When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

What time of the year do you think you get the best deals? We are looking for a Subaru Forester.

TIA.

Karen

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

You just missed it IMO, early september the new models sneak their way onto the lot, and prices of the current yrs models drop. also I heard the end of the month, sales trying to reach their quotas.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

No actually, from September to January is a pretty good time. The dealers will try like hell to get the last year's models off their lots.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

I always thought it was August/September because the next years models will be coming in soon and there will be be enough 'old' ones to find the car you want with the options you want, the color you want, etc.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

yes, usually the longer you wait the slimmer the pickings.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

I always thought Aug/Sep were a good time to buy. However, last year between Christmas and New Years my aunt bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee and got a great deal. I think she paid about 24K for a fully loaded top of the line model. It makes sense because how many people are looking for cars after the holidays.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

august to early september when all the previous years get great rebates to clear out inventory. New year models come out in late spet. to october (DH worked at a dealership for a while)

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

we bought our Forester in June...

they were trying to move 2004 cars at that point...we could have waited, however as someone else said, you then have slimmer pickings.

the 2005 Outback looks kick *** as far as fuddy duddy cars go, if we had to do it all over again i would seriously consider the 2005 Outback vs. our 2004 Forester...

we got a pretty good deal in Oradell, NJ

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

If you want to get a good deal at a dealership and are definitely READY TO BUY... always go on the last day of the month.

If a dealer needs to sell a car or two to reach a monthly quota... they will almost give you the car at cost because it will equal major bonuses for them (even if they dont make a lot of cash on that particular sale).

Of course... not all dealers are desperate to sell at the end of the month... but a lot usually are.

Oh... and it also depends on the season vs. the type of car you are looking for. You won't see too many insentives for trucks come December or so when people are looking for a sport utility for the winter. Just like you won't see much going on for convertibles in the springtime.

I try to avoid picking up a late model car (like an leftover 04) mainly because I can usually find a way to get the dealer to give me the 05 for almost the same price. Also depends on how 'hot' the model is.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

My DH is a dealer. He had his best month in September. October was good, but not as hot. They don't have quotas to meet, per say, but might be willing to work with you if the car has been in their inventory. Its part of their floor planning and want a quick sell.

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

With enough sweat and research...anytime is a good time to shop. BUT, keep an eye on factory rebates (if a rebate ends on 11/10...chances are that another will begin on 11/11...sometimes a better one at that). Usually you will find much better rebates towards the end of model year...which depending on the vehicle you are looking at can be ANY time of the year. (Case in point, Ford F-150's were released in January, Chrysler 300's were released in April, and now the Ford Mustang was released in October!)

Also, remember that the factory rebates should have no influence on how much you can haggle the delaer down. The rebates come from the manufacturer and does not effect the dealer's pocket.

Good luck!

Re: When is the best time of the year to buy a car?

I don't think you should lock yourself into a mindset that one specific month is better than another.

Different models are released at different times of the year .. some earlier than others.

Also .. it depends on how picky you are .. the longer something has been sitting on the lot, the stronger a dealer is going to want to get rid of it.

I would say this time of year is a great time to go .. and in my experience .. sometimes it's better to walk out on the first visit after serious negotations on price .. but know what you're looking for, and what 'good' prices are .. so if the dealer is making you a good offer .. you know it, and don't walk out on it. But, if the deal doesn't make you a 'can't refuse' offert, and you have the ability to be patient .. then be patient, and take a day to think it over, and see if you can haggle down the price, or find a better alternative.

You might also want to consider checking out cars that are the last of their design ... but not being terminated from production.

Like the Sante Fe .. it's supposed to be redesigned for 2005 .. you might be able to get a better deal on the 2004 design.

I was interested in getting a 2003 Malibu, since the 2004 was a new design .. however .. even though the 2003 prices were rock-bottom in late 2003-early 2004 .. we just weren't able to swing it at the time .. very unfortunate!! Because the prices were great!