CarEdge Insights
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 Insights 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.
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