Best Time of Year to Buy a Car for the Lowest Price
When is the best time of year to buy a car in the US for the lowest price? Season, model year, and incentives—what the data suggests.
There's no single "best" day to buy a car in the U.S., but certain times of year tend to offer better odds of a lower price. Here's what the data and experience suggest—and how to use timing without overpaying.
TL;DR Stronger times for new cars: late fall and December (year-end incentives, prior-year clearance), end of model year (leftover clearance). For used: season can matter (e.g., convertibles cheaper in fall). Always verify with comps and OTD—timing helps, but market is the reference. See current market at autopremo.com.Best Time of Year for New Cars
Late fall and December (year-end)
- Manufacturer incentives often increase (clear prior-year inventory, hit annual targets).
- Dealer urgency can rise (volume and bonus targets).
- Prior-year new (leftover) inventory gets discounted more aggressively.
So November–December is often a strong window for new car deals—especially on prior-year models. Not guaranteed every year or every model, but a common pattern in the U.S.
Compare new car OTD and incentives at autopremo.com.End of model year (when new model year arrives)
When the new model year hits (often fall), dealers need to clear prior-year new stock. Leftover prior-year cars often get:
- Larger dealer discounts
- Stronger manufacturer incentives
- Lower effective price than the same car would have been earlier in the year
So end of model year (e.g., August–October for many brands, when next model year arrives) is often a good time to buy prior-year new for the lowest price. The tradeoff: you're buying "last year's" design; for some buyers that's fine.
Mid–model year (e.g., winter–spring)
- Current-year new may have moderate incentives.
- Less "clearance" urgency than year-end or model-year change.
- Can still be a good time if incentives and dealer discount are strong—verify with OTD.
Best Time of Year for Used Cars
Season by vehicle type
- Convertibles, sporty cars: Often cheaper in fall/winter when demand drops.
- Trucks, 4WD/SUV: Often cheaper in spring/summer in some regions when demand is lower (though regional and weather-dependent).
- General used: Supply can rise in late summer/fall (trade-ins after summer, lease returns); more inventory can soften prices in some segments.
No single "best" month for all used cars—depends on segment and region. Use autopremo.com to see current listings and range for the car you want in your area.
After new model year hits
When the new model year arrives, one-year-old used (last model year) can drop in value as buyers gravitate to "new" design. So buying a one-year-old used car right after the new model year hits can sometimes mean a lower price—verify with comps.
What "Best Time" Doesn't Mean
- It doesn't mean you'll get the lowest price ever. It means the odds of stronger incentives or more room to negotiate are better at certain times.
- It doesn't replace research. You still need comps, OTD, and a max number. Timing helps; market is the reference.
- It doesn't mean you should wait forever. If you need a car now and the price is fair (at or below market), buying now can be right even if "best time" is later.
How to Use "Best Time" Without Overpaying
Your "Best Time" Checklist
- [ ] Target car and market (comps, OTD) known
- [ ] Year-end and model-year timing considered for new cars
- [ ] Season considered for used (vehicle type and region)
- [ ] Multiple quotes compared
- [ ] Fair price is the goal; timing is one factor
Bottom Line
Best time of year for new cars in the U.S. often includes late fall and December (year-end) and end of model year (leftover prior-year new). For used, season and vehicle type matter (e.g., convertibles in fall). Use timing to improve odds—but always verify with comps and OTD. Autopremo.com gives you current market so you can combine timing with real numbers and get the lowest price you can.