What Is the Best Time Of Year To Buy a Car?

In an ideal world, you would only need to purchase one car that would last you the rest of your life. Or, in an equally ideal world, you could buy as many cars as you want without worry.

As most of you know, that is not the world in which you currently live. So there will come a time when you will need (or want) to buy a new car, for whatever reason. For a few lucky folks, that time holds no bearing on their decision-making process. They could walk into a genuine Mercedes dealership on Christmas Eve and walk out with a brand new Mercedes Benz.

You might be able to afford a new Mercedes, but not on Christmas Eve when prices are usually higher. So if you’re wondering, what is the best time of year to buy a car, keep reading.

Before your current ride dies

It can be difficult trying to gauge just how long your current vehicle will last you, but everyone has a general sense of the longevity of their car. For instance, if you use your car year round, it has 250,000 miles, it needs a new transmission, and when you take it over 80 mph it feels like you’re riding the washing machine over cobblestone, you might want to start looking for a new car now. Waiting until your car dies for good is a great way to back yourself into a corner and pressure yourself into a bad car deal.

The Month of May

Have you believed your entire life that the best time to buy a car is the winter when prices are down and nobody is buying? You and everyone else. The truth is, the springtime creates a flood of new inventory for dealerships, which means they can reduce their prices and get you a better deal. Moreover, May has a very special holiday which most dealerships use as a huge sales opportunity: Memorial Day. Memorial Day sales can save you thousands of dollars on a new ride, and some dealerships even extend these sales into June. You might even be able to walk into one of your local genuine Mercedes dealerships and afford the new Mercedes prices.

On a Monday

Finally, Mondays are good for something. Most people think that going to a dealership on the weekends or right before they’re about to close is the best way to force the salesman into giving you a discount. In reality, your best bet is to shop on a Monday. That way you have the time –and the salesperson’s full attention — to negotiate the best possible deal.

If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to do your research before buying. Not just on the car, but on the dealer as well. Too often are people scammed by dishonest dealers who are just trying to take your money. Read reviews and find previous customers. If you bought a new car and need a new part, be sure to call the dealership to confirm the part number before ordering.