The end of the year is the best time to buy a car.

Your year-end car deal checklist

Follow these four steps in order. Check them off as you go, and this browser saves your progress. Why the end of the year works, with the data: the best times to buy a car.

1. 1

   Pick the car and know the fair price

   Narrow it to one or two models and trims. Know what other buyers are paying before any dealer gives you a number. Get target prices for the exact car with CarEdge Pro
2. 2

   Set your out‑the‑door budget

   Decide the all-in number, with fees and taxes, before a dealer can steer you to a monthly payment. Out-the-door pricing, explained

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3. 3

   Start now for competing out‑the‑door quotes

   Dealers offer bigger discounts when they know they are competing. A Concierge search typically takes 7 to 10 days, and December is the busiest month at dealerships, so starting early gives you more quotes to compare. Sale pricing ends Dec 31.

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4. 4

   Take a strong offer when you get it

   • Holding out for a better number can cost you the car. When CarEdge tells you an offer is strong, take it.
   • Dealers close monthly, quarterly, and annual targets on Dec 31, and some manufacturer incentives run through Jan 4. Year-end pricing carries into the first days of January.
   • Many dealers close on Dec 25 and Jan 1. Plan your visits around those holidays.
   • Sign only the number you agreed to, and check that no new fees appeared on the paperwork.

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   What to bring to the dealer

   • Your competing written quotes
   • Your financing pre-approval, if you have one
   • Your trade-in title and keys
   • Your driver's license and insurance card