many different answers. It all depends on what factors you focus on. The first factors to consider are the challenges of each season.

Winter
The colder, nastier months are typically the low point of the year for auto sales. Since business is slow, you may find some excellent deals. However, since customers are scarce, you may find some very hungry salespeople who could be a bit pushy. If you are in the market for a convertible, buy during the winter. Most people buy convertibles as the weather gets nicer so a convertible that's for sale at a dealership may have been on the lot for some time, and the dealership would want to move it. You could get a great deal buying during this time of the year.

Spring/Early Summer
The beginning of the season. President's day starts the real upswing in automotive sales after the winter. Dealerships try and get the season started with the holiday sale, and you will find the industry is getting busy.

Late Summer/Fall
Late summer and early fall is when dealers push great deals and sales the hardest because they need to make room on the lot for the upcoming new-year models. Look for plenty of television commercials starting from July through October each year offering much lower prices, higher rebates, and other great deals. To quote industry, 'we need to move the metal.' Do plenty of homework on your favorite model and then be ready to negotiate. This is the time of the year that it's truly a car buyer's market. This is our first choice for best time of year to buy a new car.

Final Thoughts...
All that being said, you should be able to get a great deal at any time of the year. Explore online which manufacturer rebates are being offered during that time. For instance, you may be able to save a few thousand off of a $25,000 car with some haggling, but add to that discount a $2,000 rebate from the manufacturer. Now that $25,000 car is selling in the high-teens.

Do your research. That's the most important thing before you step foot into any dealership and arm yourself with as much information as you can about the car you want. Remember, you're in the driver's seat.