Whens the best time of year tobuy a car?
Lets see what experts say.
Hmmm, how about that?
Were sensing a theme here.
In 10 days,these 10 practical stepscould help you get back on the right financial track.
And its vital to get the best deal you possibly can because cars are getting ridiculously expensive these days.
Lets go over the details.
And When in December?
Traditionally, December car sales incentives are more generous than the rest of the year.
Its when automakers offer deals like cash rebates or 0% financing, according to Cars.com.
Its also when dealerships are most likely to give you a deeper discount on the sticker price.
If youre looking for a deal, try the year-end sales events at dealerships in your area.
Dealerships and salespeople will be in a negotiating mood because theyre trying to meet their quotas.
After all, there are year-end bonuses at stake.
The biggest bargains are usually up for grabs on New Years Eve, Carfax advises.
Christmas Eve, when customer volume is light, is especially good.
Of course, maybe you wont be buying a car this month.
Maybe the holidays are running you ragged.
Maybe youre going broke paying for Christmas.
Maybe its too cold outside.
Or maybe your current car is purring like a kitten and youre not quite ready to replace it.
December car sales may be ideal, but this isnt the only strategically good time to purchase a vehicle.
Just in general, try the end of the month or the end of the quarter.
Cant shop for cars on Christmas or New Years?
Try a different holiday instead.
Many other holidays on the calendar work to your advantage for car buying, Autotrader advises.
Maybe youre scrambling after your car broke down.
Or you got a medical bill you werent expecting.
Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge.
You dont need to go it alone.
When money is tight,these resourcescan help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.
That way, you might compare your banks offer with the dealers offer for better negotiating leverage.
Now, how firmly they hold to that will depend on the dealership.
Just be prepared for that.
The stakes are high here.
A five-year car loan used to be the standard, but now its the exception.
Today, nearly three-fourths of all new car loans are for longer than five years, according to Edmunds.
Look online at trusted sites like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Carfax and Edmunds.
If you go to a dealership, compare the cars sticker price to the prices at other dealerships.
Be ready to negotiate, and be prepared to walk away if necessary.
Thats your ace in the hole.
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Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
