When is the Best Time to Buy a Car from a Dealership?

Buying a car can be an exciting yet daunting experience.

Whether you’re after a brand-new set of wheels or a used car, timing plays a crucial role in getting the best deal.

From seasonal promotions to dealership targets, there are specific times of the year, month, and even day when you’re more likely to bag a bargain.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through when the best time to buy a car is, giving you the edge when negotiating your next purchase.

End of the Month: Capitalising on Sales Targets

One of the golden rules of car buying is knowing that dealerships have monthly sales targets to meet.

Towards the end of the month, salespeople are often keen to hit their quotas, which can lead to better offers on cars.

If they’re falling short of their targets, they might be more inclined to negotiate on price or throw in extra perks like extended warranties or servicing packages.

For more on how much a dealership may reduce the price, check out our page on how much a dealership will come down on price for a new car in the UK.

End of the Year: Clearing Out Older Models

The end of the year is another excellent time to buy a car, especially if you’re not too concerned about getting the latest model.

Dealerships are eager to clear out old inventory to make room for the new year’s vehicles.

This usually means significant discounts on the outgoing models.

December is widely known as one of the best months for car deals, with dealerships wanting to finish the year on a high and manufacturers offering incentives to move older stock.

If you’re interested in understanding how dealerships operate, check out our page on how to pay cash for a car at a dealership for a more detailed look at the buying process.

Holiday Sales Events: Taking Advantage of Special Promotions

Much like the retail world, car dealerships love a good holiday sale.

Whether it’s Black Friday, Boxing Day, or even New Year’s Day, you can often find dealerships offering enticing deals.

These promotions might include cashback offers, low-interest financing, or reduced prices on selected models.

In the UK, holiday sales around Christmas and New Year’s are particularly popular.

Car dealerships know that people are often looking for big purchases around this time, so they’ll put together tempting packages to lure you in.

Bank holidays like Easter and May Day can also be good opportunities, as sales events often coincide with these dates.

New Model Release Time: Buying Last Year’s Models

As manufacturers gear up to release new models, usually between late summer and autumn, last year’s cars often see price cuts.

Dealerships are eager to shift the older stock to make space for the shiny new arrivals, which can work in your favour if you’re not fussed about having the very latest model.

The advantage here is that while the car may be technically ‘last year’s model,’ it’s still brand new and comes with full warranties.

You might not get the newest features or design tweaks, but for many buyers, the price reduction more than compensates for that.

If you’re interested in exploring some of the most popular cars, check out our page on Toyota cars.

End of a Car’s Life Cycle: Discontinued Models

When a car model is set to be discontinued, dealerships are particularly motivated to sell.

These cars can come with significant markdowns, as dealerships don’t want to be stuck with cars that will soon be outdated in the eyes of many buyers.

If you’re not bothered about having the latest model on the road, this can be a fantastic opportunity to get a high-quality car at a reduced price.

However, there are a few things to consider.

While the initial purchase price might be lower, parts and service for discontinued models could become harder to find in the future.

It’s something to weigh up depending on how long you plan to keep the car.

Timing Based on the Day of the Week

Believe it or not, the day of the week can also affect the deal you get.

Midweek, particularly Monday through Wednesday, tends to be quieter in car showrooms.

With fewer customers around, salespeople have more time to give you their full attention, making them more open to negotiations.

They’re also more likely to want to close a deal quickly, especially as the weekend looms, when footfall tends to increase.

On the other hand, weekends are typically busier, meaning sales staff might have less time to negotiate with each customer.

You may find the pressure to make a quick decision higher on weekends, which could lead to less favourable deals.

The Best Time of Day to Buy a Car

Not only does the day of the week matter, but so does the time of day.

Visiting a dealership near closing time can sometimes yield better results.

Sales staff may be more eager to make a deal and head home rather than prolong the sale.

However, be cautious—this strategy works best when you’re already well-prepared and know what you want.

Rushing through negotiations isn’t ideal, so make sure you’ve done your research beforehand.

End of Quarters: Maximise Manufacturer and Dealer Incentives

Similar to the end of the month, the end of financial quarters (March, June, September, and December) is another prime time to buy a car.

Manufacturers and dealerships both have quarterly targets to hit, and this can lead to special incentives or promotions to boost sales.

You might find more competitive financing options, larger discounts, or even special offers such as zero-interest deals or free servicing packages.

By timing your purchase with these quarterly sales pushes, you stand to gain from not only dealership promotions but also manufacturer-backed incentives.

Seasonal Factors: How the Time of Year Impacts Car Prices

Seasons can also affect car prices, depending on the type of car you’re looking for.

For example, convertibles are in high demand during spring and summer, so prices are likely to be higher then.

Conversely, if you’re looking for a 4×4 or SUV, winter may be a more expensive time to buy due to higher demand for vehicles better suited for bad weather.

On the flip side, buying an off-season vehicle can save you a significant amount.

For instance, purchasing a convertible in the middle of winter could result in a fantastic deal, as dealers are keen to move inventory that’s less in demand.

If you’re curious about how long dealership services can take, check out our page on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership for more information.

When to Avoid Buying a Car: Times to Be Wary Of

While there are plenty of great times to buy, there are also some periods when you may want to hold off on making your purchase.

Early in the year, just after the Christmas sales, tends to be a slower time for discounts as people are recovering from holiday spending.

Additionally, before the release of new models, dealers might not offer as many incentives as they wait for the latest cars to arrive.

During major car shows, dealerships might also be less inclined to offer deals, knowing that buyers may wait to see what new models are coming out.

It’s always good to be aware of the timing and avoid buying during periods of high demand or low stock.

Conclusion

Timing is everything when it comes to buying a car.

Whether you’re aiming to capitalise on monthly sales targets, end-of-year clearances, or holiday promotions, being strategic about when you shop can save you thousands.

Keep in mind the seasonal factors, the type of car you’re after, and even the day of the week to give yourself the best chance of securing a great deal.

So, before you head to the dealership, remember: patience and timing can make all the difference.

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!