Like with any business, sales fluctuate with seasons and months; it's inevitable. Dealers are not exempt from the laws of supply and demand! Taking advantage of moments when sales slow down is an excellent way to secure a better price.
For this reason, one of the best times to buy a car is undoubtedly during the holiday season and the month of January. Indeed, the holidays are a time of year when everyone's budget is often tied up with gift expenses! Then, January is typically a month when people spend less to make up for what they spent over the holidays. This results in reduced traffic in dealerships.
If you plan your budget in advance, this is an excellent period to put your negotiation skills to work. When a dealer's sales are down, your purchasing power is up! Additionally, the end of the year usually coincides with the arrival of new model years, meaning that current stocks need to be reduced to make room for new arrivals. It also marks the end of the fiscal year.
This is when you will see more special offers, promotions or clearances that can allow you to save big. After all, an automotive dealer is a retailer like any other, which means that they have an inventory to manage.
Keep in mind, however, that very popular models that hardly see any drops in sales, even during the “slow” season, will be more difficult to negotiate, since they represent a safe value for the retailer.
Another great idea to maximize your buying power is to take advantage of the best time to sell your car, to help redirect your budget toward your new purchase. Come visit us to discuss it!