If you’re shopping for a car you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy. This guide will help you understand when you can get the best price and more!
You’re shopping for a new vehicle and wondering: Is it a good time to buy a car? Should I wait, or is this the best price I can get? While every car dealership and local market is different, there are particular times of year that tend to be better than others. Learn about the best time of year to buy a used car, the best time to shop for a car in Texas, and where to go for your next vehicle purchase!
If you have the luxury of waiting to buy a new vehicle, monitoring market trends for a while can help you find the right vehicle at the best price. Like most other industries, car prices are heavily influenced by supply and demand. When inventory is high, and demand is low, such as during the release of new models or at the end of the year, you may be able to save money as dealerships work to clear out older stock. On the other hand, limited inventory or increased demand, often caused by economic factors or production delays, can drive prices higher.
That means staying informed about market trends can help you strategically time your purchase. Monitor new model release schedules for the vehicle you’re looking at, watch for dealership promotions, and use online tools to track pricing patterns. By aligning your car-buying plans with favorable market conditions, you can maximize your savings and secure the best deal.
You’ve probably seen the commercials for car sales — they’re typically during holiday weekends, like the three-day weekend holidays of Labor Day, Memorial Day, and President’s Day. For these holiday weekends, your local dealerships may run specials or offer financing deals that aren’t available during the rest of the year. Similarly, year-end clearance events are common at many dealerships. At the end of the calendar year, dealerships look to clear out older inventory and may offer discounts or financing options to entice potential customers and make space on their lots.
But you don’t always have to wait for the holiday season for a good deal on a vehicle! You may be able to find a good deal towards the end of the month or the end of a quarter as salespeople look to meet quotas or deadlines. While you may not find the huge deals that come with the end of the year or holiday season, you may be surprised by what you can find.
If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, timing is just as important. However, the factors influencing pricing can differ. The best times to buy used vehicles often align with periods of increased trade-ins, such as tax season or when new models are released. During these times, dealerships may have more inventory of pre-owned vehicles, which can lead to better prices and more options for buyers.
Shopping for a used vehicle at the end of the month, quarter, or year can still yield savings as dealerships look to meet sales goals and move inventory. Be sure to explore certified pre-owned vehicles for added reliability and warranty coverage, and keep an eye on dealership promotions tailored specifically for used cars.
The best time to buy a vehicle can be regionally dependent, too. For our Texas locals, a few times to keep in mind for new car shopping include:
Looking for the best deal on your next vehicle? Ed Hicks Nissan has you covered year-round with competitive pricing and seasonal offers. Whether you’re interested in a new or pre-owned model, now is a great time to take advantage of our latest deals. Stop by our dealership to browse our current selection and take your dream car for a test drive. Your perfect ride is waiting—let us help you drive it home at the best price!
