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Who Has the Best Car Deals Heading Into July? What to Know Before July 4th Sales
If you’re wondering who will have the best car deals in July, you’re at the right spot. With prices still high and interest rates holding firm, finding a good deal can feel like searching for fireworks in the daytime. But here’s the good news: there are some great deals out there – you just need to know where to look.
Let’s break it all down.
The Car Market Right Now: High Prices, Falling Inventory
New Car Market Update
After a spring rush leading up to the U.S. import tariffs, new car inventory has started to shrink again. Nationwide, dealers have about 2.5 million new cars, which translates to 70 days of supply according to the most recent available data from May.
No surprise here: cars are still outrageously expensive. The average new car price rose to $48,883 in May, up 3.2% year over year. Most automakers are not raising prices across the board yet, but we’ve seen Subaru and Toyota announce price hikes over the past month. More are likely on the way.
Inventory of next-model-year vehicles is unusually low. In fact, only 3% of the market consists of 2026 models in June, with most 2026 inventory coming from Honda, GMC, and Cadillac. That means leftover 2024s and 2025s are ripe for negotiation.
The sad truth is that the main reason so few 2026s are on dealership lots today is that automakers are debating whether to hike prices. We’ll soon know where 2026 prices are headed. In the meantime, here are 2026 models we’re looking forward to.
👉 We’ve gathered all of the best July car sales for you here, including Independence Day specials.
Used Car Market Update
Used car prices are still high, but gradually falling. The average listing price is now $25,540, and older vehicles (5+ years), EVs, and compact crossovers are seeing the largest drops.
Used car APR remains brutally high, averaging 14%, and inventory under $15,000 is scarce. But if you’re buying with cash or financing with strong credit, it’s a fair time to buy — especially if you’re looking for value-priced older models.
We track used car prices weekly here.
These Brands Have the Best New Car Incentives Right Now
Here’s the insider secret: the best car deals in July 2025 will come from automakers with too much inventory. These brands have far more vehicles on dealer lots than average — and that means pressure to sell, especially as July 4th car sales kick off.
Compare this to the market average of 70 days of supply:
- Jaguar – 214% above average
- Audi – 80% above average
- Land Rover – 63% above average
- Hyundai – 60% above average
- Ram – 56% above average
- Mazda – 53% above average
- Mitsubishi, Jeep, Infiniti, MINI, and Mercedes-Benz – also well above average
For these brands, 2025 models are especially negotiable, and we’re already seeing generous 0% to 1.9% APR incentives on dozens of models. Many of these automakers will also be among the first to discount 2025 models as 2026 vehicles begin trickling in.
Pro Tip: Check your local listings for leftover 2024 models — about 187,000 are still on sale nationwide, and dealers are under pressure to move them fast.
These Brands Are the Toughest to Negotiate
On the flip side, automakers with the tightest inventory have no reason to cut deals. In July 2025, that includes:
Translation? Fewer incentives, fewer choices, and more dealer markups. If you’re buying from these brands, you’ll need to be flexible. Whether it’s trim level, color, or even which dealership you’re willing to work with, be willing to work harder for deals (or have us negotiate for you).
What to Expect from July 4th Car Sales
Independence Day weekend is always one of the biggest car shopping moments of the year. This summer, with dealers sitting on excess 2024 and 2025 inventory and new models arriving any day now, shoppers can expect:
- Solid lease offers and low APR deals from high-inventory brands
- Aggressive discounts on remaining 2024 models (especially trucks and SUVs)
- Fierce competition among dealers looking to hit July sales targets
Want to skip the guesswork? We’re tracking every 0% APR deal and zero-down lease this month — so check out CarEdge Best Deals to see what’s out there.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Car in July 2025
Here’s what today’s smart shoppers are doing:
- Shop brands with too much inventory. That’s where the deals are.
- Negotiate on leftover 2024s and 2025s — not fresh 2026 inventory.
- Don’t fall for dealer markups (sadly, they’re still out there for specialty cars and any with slim inventory).
- Use the best car search tools to find local deals with ease.
- Be willing to walk away — the buyer still holds power in many segments.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Whether you want someone to take the wheel for you, or just need the tools to negotiate your own deal, CarEdge can help.
✅ Want us to do it all for you?
Let a CarEdge expert handle your deal with our Car Buying Service.
🔍 Prefer to DIY?
Use CarEdge Pro to get instant access to local pricing, inventory levels, and other real-time data.
Skip the Dealership: The Easiest Ways to Buy a Car
Car buying doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, these days it’s easier than ever, but only if you know where to look.
From expert-led buying services to skipping the dealership altogether, there are now several ways to get behind the wheel without wasting time, overpaying, or dealing with pushy salespeople. Here’s how smart shoppers are simplifying the car buying process this year.
1. Use a Car Buying Service
Imagine this: you tell an expert what kind of car or truck you’re looking for, and they handle everything. From finding the perfect car to negotiating the price, wouldn’t it be great if a pro would handle it all for you?
That’s exactly what car buying services like CarEdge Concierge do. The CarEdge team works for you, not the dealership. Whether you’ve already found the car you want or need help narrowing it down, CarEdge experts will negotiate on your behalf and help you avoid overpriced add-ons and dealer markups.
Other services, like those from Costco, Navy Federal, and others, claim to do something similar. However, it’s important to understand that most of them simply refer you to a participating dealer with pre-negotiated pricing. With CarEdge Concierge, we stay in the driver’s seat until the deal is done, and you’re more than happy with the result.
👉 See if CarEdge Concierge is right for you
2. Buy Direct-to-Consumer (If You Can)
Some automakers have removed dealerships from the equation entirely.
If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, brands like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid let you buy or order directly from their website. That means no dealership pressure, no haggling, and a much more transparent buying experience. The downside is that service centers are fewer and farther between without an extensive network of dealerships.
With direct-to-consumer car buying, the price you see is usually the price you pay. It’s not perfect (wait times and service coverage can vary), but it’s far less stressful than the traditional dealership grind.
As of now, no traditional automakers offer true direct-to-consumer sales. But if this model works for you, it’s one of the smoothest paths to car ownership.
3. Only Shop the Deals
Prefer to do it yourself? You don’t have to start from scratch.
Instead of scrolling endlessly through listings, focus your search on the best deals available. Tools like CarEdge Pro and the Best Car Deals Hub make it easy to find low-APR financing offers, discounted leases, and cash-back incentives. You’ll save time, and likely a lot of money too.
Just remember: most manufacturer incentives have fine print, and you’ll typically need strong credit to qualify.
🔍 Browse vehicles with Car Search to filter by negotiability, price fairness, and available deals in your area.
💡 Use CarEdge Pro to compare pricing trends, market supply, and local offers.
Which Easy Car Buying Method Is Best for You?
| Goal | Best Option |
| I want a pro to handle everything | Car buying services like CarEdge and Costco |
| I’m buying an EV and want to skip the dealer | Buy direct from Tesla, Rivian, or Lucid |
| I’m doing it myself but want the best deal | CarEdge Pro and the Best Deals Hub to find car deals |
Final Thoughts
Car buying doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Today’s car buyers benefit from tools and services that weren’t around just a few years ago. Whether you go with a car buying service, direct-to-consumer sales, or DIY with data at your side, the easiest way to buy a car is the one that works best for you and your budget.
Want to learn how to buy a car the right way? Our free video series, Deal School, is the perfect place to start. Check out CarEdge on YouTube for hundreds of expert-led car buying lessons.
About CarEdge
CarEdge is a trusted resource for car buyers, offering data-backed insights, negotiation tools, and expert guidance to help consumers save time and money. Since 2019, CarEdge has helped hundreds of thousands of drivers navigate the car-buying process with confidence. Learn more at CarEdge.com.
Best July 4th Truck Deals in 2025: 0% Financing and Cash Offers
July 4th truck deals are rolling in, and this year’s discounts are better than expected. Automakers are offering a mix of low-APR financing, lease specials, and cash-back offers to move 2024 and 2025 pickup trucks before the flood of 2026 models arrives. With high interest rates, falling resale values, and price hikes on the horizon, now is a smart time to save on a new pickup.
Most of these deals are available through July 7, 2025, but we’ve also included a few standout offers that expire at the end of June. As more automakers announce Independence Day promotions, we’ll keep this guide updated with the latest truck deals worth checking out.
July 4th Truck Deals
Looking to buy a pickup truck in July 2025? These offers are now live, and will last well into the month. The next time we’ll see truck specials this good will be Labor Day, so take a test drive if you see a deal you like. Note that all offers are subject to approval and may not be available in all markets.
2025 Ram 1500
Finance the 2025 Ram 1500 with 1.9% APR for 72 months. See details from Ram.
Other offers: Current lessees can qualify for $5,000 total cash allowance on select trucks.
Lease the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab from $419/month for 42 months with $4,529 down (conquest lease offer for current owners and lessees of Ford and GM trucks).
See Ram truck listings with local pricing insights
2025 GMC Sierra 1500
Finance 2025 Sierra 1500 models with the TurboMax engine at 0% APR for 36 months (GMC or Buick loyalty lease). See details from GMC.
Other offers: $6,250 total cash allowance on the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 models with the 5.3L ECOTEC3 V8 engine.
See GMC Sierra 1500 listings with local pricing insights
2025 Toyota Tundra
Finance the 2025 Toyota Tundra in select markets with 1.99% APR for 72 months. See offer details.
Other offers: $3,000 customer cash, and $1,000 in trade-in assistance.
See Toyota Tundra listings with local pricing insights
2025 Ford F-150
Finance the 2025 F-150 XLT Hybrid with 5.9% APR for 72 months. See offer details.
Other offers: Employee Pricing offer continues into July, but it’s not always the best deal.
See F-150 listings in your area with market insights
2025 Honda Ridgeline
Finance the 2025 Honda Ridgeline with 2.9% APR for 60 months. See offer details.
Other offers: $1,500 cash discount
Browse Honda listings with local pricing insights
Shop Smart This July
If you’re eyeing a 2025 pickup, don’t wait too long. Prices on 2026 trucks are already trending higher, and remaining 2025 inventory is moving fast.
We’ll keep this guide updated as new truck deals roll in. If you see a pickup you like at a price that works for your budget, now’s the time to lock it in.
Pro Tip: Don’t go it alone. Let your personal CarEdge Concierge negotiate your deal. Whether you plan to buy new or used, lease or purchase, we can negotiate hundreds to even thousands of dollars off your out-the-door price. Shop with CarEdge on your side!
The Best Times to Buy a Car: Hour, Day, and Month Explained
Timing your car purchase just right can save you thousands of dollars. Knowing when to shop (and when not to) can make all the difference. Dealership routines, monthly sales targets, and inventory cycles reveal some clear strategies that smart car buyers use to their advantage. Here’s how auto industry experts break down the best times to buy by day, month, and season.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
Timing can make or break your car deal. If you’re wondering when the best time to buy a car is, you’re not alone. The answer depends on when you walk into the dealership just as much as what you’re shopping for.
Whether you’re buying new or used, here’s what you need to know:
The best time to buy a car is late in the day, late in the month, and especially in December.
Let’s get into why these times benefit buyers the most, and offer real opportunities for savings.
The Best Day of the Week to Buy a Car
Most car shoppers hit the dealership on the weekend, and that’s exactly what you should avoid. We asked CarEdge Co-Founder and 44-year industry veteran Ray Shefska what he recommends to shoppers looking to time their purchase right. After decades in the business, this wasn’t a tough question to answer.
“The best day to buy? Wednesday. Traffic is light, and if you show you’re serious about buying that day, you’re more likely to find a motivated salesperson ready to make a deal. Try going late in the day, near closing time. That’s when some staff just want to wrap up the day—and a quick deal might be just what they’re looking for.”
— Ray Shefska, CarEdge Co-Founder
Key Tip: Shopping midweek (especially Wednesday afternoons) gives you a better shot at undivided attention and more aggressive pricing.
The Best Time of the Month to Buy a Car
Salespeople and managers live by monthly quotas. That’s why the last few days of the month are when deals start to heat up.
Why? Dealers need to hit targets to earn bonuses from the manufacturer. If they’re a few cars away from their goal, they’ll often offer steep discounts just to get a deal done.
All-around best time: The final 2–3 days of the month, especially if they fall midweek.
Even Better: The End of the Quarter
End-of-quarter sales goals are even bigger than monthly goals. That means the last days of March, June, September, and December are the most negotiable of all. If you can time your car purchase to line up with the end of the quarter, you’re setting yourself up for success when negotiating the out-the-door price.
Here’s the overall best-case scenario: Walk into a dealership late on a Wednesday afternoon that also happens to be the last day of the month and the end of a quarter, and you’ve hit the sweet spot.
The Best Time of the Year to Buy a Car
Hands down, the best month to buy a car is December. Why?
- Dealers are racing to meet year-end sales goals
- Automakers offer the most aggressive promotions
- You’ll find discounts on outgoing model year inventory
Look for:
- Year-end clearance sales
- Low APR financing offers and cheap lease deals
- Big cash discounts on outgoing models
Bonus Tips to Save Even More
Want to stack the odds even more in your favor? These extra strategies go beyond timing to help you land the best possible deal.
- Shop when inventory is high: High supply means more leverage. Use CarEdge Pro to track inventory levels and price drops.
- Look for model year transitions: New models typically arrive between July and October. Dealers may discount the prior year aggressively.
- Use CarEdge Concierge: Let an expert negotiator do the work for you. Our Concierge service has saved shoppers thousands. Let us negotiate the best deal for you — try CarEdge Concierge today.
Take these free car buying cheat sheets with you to the dealership! Trust me, it’s worth dusting off that printer to have expert insights in your hands. Download them for free!
FAQs About the Best Time to Buy a Car
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Here’s all you need to know about the best time to buy a car.
Q: What day is best to buy a car?
A: Wednesday, especially in the afternoon when foot traffic is light and staff is more focused.
Q: Why is the end of the month better for buying a car?
A: Dealers and sales staff are trying to hit monthly sales goals, so they’re more motivated to cut deals.
Q: Why is December the best month to buy a car?
A: In December, dealerships offer major year-end discounts to move inventory, especially on last year’s models.
Q: Should I avoid buying early in the month?
A: Usually, yes. Salespeople feel less pressure early in the month, so you’re less likely to get the best offer. The exception is when holiday car sales fall early in the month, like Independence Day for example.
Q: What if I’m buying used?
A: The same timing rules apply, at least when shopping at used car dealerships. If you’re buying from private sellers, timing is less important. However, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection to protect your wallet, and see the original window sticker.
About CarEdge
CarEdge is a trusted resource for car buyers, offering data-backed insights, negotiation tools, and expert guidance to help consumers save time and money. Since 2019, CarEdge has helped hundreds of thousands of drivers navigate the car-buying process with confidence. Learn more at CarEdge.com.
