Best Time to Buy a Car in 2026: Complete Month-by-Month Guide

DECEMBER 26, 2025MIKA L.
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Looking to purchase a new or used car in 2026? Timing your purchase right could save you thousands of dollars. Let's dive in!

Best Time to Buy a Car in 2026: Complete Month-by-Month Guide

This comprehensive guide explores the best times to buy a car throughout the year, backed by industry data and expert insights.

1. End of December (Best Overall Time)

December, particularly the last week, offers the best car deals of the year. Dealerships are eager to meet annual sales quotas and clear inventory. According to Edmunds, buyers can expect savings of up to 6-8% off manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) during this period. You'll find aggressive year-end clearance sales and motivated salespeople.

2. Early October (Model Year-End)

When new models arrive, dealers offer significant discounts on outgoing models. October typically sees discounts of 5-7% off MSRP, with some models receiving even deeper cuts. This is also when you can find better insurance rates for new vehicles.

3. Memorial Day Weekend (May)

The first major holiday weekend of the car-buying season brings substantial discounts. Dealers often offer special financing rates as low as 0% APR and cash-back incentives ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

4. Black Friday (November)

While known for retail shopping, Black Friday has become a significant car-buying holiday. Dealerships offer doorbusters and special incentives, with average savings of 5-6% off MSRP. Before making a purchase, check price comparison sites to ensure you're getting the best deal.

5. End of Each Quarter

Dealerships have quarterly sales targets to meet in March, June, September, and December. Shopping during the last two weeks of these months can yield savings of 3-5% off MSRP.

6. Mondays

According to TrueCar, Monday shoppers save an average of 0.61% more than weekend buyers. Dealerships are less crowded, and salespeople can provide more personalized attention.

  • Research car prices before visiting dealerships
  • Get pre-approved for financing
  • Compare multiple dealerships
  • Consider certified pre-owned vehicles
  • Check manufacturer incentives and rebates

When to Avoid Buying

Certain times are less favorable for car buying:

  • Beginning of a new model year (September)
  • Weekends (higher traffic means less negotiating power)
  • Early in the month
  • During tax return season (February-April)

Final Words

Timing your car purchase can significantly impact the final price. Combine these timing strategies with thorough research and negotiation skills to maximize your savings. Remember to consider additional factors like fuel efficiency and insurance costs when making your decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Buying Timing

What is the absolute best month to buy a car?

December is typically the best month to buy a car, particularly the last week of the year. Dealerships are motivated to meet year-end quotas and clear inventory, often offering the deepest discounts of the year, sometimes up to 8-10% off MSRP.

Do car prices really drop at the end of the month?

Yes, car prices often drop at the end of the month as dealerships try to meet monthly sales quotas. This effect is even stronger at the end of each quarter (March, June, September, and December) when both dealers and manufacturers are pushing to hit targets.

Should I wait for holiday sales to buy a car?

Holiday sales can offer significant savings, particularly during Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and year-end holidays. However, you might face more competition from other buyers. The best strategy is to combine holiday timing with end-of-month or end-of-quarter timing for maximum savings.

Is it better to buy a car with cash or financing?

The best payment method depends on various factors. While cash purchases can provide negotiating leverage and avoid interest charges, financing might be better if you can secure a low interest rate (0-3%) and invest the cash difference. Some dealers also offer special incentives for financed purchases.

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