Owning a car provides convenience and independence, but purchasing one can be a significant financial commitment. Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a practical way to save money, and securing the best deal often depends on seasonal car shopping trends and timing. In addition to finding a mechanically sound used car, choosing the right time to buy can impact how much you spend overall. Strategic timing during dealership markdowns or incentive periods can make a noticeable difference.
Almost everyone needs a car in order to get around. Unfortunately, the cost of buying a vehicle is not cheap. One way to save some money is to purchase a used car. In order to get the most savings, it is important to purchase a good used car that is mechanically sound. It is also important to make sure that you are buying a used car at the right time.
When you choose the right month, day, or season to purchase a used car you can lower the amount that you spend and possibly find a deal that is going to save you money over the course of your loan. Often, the best time to buy a used car is the same as the best time to buy a new car. Here are some of the best times to buy a used car.
End of the Month: Leverage Sales Quotas
Car dealerships often have monthly sales targets. As the month concludes, sales teams may be more inclined to offer discounts or favorable financing to meet these goals. Shopping during the last few days of the month can increase your chances of securing a better deal. To maximize this opportunity, consider researching and test-driving vehicles earlier in the month, then negotiate and finalize your purchase as the month ends.
End of the Model Year: Capitalize on Clearance Sales
Automakers typically release new models in the fall, prompting dealerships to clear out current inventory. This period often sees significant discounts on outgoing models, making it an opportune time to purchase a used car. By targeting vehicles from the previous model year, you can benefit from reduced prices while still acquiring a relatively new car.
Holiday Weekends: Seek Promotional Offers
Major holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, are popular times for dealerships to offer special promotions. These events may include cash rebates, low-interest financing, or bonus incentives. Shopping during these periods can provide additional savings, but it's essential to research and compare deals to ensure you're getting genuine value.
End of the Car's Design Cycle: Find Value in Outgoing Designs
When a vehicle is due for a redesign, dealerships may offer discounts on the current design to make room for the updated model. Purchasing a car at the end of its design cycle can yield savings, as dealers are motivated to sell existing inventory. However, be mindful that while the outgoing model may be less expensive, it might lack the latest features or improvements found in the redesigned version.
Avoid Peak Demand Periods: Steer Clear of High-Competition Times
Certain times of the year, such as spring and early summer, often see increased demand for used cars, leading to higher prices and less room for negotiation. Additionally, weekends tend to be busier at dealerships, which can result in less personalized attention and potentially less favorable deals. To avoid these pitfalls, consider shopping during weekdays or in off-peak seasons when dealerships are less crowded and more eager to make sales.
For those struggling with poor or nonexistent credit, traditional financing may not always be an option. Buy Here Pay Here car lots provide an alternative by offering bad-credit car financing directly through the dealership. These dealerships eliminate the need for third-party lenders, making it easier to qualify for a loan and drive off with a reliable used vehicle.
A buy here pay here dealership often has a wide selection of affordable pre-owned cars, including low-mileage used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles. While interest rates may be higher than conventional loans, these financing options give buyers the flexibility they need to get on the road. Checking dealer inventory regularly ensures that new arrivals aren’t missed, and buyers can secure the best available deal.
If you’re located near Omaha, Lincoln, and Kansas City and have a weak or nonexistent credit score, you are a likely candidate for no credit car loans. However, lenders will still have minimum eligibility qualifications for bad-credit auto loans.
Are you looking to buy a car? Our stress-free car shopping experience will have you driving home amazed at how fast and easy the process was. Just because we’re a “Buy Here Pay Here” car lot doesn’t mean we don’t have a great selection of pre-owned vehicles to choose from. Our inventory is continuously being updated. That means if we don’t have the perfect vehicle for you, be sure to check back next week or even the next day.
In any case, we’re confident that we’ll have something that will fit your tastes, needs, and budget. We encourage you to browse our inventory online in Omaha or Kansas City to narrow down your preferences to make things even faster when you visit our auto dealership.