Strategically timing your car purchase could lead to incredible savings. Though the best time to buy varies based on market conditions and dealership incentives, certain times of the year consistently offer good deals.

Whether you're in the market for a new or used car, knowing when dealerships are most motivated to sell can help you make a wise financial decision.

Why December is the best month to buy a car

December, particularly from the day after Christmas to New Year’s Eve, is your best bet to buy a car. Dealerships are eager to clear out inventory and meet year-end quotas, which can result in exceptional discounts.

Other great times to buy a vehicle

End of the month

Most dealerships have monthly sales quotas, which means they may be more willing to negotiate on price in the final days of any month. If you're flexible, waiting often can result in a better deal.

End of the quarter

Other times within the year to buy a car based on sales goals are:

• March 31 (End of Q1)
• June 30 (End of Q2)
• September 30 (End of Q3)

Since dealerships offer extra incentives to hit quarterly bonuses, shopping at the end of these months can lead to extra savings.

Model-year transitions

New models usually arrive in August and September. As dealerships prepare for new inventory, they discount current-year models to clear space. If you’re open to driving a vehicle one model year older, you can find excellent deals on a brand-new car.

Holiday sales events

Many dealerships offer special discounts on three-day holiday weekends, including:

• Memorial Day (May) – Good for deals, but selection may be limited
• Labor Day (September) – Best for model-year clearance as new cars arrive
• Black Friday (November) – Some dealerships offer one-day-only discounts similar to big-box retailers

It all comes down to your schedule

When is the best time to buy a car? Ultimately, it depends on your financial situation as much as market trends and dealership incentives.

If you need to buy now, Credit Acceptance has over 15,000 dealers in our network and assists credit-challenged buyers with auto financing. Get pre-qualified online today!