If you’re shopping for a car in 2025, timing matters more than ever. Interest rates, expiring EV incentives, and dealership lots overflowing with new models have created a rare window for buyers to save big. But here’s the catch: not everyone should buy now.

For most car shoppers, the smartest move is to wait for year-end car sales in November and December. EV buyers are the exception, and we’ll explain why.

When Do Year-End Car Sales Begin in 2025?

Mark your calendar. The first big wave of year-end deals will show up around Black Friday in late November. But the real flood of discounts lands in December, when automakers and dealers face the end-of-year crunch.

This is when manufacturers pile on cash rebates, 0% APR financing, and lease specials to hit sales targets and clear out inventory. Dealers are under pressure too, eager to move 2025 models off the lot before they officially become “last year’s cars.”

Now that we’ve covered when showtime will arrive, let’s get into who should wait for year-end specials, and who should just go ahead and buy now.

EV Buyers: Act Before September 30, 2025

If you’re considering an electric vehicle, the clock is ticking. The federal EV tax credit expires on September 30, 2025. New IRS guidance confirms that buyers can still claim the credit as long as they have a binding written order with a deposit in place by that date—even if delivery happens later.

For the first time ever, electric vehicle inventory is lower than the overall new car market, at least by the Market Day Supply measure of demand. As buyers rush to snag their $7,500 point-of-sale discount or tax credit, several top electric models have fallen below 30 days of market supply. This makes EVs less negotiable for the time being, at least until inventory builds back up.

Ray Shefska, CarEdge co-founder, puts it plainly:

“EV shoppers should take advantage of the federal tax credits before they expire. Do it now, not later. It will be a while before EVs pile up on dealership lots again, so now is your best chance at savings.”

If you’re buying an EV, September is your deadline. After that, the credit vanishes, and you’ll be left paying more until inventory builds back up in 2026. Check out local EV listings with insider market data.

ICE Buyers: Wait for Year-End Sales

If you’re shopping for a gas-powered or hybrid vehicle, patience will pay off. Unlike EV buyers who need to act fast, the best move for everyone else is to wait until year-end sales in November and December.

That’s when automakers roll out their biggest discounts of the year to clear 2025 models off lots and make room for 2026 arrivals. Expect 0% APR financing, thousands in cash rebates, and aggressive lease specials once Black Friday kicks off the season.

Ray Shefska puts it this way:

“Manufacturers and dealers get more aggressive in December than at any other time of the year. That’s when you’ll see the deals worth waiting for.”

If you’re buying an ICE or hybrid model, hold off until year-end. You’ll likely save more by waiting just a few months than by rushing into a deal today.

What Cars Will Have the Best Year-End Sales?

If you’re hunting for the deepest discounts this November and December, look at leftover 2025 models. With 2026 vehicles already arriving, automakers don’t want unsold inventory sitting around. That’s where the best year-end car sales will be found.

As of September 2025, two-thirds of all new car inventory is from the 2025 model year. Open to something older for a greater discount? There are 90,000 2024 models that are still looking for buyers. Buyers should confidently negotiate at least 15% off MSRP for these cars and trucks that will soon reach their second birthday without a buyer.

Expect to see aggressive year-end car deals on:

• Crossovers and SUVs from brands like Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford. Don’t expect Toyota, Lexus, or Honda to match the sales from these brands with higher inventory.
  
• Trucks and larger SUVs, which dealers are most eager to clear out before 2026 pricing arrives. These are high-margin vehicles, but dealers know they also depreciate quickly.
  
• Select luxury models, where MSRP hikes are already announced for next year. Look for big deals from Audi, Lincoln, and BMW. 

Put simply: year-end sales are the last chance to score thousands off a 2025 model before automakers reset the board with higher 2026 prices.

Why Not Wait? Blame 2026 MSRPs

If you’re thinking about waiting until next year, think twice. Automakers are already rolling out price hikes for 2026 models, and they’re not small. Subaru has announced increases across much of its lineup, Chevrolet is sneaking in higher MSRPs and padded destination fees, and other brands are following suit.

The truth is, MSRPs rarely fall, and 2026 will be no exception. Even if incentives improve later, higher sticker prices and fees mean many buyers will end up paying more. That’s why year-end 2025 car sales are your best shot at grabbing a 2025 model before the price resets upward.

Falling Interest Rates Could Change the Game

Here’s another reason to wait: the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates in late 2025, with meetings in September, October, and December. By November and December, auto financing could finally become more affordable.

Lower rates mean two things:

1. Cheaper payments for buyers. Even a 1% drop in your rate could total over $1,000 in savings over a typical 72-month auto loan.
   
2. A potential rush of competition for popular models, especially Toyotas, Hondas, and Lexuses that rarely feature low-APR incentives.

That’s why it pays to be prepared. Shoppers who know what fair pricing and rates look like will be better positioned when demand picks up.

Remember to Shop the Deals

Dealers love to talk about monthly payments, but don’t let that distract you from the total out-the-door cost. Always shop around before accepting a higher APR from the dealership, especially if you’re buying in-demand models like Toyota, Lexus, or Honda. Competitors like Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia commonly offer greater discounts and APR incentives.

CarEdge can help you compare financing offers, negotiate discounts, and avoid dealer tricks. Whether you’re looking at year-end clearance sales or considering one of the last EV credits, the right strategy can save you thousands.

See how we can help make car buying easy and pain-free, no matter your budget.