When the time comes to buy a new car, people want to get the best deal they can find. Think about the best time to buy a car to ensure you're getting a good price.
The best time to buy a car is when the new models come out.
While people argue about the best time to buy a car, one area in which everyone agrees it's a good time to buy a car is when the new models come out. When new models arrive, dealers want the prior year's models gone. Cars depreciate instantly by a year when the new models arrive, so if you time your visit carefully, you can get a great deal when you buy a car from the prior year's stock. Keep this in mind, though, when you buy last year's model; it instantly depreciates a year, so you'll be looking at lower trade-in values if you want to buy a new car in a year or two.
The second-best time to buy a car is when business is slow.
You don't want to buy a car when there are dozens of people wandering around the lot; salespeople are less willing to strike a deal if they think they can get another potential buyer pretty much immediately. However, if you're the only one on the lot and you come when business is slow, you can get a much better deal when you buy a car. Consider the early part of the month or the beginning of the week when you're looking at the best time to buy a car.
So many people go to buy a new car at the end of the month because they think salespeople need to make quota, but the reality is that there are so many people looking at the end of the month that the salesperson probably isn't too worried. The same thing goes for weekends; weekends are peak car-buying times, so try to shop for a car early in the week when there aren't a lot of other buyers around to distract the salesperson, and you're more likely to get a good deal.
The best time to buy a used car is when the lot is full of them.
There isn't really a best time to buy a used car, except when the lot is full of them. If there are only a handful of used cars on the lot, dealers won't push as hard to get you to buy a used car. On the other hand, if there are dozens of used cars taking up space and distracting potential buyers from lucrative new cars, dealers are often willing to make a deal to get you to buy a used car and get it off the lot. If you want to buy a used car, don't worry about time of month or year; check dealer inventory and find a dealer with a high used car inventory, and chances are good that you can get a good deal.
 | Leasing a car is a great option for some people, but the question of leasing vs. buying a car really depends on how you intend to use your car, and your long-term financial goals. Assuming a lease doesn't have to be a painful process, though; learn the jargon and common pitfalls to avoid, and you can get a great deal on leasing a car. |
 | Many people don't realize that there are some times of the month and days of the week that are considered to be the best time to buy a used car. Because of sales volume, salesmen quotas and new inventory, dealerships are more willing to let cars go at a reduced rate. |
If you are wondering how to buy a car from a dealership, then you should know that the art of negotiation is your best friend. Whether you're talking to a new car dealer or a used car dealer, they are always happy to see new customers. That's because they hope to talk you into a sale that will leave them with a fat commission check. But you need to be ready before you walk onto that lot, or you might be pressured into buying a lemon. |
Unscrupulous dealers use a number of car lease trade scams to run up fees and penalties if you trade in your lease, all the while telling you they're getting you a deal. Find out if a lease trade will work for you or if it's just hype. |
When you're buying a used car, checklists can be your best friend. Because of the risk of purchasing a used car from someone, whether a private seller or a dealership, it's important to check that the car appears exactly as represented. |
