Best Time to Buy a Car
End of month, quarter, and model year are common times for stronger new-car incentives, but the best time for you is when you have compared multiple offers and confirmed OTD pricing — not just a headline payment.
Updated 2026-06-20 · Published 2026-06-01
New cars and leases
Manufacturers often boost lease cash and APR specials when clearing prior model year inventory or hitting sales targets. Late December and late summer are frequent promotion windows.
Holiday sales events can be real savings or marketing — compare the same model across at least two dealers.
Used inventory
Used prices follow supply and seasonality. Tax refund season can tighten inventory; slower winter months sometimes soften prices in cold-weather regions.
Service coupons
Spring and fall bring tire and brake campaigns. Oil-change coupons run year-round with rotating expiration dates.
Common questions
- Should I wait for the last day of the month?
- Dealers may be more flexible near month-end quotas, but a strong public special mid-month can beat a weak negotiated deal on the last day. Compare live offers instead of timing alone.