What is the best time of the year to buy a new car? I am pretty sure SWMBO will be getting a new car this year but when would the best time to do that be. No idea what it will be yet.
What is the best time of the year to buy a new car? I am pretty sure SWMBO will be getting a new car this year but when would the best time to do that be. No idea what it will be yet.
I know in the fall Toyota was giving $3,000 of double cab 4x4's which is good for them. A huge Ford dealer here in Ohio had 2013 Focus Se hatchbacks with around $4,000 off in December. You could have gotten a manual for under $16,000 and even now, 2014 SE Hatchbacks are going for $16,900. So fall and end of year look good. They have to make room for new inventory.
Last day of the month, last month of the year is even better.
Most dealerships have a quota set by the manufacturer. It is more beneficial to sell a car under invoice because they will make way more money in kick-backs by meeting/exceeding that quota then they'll lose on a specific car.
This American Life just did a show on a New York Chrysler dealer that laid it all out. I imagine all manufacturers and dealers have similar criteria. Interesting listen if you have the time- http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/513/129-cars
I have often found good deals in August just befroe the next model year versions show up. YMMV
Cone_Junkie wrote: Last day of the month, last month of the year is even better. Most dealerships have a quota set by the manufacturer. It is more beneficial to sell a car under invoice because they will make way more money in kick-backs by meeting/exceeding that quota then they'll lose on a specific car. This American Life just did a show on a New York Chrysler dealer that laid it all out. I imagine all manufacturers and dealers have similar criteria. Interesting listen if you have the time- http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/513/129-cars
As mentioned above, I would think you get better deals (and looking at truck prices the last few years seems to be the case) just as the new models show up, or when a previous model is still sitting on the lot.
Last day of the month close to closing time. Time of year used to be the fall before new models arrived, not so sure anymore.
Right after you buy one.
evildky wrote: Right after you buy one.
Troof.
evildky wrote: Right after you buy one.
This is indeed the only true answer. 
By sales it is September or January.
End of the month is true.
December is so busy between Christmas and New Years it is called the 13th month.
If a dealership is doing well December is a horrible time to buy, if it is doing not so well, you can find some good deals.
September is the best because no one wants the previous years model and the new ones are out/or about to be.
SOURCE: Former Car Salesman.
Wouldn't a lot of it also depend on the car you're buying? If it's a model in high demand, first of the month or end of the month won't matter. If it's a sales flop, I'd think a deal can be had anytime.
If you want a leftover, there should be some smoking deals on 2013s still sitting on the lot...if there are any.
Two weeks ago. But since that's no longer an option, go on the last Saturday of the month, after lunch.
It depends on WHEN in the year the new model comes out. For instance, Mustangs usually come out in March. I bought mine on Valentine's day a month before the next year's model came out and got a pretty dang good deal.
Not when you're desperate and need wheels ASAP.
I've been watching the new F150s recently and wondering the same thing. Right now you can have brand new one ('14) for 8k off sticker locally. Maybe more if you wanted an odball reg cab, low option type.
I was eyeballing an extended cab, 6.5' bed, 4x4 5L for 27k with a few options. Used trucks of similar layout are $24k with 50k miles right now, $18k with 100+k miles . Why would I buy used again?
I say early in the design refresh if you really want a specific car. It will look 'new' several years longer than buying at the end of a design cycle. If you're just really pragmatic and don't want the luxury of the latest and greatest, buy a gently used one with warranty.
We preordered our '14 CX-5 (held out for the larger engine.) I wanted the GT with leather, but none of the tech package stuff that runs up the price. I got the 14th one off the boat, and it was delivered as a '14 model in January of 2013. I paid MSRP, but it will be a 'new' car longer, and we just really wanted a CX-5.
For a new car, we got a pretty decent deal on our 2003 MPV when we bought in October. It had been on the lot for several months as the 2004s rolled in (last new car we've bought).
Basically her requirements for a car are high seating position and heated seats. Mine are for her car decent gas mileage and a good warranty.
kia soul
ultraclyde wrote: I've been watching the new F150s recently and wondering the same thing. Right now you can have brand new one ('14) for 8k off sticker locally. Maybe more if you wanted an odball reg cab, low option type. I was eyeballing an extended cab, 6.5' bed, 4x4 5L for 27k with a few options. Used trucks of similar layout are $24k with 50k miles right now, $18k with 100+k miles . Why would I buy used again?
Check their website often, they occasionally list very good deals on trucks without ever advertising them. Thats how my BIL got his ecoboost for $33k out the door(sticker was around $45k) 
on a 14 F150, wait until after the 13th of this month. The 15 is being released at NAIAS on the 13th. If you wait longer dealers are stocking up on 2014's as they are concerned that there may be production and or supply issues with the aluminum 2015s from ford and alcoa. If those concerns don't come to light expect huge discounts on remaining 14's come july/august as dealer stock levels will be bulked up and 15s will be on the lots.
Immediately after someone else depreciates it then has a fiscal calamity of their own making, opening the door for you to help them out by buying it for pennies on the dollar.
After you win the lottery or when hell freezes over 
A new car?
N E V E R.
Let some chump take that hit.
captdownshift wrote: kia soul
Good luck with that. The Soul is a hot seller. All the ones around here carry a $3000 ADM sticker - even the $15k ones.
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