Best Time of the Month to Purchase a Vehicle from New Car Dealerships
Best Time to Purchase a Vehicle from New Car Dealerships
Why the End of the Month Is the Best Time to Purchase a Vehicle from New Car Dealerships for Savings
If you’ve ever wondered when the best time is to score a deal on a new car, here’s a valuable tip: head to the dealership at the end of the month. While car prices and promotions vary throughout the year, the final days of the month often present unique opportunities for savvy buyers to save thousands. Here’s why.
1. Sales Quotas and Bonuses
Most car dealerships operate on monthly sales goals, often set by both the dealership management and the manufacturer. These quotas come with lucrative bonuses for hitting certain targets. If a salesperson or dealership is a few units short as the month ends, they’re often highly motivated to close deals — sometimes even at lower profit margins — just to hit their bonus. This can translate into significant savings for you.
2. End-of-Month Promotions
Manufacturers frequently roll out extra incentives, rebates, or special financing offers toward the end of the month to boost numbers. Dealerships eager to push these offers may have more flexibility to apply discounts or sweeten deals with perks like free add-ons, extended warranties, or lower APRs.
3. More Negotiating Power for Buyers
Timing your purchase at the end of the month gives you an edge in negotiations. Salespeople are under pressure to meet their quotas, and managers are more likely to approve aggressive pricing to make one last sale. You may find they’re more willing to reduce the price, throw in extras, or provide better trade-in values simply to close a deal before the clock runs out.
4. Inventory Shifts and Model-Year Changes
Toward the end of the month — especially late in the model year — dealerships are eager to clear space for incoming inventory. If you’re flexible on model year, color, or trim, you might score an even steeper discount on vehicles they need off the lot.
5. Dealer Reviews and Rankings
Many dealerships focus on customer satisfaction ratings and online reviews, which are often tied to end-of-month reporting. They may be extra accommodating and eager to ensure you leave happy, potentially offering you a better experience and deal.
Tips to Maximize Your End-of-Month Savings:
Do your research ahead of time so you know the fair market value and dealership invoice price.
Secure your financing before you go to the dealership; this gives you more negotiating power.
Be ready to act quickly. Dealers may not have time for drawn-out negotiations at month-end.
Be polite but firm. A positive attitude can often get you further with stressed-out sales teams.
Final Thoughts
While timing isn’t everything, buying a new car at the end of the month can give you a financial advantage that other periods just can’t match. Combine smart timing with good research, and you could drive off the lot with a great car and a great deal.
Happy car shopping!
