When buying a used car, is there a best time of year to do so?

Answer 1

January and February are fantastic times to buy a car. New or used. The dealerships and salesman are living off their savings as everyone is busy paying holiday bills. Things pick back up in March when tax refund checks start rolling in. Buy now!

Answer 2

I would say right around this time of the year where you have the dealerships getting rid of old to make room for the new. Here's a few things that I've gathered.

To help you investigate and compare prices, several publications are available that give general guidance on value for many models. Your library, bookstore, bank or insurance agent should have a copy of the monthly National Automotive Dealers Association also a website for them: http://www.nada.org/
monthly Kelley Blue Book http://www.kbb.com/ or Edmund's http://www.edmunds.com/ to estimate a car's resale value. Comparing prices of similar makes and models can give you an idea of which seller offers the best deals.

Also, check auto and consumer books, such as edmund's used car prices and their ratings or magazines, such as consumer reports, for information on the reliability records of various models.
the national highway traffic safety admin. has a number you can call: 800.424.9393 and/or the internet (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/)which you can find out if a particular vehicle has ever been recalled for safety defects.

The essential advice for purchasing a used car has always been “Buyer beware.” That advice will always hold true, but over the past few years, the prices of new cars and light trucks have outpaced many consumers’ incomes, sending demand for used cars up. While buying a used car is still filled with uncertainty, there are ways to increase your chances of making a satisfactory purchase.

I suggest that would-be buyers consult the CAA’s annual Autopinion magazine. Published each December, and based on members’ appraisals of their own cars, it gives very useful general information and details about problems with specific models, the cost of repairs, and overall satisfaction. Autopinion also contains articles by automotive journalists on subjects ranging from car-buying trends, leasing, and the latest features.

Answer 3

Convertibles when there is a foot of snow on the ground and the forcast for that evening is 3 feet more. Otherwise buying a used car has no one best time of the year.

Answer 4

you're there now,but kind of missed it. 1.Christmas is slow business for dealers. 2. They don't want to pay taxes on what will soon be last years models. The best time of week to buy is on any week day (MONDAYS are absolute best). There is more pressure for them.Most sales are during the weekend. The best time to look is any day after they close. Never tell them you're putting money down.
The way I do business:
1.Obtain the VIN,condition,year and mileage
2.Run it through CARFAX and get your results.http://www.carfax.com/cfm/general_check.cfm?partner=AUE_6&vin=3N1CB51D01L420550
3.Compare the blue book value for the actual car (dealer or private sale)http://www.kbb.com/
4. Apply for financing (get your own as suppose to the dealership). http://www.bankrate.com/brm/auto-loan-calculator.asp
Call different creditors, such as your bank and tell them you would like to apply for a car loan. They will ask for the vehciles information.Dissaprove or approve.
5. Call your insurance and get a quote to see if you can afford the policy with the coverage you prefer.
6. Go to the dealership.Meet your salesman for the first time, test drive & tell him you are interested in such and such car and that you already have financing."Where can we sit to sign my paperwork?"You leave them absolutely no room to haggle for the price or financial terms. You present to them two options:sell now or don't sell at all. My favorite response when they say they have to go to talk to their manager is" who will be selling me my vehicle? You or your manager?" They explain their "procedures" and I just smile.

Answer 5

You're a week late! Between Christmas & New Years is THE best time to buy. The 2 weeks prior to Christmas are next best.

Answer 6

last day of the month, last day of the year because dealers will sell cheaper just to meet quotas. Prices are high now because people are expecting to get back Tax refunds and will be spending even before the money is in their hands. It will die down again in April.

Answer 7

tax time as alot of people get there returns and look to buy a new car and trade in there old one

Answer 8

I like your question...
7/24 is sale time... rain - snow - fog whatever the weather year or month its a sale event...all consumers that think buying year end or month end to get a better deal dont have a clue.
you want to see some more dealer scams go to my website http://www.usedcartips.org/ and navigate to DEALER SCAMS and advertising...

Answer 9

Not that I know of, really... possibly Winter, because a lot of people are looking to get into a more comfortable car around that time and are willing to lower their price on their old car.

Answer 10

when the new models come out