When is the absolute best time to buy a used car?

Late December is often the best time to buy a used car. Dealerships are trying to meet year-end sales goals and clear out inventory, leading to bigger discounts and better negotiation power.

Is it cheaper to buy a used car at the end of the month?

Yes. Dealers often have monthly sales targets, so the last few days of the month can lead to better deals as salespeople are motivated to hit quotas.

Do holidays have better car deals?

Yes. Major holidays like Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, the 4th of July, and Black Friday often feature limited-time discounts, special financing, and lower prices on used vehicles.

Is winter a good time to buy a used car?

Winter (especially January and February) can be a great time to buy because dealership traffic slows down after the holidays. Dealers may be more willing to negotiate to move aging inventory.

When do dealerships get the most used car inventory?

Late summer and early fall (August to October) are peak times for trade-ins and off-lease vehicles, which means more selection, especially for recent models with lower mileage.

Does the time of day matter when buying a used car?

Yes. Shopping early in the morning or mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) usually means less foot traffic, so you get more attention from the sales team and potentially better negotiating leverage.

How can I get the best deal on a used car?

Shop at the end of the year, end of the month, or during major holidays. Visit dealerships mid-week and earlier in the day. Be prepared with your financing and trade-in information to speed up negotiations.

The Best Time of Year to Buy a Used Car

When is the best time to buy a used car?

While great deals are possible year-round, certain times offer better prices, more inventory, and stronger negotiating power.

The best months are November, December, and late summer, especially at the end of the month or quarter. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Black Friday often bring special promotions. Learn when to shop to save thousands on your next used car purchase.

When it comes to buying a used car, timing can be everything. While it's possible to find a great deal any time of year, certain months—and even specific days—can give you an edge in pricing, inventory, and negotiation power.

If you’re wondering when the best time is to buy a used car, here’s what you need to know:

1. End of the Year: November and December

Best Overall Time to Buy

The end of the calendar year—especially late November through December 31st—is often the best time to buy a used car. Here's why:

Dealerships are trying to hit year-end sales goals
They’re clearing out inventory to make room for newer models
Many customers focus on holiday shopping, so there’s less competition

You’ll often find deep discounts, bonus incentives, and better negotiating power during this time.

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday between Christmas and New Year's when showrooms are quieter.

2. End of the Month or Quarter

Great for Deals and Negotiation

Sales teams often have monthly and quarterly targets to meet. If they’re close to hitting a goal, they may be more flexible with pricing to close the deal.

Best times:

Last 3–5 days of the month
End of March, June, September, and December

Don’t be afraid to ask, “Is this the best you can do?”—especially near the end of a quota period.

3. Late Summer and Early Fall

Best Time for Trade-Ins and Lease Returns

Between August and October, dealerships take in a lot of off-lease vehicles, trade-ins, and model year changeovers. This means:

More inventory of used and certified pre-owned cars
More competition among dealers, which can work in your favor
More choices with low-mileage, late-model vehicles

It's also a great time to buy if you're looking for something relatively new but don’t want to pay the new-car price.

4. Winter Months: January and February

Best Time for Bargain Hunters

After the holiday rush, foot traffic in dealerships slows down. This can work to your advantage:

Less competition from other buyers
Motivated dealerships looking to boost slow-season sales
Potential leftover inventory from the prior year

If you don’t mind braving the cold, winter months often come with solid deals, especially on older or higher-mileage models.

🛍️ 5. Holiday Weekends and Promotions

Great for Sales Events and Price Drops

Major holidays often mean special sales events with limited-time pricing:

Presidents' Day (February)
Memorial Day (May)
4th of July
Labor Day (September)
Black Friday

While inventory may move quickly, these weekends can bring some of the best advertised deals of the year—especially at larger dealerships.

Bonus Tip: Best Time of Day

Believe it or not, time of day matters too. Try visiting the dealership:

Earlier in the morning, before crowds arrive
Mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday), when things are slower

You’ll likely get more time, attention, and negotiating power from the sales team.

Final Thoughts

The best time to buy a used car isn’t just about the season—it’s about catching the right mix of inventory, incentives, and dealer motivation.

If you want to score the best deal:

Shop at the end of the year or month
Look for holiday promotions
Visit during low-traffic days when sales teams are more flexible

Ready to Buy Smart?

At Clock Tower Auto Mall, We Say Yes When Others Say No, we help you find the right car at the right time—no pressure, just great value.
🚘 Wide selection of used and certified pre-owned vehicles
📉 Transparent pricing and financing options
✅ Trade-ins welcome

Check out our current specials or visit us today to catch the best deals of the season!