The Best Time to Buy a Car???
"Can you quote me a price that’ll make me think this is a prank show?"
- Chase | Car deal dad joke writer | Not very good at it...
Week 7 – The Best Time to Buy a Car (Timing Is Everything)
Hey Deal Guard Nation,
You’re back for Week 7, and I’m pumped because this one is a sneaky powerful move.
You’ve got your tactics down, you know how to negotiate...
but what if I told you when you buy could be just as important as how you buy?
Yep—timing can save you THOUSANDS.
Let’s break it down.
Tactic #7: Use Timing to Get a Better Car Deal
Why This Matters
Dealers have quotas. Salespeople have monthly goals. And car makers push incentives at certain times.
When you shop during the RIGHT time, they’re more motivated to drop the price and make that deal happen.
Here’s when and why to shop smart.
Step-by-Step: When to Buy for the Best Deal
Step 1: Shop at the End of the Month & Slow Days of The Week!
This is the most well-known tip—but still underused.
Salespeople and managers need to hit quotas by the end of the month. If they’re short on deals, they’ll be more willing to:
Drop prices
Throw in extras
Cut dealer fees
Go in the last 2-3 days of the month. Even better?
The last day that’s open (sometimes the 30th or 31st).
Also, NEVER go in the first week. More often then not dealers are not motivated to make deals.
Step 2: Shop at the End of the Quarter
Even better than end-of-month is end-of-quarter. That’s March, June, September, and December.
Why? Because these are when big bonuses are on the line. If the dealership is just one or two cars away from a huge manufacturer bonus, they might take a loss just to qualify.
Step 3: Buy During Holiday Sales Events But Read The Fine Print
Watch for these special days but keep an eye open:
Memorial Day Weekend
July 4th
Labor Day
Black Friday
End of the Year (Dec 26–31)
These can be PRIME times because:
Dealerships clear inventory
Banks offer special financing
Manufacturers add big rebates
You’re not just getting sales pressure—you’re getting real incentives if available.
Pro Tip: These sales are not always "BETTER" than other deals or specials. Know your stuff and make sure the deal is worth while.
At the very least you can stop in for a FREE lunch. :)
Step 4: Shop on a Weekday Morning or Slow Afternoons
Don’t shop when the lot is packed. Instead, go:
On a Tuesday or Wednesday
In the morning (before noon)
Why?
Salespeople aren’t busy
Managers have time to approve deals
You won’t feel rushed
You’ll get more attention and better negotiating conditions.
Keep in mind a weird move I used for my car deals. I'd call on a Tuesday afternoon at 1:45PM. The dealers are typically dead and you can get strong deals as the manager waked up and wants to show the team things can still move on slow days.
Nothing to lose on that last tip. Give it a try, we do!
Step 5: End of Model Year = Gold Mine
Every year, manufacturers roll out new models in late summer or early fall. That means the previous year’s model becomes "old stock."
Dealers want them GONE.
For example: If the 2026 models are showing up in September, the 2025 models become super negotiable.
Look for clearance events, leftover inventory, and demo units.
I just closed a deal for 0% financing in 2025??? This car was a 2024 and the wanted it gone! Beautiful car and a great incentive plus 5k discount.
Bonus Tip: Weather Can Help You Too
Rainy day? Snowy day? SUPER hot?
Guess what?
Fewer shoppers = more desperate salespeople.
If you’re okay braving the weather, you might score a deal just because no one else showed up.
Deal Guard Concierge Tip: We Time the Market For You
Our car deal guard concierge service doesn’t just find you the car—we:
Watch for seasonal incentives
Know when local & regional dealers are desperate
Time your deal to hit rebate windows
You get the best of both worlds: right price + right time + no hassle + saves you time.
What to Avoid
Don’t shop on weekends if you want full attention
Don’t assume “big sale” banners mean the best deal
Don’t rush—timing and knowledge is a weapon, not a deadline
Recap: Best Time to Buy Checklist
End of the month = quota pressure
End of the quarter = bonus pressure
Holidays = big rebates
Weekday mornings and strategic afternoons = quieter, managers open to deals, less rushed
End of model year = leftover discounts can be insane!
Next week we’re diving into leasing—and how to know when it’s smart or just a total ripoff.
You’re becoming unstoppable.
—
Want us to time your deal to the best moment?
We do all the scouting and scheduling so you walk in when the price is lowest and the power’s in your hands.
Tired of dealership games?
Let us deal with them for you.
Our car buying concierge service confirms every detail and protects your time, money, and sanity.
Our concierge car buying service saves you hours of stress and thousands in bad deals. Your time is valuable—let’s protect it together.
Go to GETDEALGUARD.COM TO LEARN MORE
See you soon,
Chase Jordan
#carbuyingtips #cardealconcierge #besttimetobuyacar #carnegotiationstrategy #carshoppinghacks #week7
