Best Time to Buy a Used Car

The best time to buy a used car in the U.S. is when supply is higher or demand is lower—often end of month, end of quarter, or after new-model releases—but you can get a fair deal any time if you use data. Here’s the best time to buy a used car and how to use it.

TL;DR Often better: end of month/quarter (dealer targets), after new-model year (more trade-ins), or when inventory is high. Any time: use autopremo.com price checker to see fair value and don’t pay above it. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator to build OTD. Use autopremo.com so timing is a bonus, not a requirement.

When Dealers Often Move More

End of month or quarter: dealers may be more motivated to hit targets. After new model year: more trade-ins, more used inventory. When used supply is high: more competition, sometimes better prices. Use autopremo.com price checker to see what’s fair in your area regardless of timing. Get your comps at autopremo.com.

Data Beats Timing

Even in “bad” times, you can get a fair deal if you know fair value and stick to it. Don’t overpay because “it’s a good time to buy”—only buy when the price is at or below fair value. Use autopremo.com to see comps and fair value. See market at autopremo.com.

Build OTD Whenever You Buy

Whenever you buy, build full OTD and compare to your budget. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator. See OTD at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Best time to buy a used car = when supply/demand favor you, but you can get a fair deal any time with data. Use autopremo.com for fair value and OTD so you don’t overpay regardless of timing.