After a year of limited inventory, rising prices, and dealerships holding all the cards, the car market has finally shifted in favor of consumers. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy or lease a car, that moment may have arrived. Here are three clear signs that we’re in a buyer’s market, and why December will bring even bigger opportunities to save.

1. Inventory Is Up Everywhere You Look

The days of empty dealer lots and stiff competition are over. According to Cox Automotive, both new and used car inventory levels are climbing, giving buyers more options and significantly more negotiating power.

Used Car Inventory Hits 2025 High

Used car inventory has reached a new high for 2025, hitting 48 days of market supply. There are now 2.26 million used cars for sale across the U.S., with an average listing price of $25,825. This increase in available vehicles means dealers are more motivated than ever to move inventory off their lots. It also means that those who trade-in and sell are getting less for their vehicles than in months prior. For used car buyers, all signs point towards a buyer’s market.

New Car Inventory Climbs to Highest Level Since Q1

On the new car side, inventory is also rising as buyers strategically wait for December’s year-end incentives. As of the latest data from Cox Automotive, new car inventory has climbed to 84 days, with 2.87 million new cars for sale—a 4.8% increase month over month. New car inventory is now at the highest level since the first quarter of this year.

Why This Matters for Buyers

Higher inventory levels translate directly to greater negotiating power at the dealership. When dealer lots are filling up, the leverage shifts from seller to buyer. Dealers need to move vehicles to make room for incoming inventory, and that pressure works in your favor. It’s officially a buyer’s market.

2. Incentives Are Growing

Nothing signals a buyer’s market quite like aggressive incentives, and November’s deals are some of the best we’ve seen all year. December will be even better. “There’s a reason we always tell the CarEdge Community to wait until December for the best deals,” noted CarEdge co-founder Ray Shefska. “But if you see a deal you like in November, don’t stress yourself out about it. Now is a great time to buy, and many of this month’s sales will simply be carried over to December.”

0% APR Financing Spreads to Luxury and Popular Models

Zero-percent financing is creeping into the luxury car market and appearing on models that aren’t accustomed to receiving big discounts. In November, there are 29 offers of zero-percent financing available—and it’s not just slow-sellers and EVs benefiting from these deals.

Popular, high-demand models like the Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and Hyundai Tucson now feature interest-free financing. This is a big shift from the seller’s market of recent years, when even modest incentives were rare.

Lease Deals Are Getting Better Too

If you’re considering leasing, the deals are equally compelling. Ford is offering a number of lease specials with just the first month’s payment due at signing. Dozens of new cars are now available for under $250 per month with under $3,500 due at signing.

With depreciation being the #1 hidden cost of car ownership, leasing is a smart way to protect your wallet. You avoid the steep depreciation hit that comes with owning a new car, while still enjoying the latest models with full warranty coverage.

3. Model Year Changeover Creates Urgency for Dealers

The calendar doesn’t lie, and dealers know it. When 2026 arrives, any 2025 model still sitting on the lot instantly becomes “last year’s model”, and takes a significant depreciation hit.

900,000 Reasons to Negotiate

There are currently 900,000 2025 model year vehicles sitting on dealer lots across the country. That means dealers have just weeks left to sell these cars before they face growing losses. No dealer wants to be stuck with dozens of last year’s models when the new year begins.

Model Year Changeover Has to Happen One Way or Another

This creates a powerful incentive for dealers to negotiate. They need to clear out 2025 inventory to make room for 2026 models, and they’re willing to offer aggressive discounts to do it. For informed buyers, this represents one of the best opportunities of the year to score a deal.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the fence about buying or leasing a car, the conditions are aligned in your favor. It’s officially a buyer’s market after many months of stagnation. Take advantage of higher inventory to negotiate confidently, explore the best financing and lease deals we’ve seen in years, and use the pressure of model year changeover to secure additional discounts.

Don’t go it alone when shopping for year-end car deals. Use your personal AI agent to negotiate car prices with ease, or have a human Concierge give you the complete white-glove experience. CarEdge always works for consumers, and never dealers or automakers. 

How do we do it? Our team brings decades of experience in the business to the table. We simply keep the lights on by providing expert car buying services to the everyday driver!

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