The right time to purchase a car is dependent on a number of factors working together to get you the best possible deal at the optimal point in your current car’s lifespan. There are a number of theories regarding what time of day, month, and year is best to shop for a car. 
Preserve Trade-in Value
The ability to use your car’s fair market value as a trade-in toward the cost of your new car should be a consideration while deciding the best time to buy. Waiting until your car is on its last legs to start shopping for the next vehicle you’ll own could cost you more money than you think, especially if your car starts to show signs of serious wear and tear.
End of the Year, End of the Month
Whether a dealership is selling practical pre-owned vehicles or the latest in exotic sports cars, they are likely to have sales quotas to meet by the end of the year. Sales quotas impact the income and bonuses of sales people and supervisors at the dealership, making it vital those goals be met. You can use this facet of the sales industry to your advantage while negotiating the asking price of your next car. At the end of the year, the salesperson you work with will be thinking about the sales quota, as will the boss that finalizes the offer, while deciding how far to budge from the sticker price. The end of the month can work nearly as well for this negotiating strategy, if your current car cannot make it until the end of the year.
Weather Conditions
The salespeople at a car dealership will be more eager to sell cars if weather conditions are keeping shoppers at home, instead of out purchasing vehicles. One of the recommended times to go to the dealership to buy a car is when weather conditions are less than comfortable, such as on a very cold, hot, or rainy day. Fewer customers on the sales floor will make the dealership more likely to accept a lower fair offer.
Redesigned or Discontinued
Once a certain model or design of car is obsolete, either thanks to a redesign or the car being completely discontinued, dealerships will want to move their stock of them quickly to make room for whatever is coming out next. If you don’t mind having a car that is officially out of fashion, this is the best time to find a great deal on both new and used cars.
The recommended best times to buy a new car are meant to steer you toward the easier and most cost-effective shopping experience. Use these times to your advantage while negotiating the cost of your next vehicle.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
