Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car
The best time to buy a car is when you really need it, but if you’re bargain shopping, now may be the perfect time to maximize your savings on a used car. Used car prices have skyrocketed during the pandemic, and while they’ve fallen (and become more predictable) this year , it’s always worth shopping around for the best price before you buy.
The iSeeCars report analyzed used car sales from 2023 to November 2024 to determine the likelihood of finding a deal on certain days of the week, months of the year, and holidays. While it’s always possible to find a deal, some days it may be harder (or save less) than others, and some of the best are coming soon.
When is the best time to buy a used car?
iSeeCars has identified the best holidays of the year to buy a used car – and it turns out you’re nearly 50% more likely to find a great deal on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day compared to a regular day. Here are the best days for deals on used cars:
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New Year’s Eve/day
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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President’s Day
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Christmas Eve
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Thanksgiving/Black Friday
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Halloween
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Columbus Day
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Veterans Day
Likewise, the report shows that January, December, February and November (in that order) tend to offer the best deals on used cars, so if you’re looking for a car, fall and winter are the time to buy. This may be (in part) due to more buyers buying new cars and selling old ones, increasing the supply of used cars.
It’s also in line with the overall trend in new-vehicle sales late in the calendar year as dealers try to hit sales targets and make room for new models, although that hasn’t been as dramatic in recent years, according to Edmunds .
When not to buy a used car
On the other hand, summer is probably the worst time to buy a used car if you’re looking for a good deal. Father’s Day and the 4th of July, as well as Memorial Day, tend to bring in fewer deals than average, and June, May and July also reflect this larger trend.
Finally, when buying a used car, pay attention to the red flags .