Planning to buy a car? The best days to buy a vehicle.

Are you ready to buy a car, but wondering when you’ll get the best deal? Timing isn’t just important—it can make a difference of hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your purchase.

While it’s easy to get excited and rush to the dealership, savvy car buyers know that there are key moments throughout the year when dealerships are more motivated to make a deal. Whether you’re buying new or used, your timing could be the secret weapon that helps you save big.

This article covers:

• The best days and months to buy a car

• The worst times to buy

• Weekly timing tips

• Bonus events like Black Friday

• A full FAQ section

Why Timing Matters When You Buy a Car

The car market is influenced by multiple factors:

• Dealer sales quotas (monthly, quarterly, and annual)

• Model year transitions

• Manufacturer incentives

• Customer traffic patterns

• National holidays

Understanding how these work together helps you choose the right moment to buy a car—one that aligns with your goals, budget, and preferred vehicle.

Best Times of the Year to Buy a Car

Dealerships operate on sales cycles, which directly affect pricing and incentives.

End of the Month

Salespeople and managers are often under pressure to meet or exceed their monthly quotas. If they’re close to their goals at the end of the month, they may be willing to lower prices, offer better trade-in values, or throw in extras like extended warranties or accessories.

✅ Best strategy: Go in during the last 3–5 days of the month.

End of the Year (October to December)

The final quarter is the sweet spot to buy a car. Dealerships want to hit year-end targets and clear old inventory before the new model year takes over. This creates a perfect storm of discounts.

Especially during the last week of December, dealerships are highly motivated to negotiate. Many people are holiday shopping—not car shopping—so you’ll get more attention too.

 National Promotions & Events

Holidays and national sales events can be excellent times to buy a car if you’re looking for financing deals, cashback offers, or inventory clearance.

Best Months to Buy a Car (Overview)

Best Days of the Week to Buy a Car

Sometimes it’s not just the month, but the day of the week that makes a difference. Dealerships are often busiest on weekends, which means less attention for you and more rushed decisions.

Short on Time? When You Should Not Wait

Sometimes you just can’t afford to wait months. Maybe your old car broke down or you’re relocating. If you need to buy a car now, here’s how to maximize your chances:

• Go early in the day, especially on a Tuesday or Wednesday

• Shop at the end of the current month

• Look for inventory from the prior model year

• Compare online dealer listings before walking in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

✅ What’s the best month to buy a car?
➡️ December, hands down. End-of-year quotas, inventory pressure, and seasonal sales combine to offer the best deals of the year.

✅ Is Black Friday actually a good day to buy a car?
➡️ Absolutely. It’s one of the most aggressive car-selling days of the year. Dealers are prepared to slash prices and offer incredible financing options.

✅ How much can I save by timing my purchase?
➡️ Savings can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the vehicle, dealership, and timing. End-of-year models often include factory rebates or 0% financing.

✅ Is it cheaper to buy a car on the weekend?
➡️ Usually not. Weekends are busier, and salespeople have less flexibility or time to negotiate.

✅ Should I buy a new car or a used car?
➡️ It depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. New cars offer warranties and the latest features, while used cars often offer better value and slower depreciation.

✅ How do I know I’m getting a good deal?

• Research the MSRP and invoice price
• Get multiple quotes
• Ask for “out-the-door pricing”
• Look for rebates, financing incentives, and dealer specials

Don’t Just Buy—Buy Smart

Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make, so it’s worth doing your homework. Whether you’re eyeing a brand-new model or a certified pre-owned deal, remember:

✅ The best times to buy a car are:

• End of the month

• End of the year

• Holiday events like Black Friday

• Weekdays (especially Tuesday or Wednesday)

Pair this timing with a strong negotiation strategy, and you’ll drive away not just with a car—but with a great deal too.