So your old car is starting to show its age, and it’s time to think about getting out of it and into something a little newer and more reliable. But how do you know when it’s a good time to buy if you want to get the most for your money? The short answer about the best time to head to used car dealers is it depends. But here is a little more information to help get you started.
Shop in the Off-Season
The best time of year to buy used cars depends on where you are. It varies by region because you can often find the best deals when you shop for a used car during the off-season. But the off-season varies by region.
If you’re looking for a four-wheel drive SUV, the best time to look for one in the northeast is during the summer months. In the winter, when the snow is flying and roads are slippery, used car dealers can get more for their all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles because they are in high demand.
Bad weather and cold temperatures may also keep car shoppers from going to dealerships, so you are more likely to come across lower prices as dealerships try to increase demand.
The Beginning of the Year
The New Year’s Eve countdown is not the only countdown going on at the beginning of the year. It’s also a countdown to extra savings on used cars. Car buyers will often find more deals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day than on any other day during the year.
President’s Day Means Big Deals
President’s Day has long been the day for car sales. It all started in the early 1900s when a car dealer in Massachusetts had an open house at the dealership to celebrate Washington’s birthday weekend. It’s now considered one of the best weekends of the year to find good deals on used cars and new cars.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday
Black Friday is not just for Christmas shopping. It’s also one of the best times of the year to go to used car dealers if you want to get a good deal on your next vehicle. Dealerships are cashing in on the beginning of the holiday shopping season by offering incentives and deals on their inventory.
How About the Best Day for Used Car Shopping?
You probably won’t find any extra deals if you shop on a Wednesday instead of a Saturday or Sunday, but you may get some extra attention. Since most people have weekends off, it’s the most popular time for car shopping, which means salespeople are juggling more customers. If you can shop during the week instead, you just may benefit from a salesperson who hasn’t had as many customers, and they will go out of their way to make sure you get what you want so they can make the sale.
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