whens the best time to buy a car?

Question

When do dealers update their prices to account for depreciation or when do prices drop for a used car?

Answer 1

If you know what you're doing, then it doesn't matter when you buy, only WHAT you buy.

You won't get a good deal on a 2006 Camry right now, because there are none. The dealers only have 2007's now.

Buying at the end of model years is a wash. There savings yes, but there is also more depreciation. Just get what you want that doesn't break your budget. People spend too much trying to buy too much car. Unless you're college, your kid's college, and your retirement are paid for, the best thing you can do is spend as little as possible and get something for the 3-8k cash money. Your future financial independece will thank you.


You're my boy Blue!!! j/k, anyway, like I said, if you know what you're doing, it doesn't matter, the salesman will work not only with you, but FOR you. I am a salesman, so I know this. The only time the end of the month makes a difference is if the dealer is short of their objective. However, you, as a consumer will never know if they are or are not short of their objective. And we aren't talking about a wild swing of thousands of dollars. Usually, it's just a matter of a few hundred....which is usually spread out over 72 mos these days.

As far as rebates go, they are typically at their strongest in Sept and Oct. Due to new models comming out, and Oct being a slow car month. However, once again, there's no free lunch, you WILL pay for it in terms of depreciation.

Answer 2

Generally, best time is Sept-Nov.... but only for PREVIOUS year models. For example, if you buy the 2006 Acura MDX today, you can get $7k off MSRP.... in the case of 2007 MDX, you might get $100 off.

For 2007 models, the best time is Thanksgiving day, Christmas day and the last weekend of the year.

But the best time to buy a car is whenever you need to. I've bought cars in Jan, May, June and other months and have gotten great deals. It really depends on how much preparation you do, such as finding out dealer invoices and your negotiations skill.

Someone buying in the least advantagous time could get a better deal than someone buying on the most advantagous... if he's a better negotiator.

So arm yourself with knowledge and don't be afraid to walk out.
Dealers hate that.

Answer 3

Aldo and Manny have got this one for you.

I think the best time to buy from a Dealership is (from experience working in a dealership and having a long interest in all things auto) at the end of the month, in order to make the salesman work WITH you to make his sale.

It helps to do your homework first and watch the car lot to see what has moved and what has not. I watch a car for a few months at times to know that the dealership is ready to get rid of it, resulting in my lower negotiations! There will be times when you lose the car, but there will ALWAYS be another soon enough. I saved 6K with my last purchase including a trade-in 4K over KBB and 4K (realistically though it was marked up so I believe 2K was more realistic result!) on the sale.

With your homework you should also look into Used prices for the model you intend to buy, if the manufacturer is replacing the model soon (with what kind of changes which will depreciate yours etc).

Check out www.kbb.com for new/used prices and when you intend to buy get a vehicle history report with www.carfax.com, do not buy a vehicle without a carfax report!!!!

GOOD LUCK TO YA'

Answer 4

Right now!

Dealers are trying to clear out their 2006 inventory to make room for their 2007 models. So you'll be able to get new cars at invoice without doing the haggling.

For example, 3 months ago. I was looking at a Subaru WRX which the dealer wanted $23.8k which was a good deal at the time. The same dealer is asking for $22k (under invoice) on the same car now.

Answer 5

Depreciation writedowns on used cars vary by the state. Here in Illinois, they are wrote down on January 1st. This is primarily for the dealer, they write off the depreciation that has happened while the car has sat on their lot. They still usually will price it at market value to the customer.

Answer 6

A number of credit union auto loan officers told me that the best time to buy a NEW car is during September-October. They state that automakers introduce into the market new models and any unsold "new" models from last year must be "moved", sold or liquidated not only to create space for incoming new models but also to reduce the cost of maintaining unsold inventory. Moreover, the best week of the month to buy is the last week of the month. This is because a number of sales reps are willing to lower their commission just to sell and meet his/her monthly quota, which translates whether they get a bonus, qualify for a steady salary or any sales incentive. The same is true for the dealer to meet its monthly QUOTA. Please note that every dealer is also competing against one another for bragging rights of the "BEST DEALER", "HIGHEST VOLUME DEALER", etc. Accomplishing such records affords them more liberal terms with the car manufacturers.

For used cars, it is neither here nor there. Just look for holiday specials.

It bears mentioning that best time to buy does not mean you'll forego the basic strategies of buying a GOOD, QUALITY car.

Happy Car Hunting!

Answer 7

Overall, the best price you will get on a new or used car will be when it's replacement model comes out. This does not mean a new model year that looks the same, but a redesigned model. In addition, try buying at the end of the month when sales staff are try to meet their quotas.

Answer 8

This time of year is good if you want a decent selection. But if you are wanting CHEAP then wait until right before the end of the calendar year and purchase the oldest new car they have. For used cars, always wait until the end of the calendar year. They pay taxes on what is on their lot the last day of the year so they want them off.
Also, at the end of the business day is good because they want to go home and they can't drag out the negotiations for hours.

Answer 9

I've heard September or thereabouts. The dealers want to clear out the "old" models for the new models that'll arrive in December or January.

So if you wanted a Camry for example and didn't care if it was a 2006 or 2007, you might get a good deal on a 2006 now.

Answer 10

At the end of the model year or about right now