UsersRatedQuick Answer
December is the best month to buy a car, with prices averaging 9% below the yearly mean. August–October is also excellent due to model year changeover. Always shop at the end of the month and end of the quarter for maximum leverage.
✓ Best Months to Buy
- August5% below avg
- September7% below avg
- October6% below avg
- December9% below avg
✗ Worst Months to Buy
- April2% above avg
- May3% above avg
Monthly Price Index
100 = average price. Lower is better for buyers.
| Month | Price Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 97 | Post-holiday deals, dealers clearing inventory |
| February | 99 | Presidents Day sales, slower month |
| March | 101 | Tax refund season increases demand |
| April | 102 | Spring buying season begins |
| May | 103 | Memorial Day sales, but high demand |
| June | 100 | Mid-year, moderate prices |
| July | 98 | July 4th sales, summer slowdown starts |
| August | 95 | Model year changeover begins — great deals on outgoing models |
| September | 93 | New models arrive, deep discounts on last year's inventory |
| October | 94 | Continued clearance, end of Q3 push |
| November | 96 | Black Friday deals, pre-holiday push |
| December | 91 | Year-end clearance, best month overall |
Key Sale Events
Year-End Clearance
December 26–31
Dealers must clear inventory before year-end. Combined with manufacturer incentives, this is often the single best time to buy.
Model Year Changeover
August–October
When new model years arrive (typically fall), dealers offer steep discounts on outgoing models. Same car, lower price.
End of Quarter
Mar 31, Jun 30, Sep 30, Dec 31
Dealers push to hit quarterly sales targets. Last 3–5 days of each quarter see the best deals.
End of Month
Last week of any month
Salespeople and dealers have monthly quotas. If they're close to bonuses, they'll deal.
Holiday Weekends
Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day
Manufacturers run incentives, but higher traffic means less negotiating leverage.
Car Buying Tips
- 1Get pre-approved financing before visiting dealerships. This gives you leverage and a clear budget.
- 2Shop at the end of the month — last 2–3 days are best. Salespeople and managers are motivated to hit quotas.
- 3Get quotes from multiple dealers via email or phone before negotiating in person. Play them against each other.
- 4Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment. Dealers manipulate terms to hit your payment target while increasing total cost.
- 5Consider outgoing model years in August–October. You get essentially the same car at 8–12% off.
- 6Skip the dealer add-ons (paint protection, fabric guard, VIN etching). These are high-margin, low-value items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best day to buy a car?
December 31st is often cited as the best single day. Dealers are desperate to hit annual targets, salespeople want year-end bonuses, and it's the last chance to clear inventory before the new year.
Should I buy at the end of the month?
Yes, the last week of the month (especially the last 2–3 days) is consistently better for buyers. Dealers and salespeople have monthly quotas, and they'll often take a lower profit to close one more sale.
Is it better to buy a new or outgoing model year?
If you don't need the latest features, buying an outgoing model year (August–October) can save you 8–12% or more. The car is essentially the same but costs significantly less.
Do car prices drop in a recession?
Yes, economic downturns reduce demand, leading to higher inventory and better deals. However, manufacturer production cuts can offset this. Used car prices are more volatile than new car prices.
What about buying a used car?
Used car prices follow similar seasonal patterns, with December and January being strong months. Also look for 2–3 year old vehicles coming off lease — these are often well-maintained with low miles.
Is Monday or Tuesday better for car shopping?
Weekdays (especially Monday–Wednesday) see less traffic, giving salespeople more time and motivation to negotiate. Avoid weekends when dealerships are busiest.