Best Time to Buy a Car

Lots of resources online claim to know when the right time is to buy a car. Today, though, this can vary widely depending on the make, model, region and even the economy, making the process a bit more variable than most "experts" would have you believe. That said, there are a few simple ways to survey the sellers in your neighborhood for a better chance at finding the best time to buy that new car.

Buying from the Dealers
These days it's not uncommon for auto dealers to promote different sales throughout the year, so traditionally waiting until the Fourth of July or for the President's Day sale is no longer a surefire strategy. Far more important is to find out when new vehicles will hit the lot — sellers are very motivated to move the current year model off the lot to make room for the new models. Of course part of the reason for such low prices is that you're suddenly a year behind on that model, though often this doesn't make much of a difference as far as features are concerned and you may be able to negotiate the price strongly due to the depreciation you'll incur.

Consider Your Financial Condition
One important consideration in deciding the best time to buy a car is where your personal finances happen to be. Generally it's considered advisable to get a new car when your credit is on the upswing and you've got your debts under control. Auto dealers tend to design their loan rates based on your credit score, so an improvement of even a few points may save you thousands of dollars over the life of your car loan. If you can put off your purchase till you can polish up your credit report a bit, it will pay off.

Buying a Used Car
If you're looking for a pre-owned vehicle, the market tends to be far more varied and there's not a specific time that's better than any other. Private sellers post listings throughout the year, though you can usually find concentrations during fall and spring, particularly for college students on the move. There are advantages to purchasing a car online. Be sure to do careful research whether you're buying a used car from a private seller or from a dealership.

Buying a car doesn't have to be difficult, and often you can negotiate with sellers in your area with a few simple tricks. Trade-ins are always welcome and a good financial statement may earn you better consideration, so be sure to gather as much documentation as you can. Pick the best time to buy a car based on your individual circumstances and you may drive away with the car of your dreams by avoiding common car buying mistakes.