The best time to buy a car is when you really need it, but if you’re shopping for a deal, right now may be the ideal season to save the most on a used vehicle. Used car prices spiked during the pandemic, and while they’ve dropped this year (and become more predictable), it’s always worth looking for the best price before you buy.
A report from iSeeCars analyzed used-car sales from 2023 through November 2024 to determine the probability of finding a deal on certain days of the week, months of the year, and holidays. While it’s always possible to find a discount, it may be harder (or save you less) on some days than others—and a few of the best are coming up soon.
When to get the best deal on a used car
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iSeeCars identified the best holidays of the year to shop for a used car—and it turns out you have a nearly 50% greater chance of finding a deal on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day compared to the average day. Here are the best days for deals on used cars:
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New Year’s Eve/Day
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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President’s Day
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Christmas Eve
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Thanksgiving/Black Friday
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Halloween
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Columbus Day
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Veteran’s Day
Similarly, the report found that January, December, February, and November (in that order) tend to bring the best deals on used cars—so if you’re in the market for a vehicle, fall and winter are the times to buy. This might (in part) be because more buyers are shopping for new cars and trading in old ones, which increases the supply of used vehicles.
This also tracks with the general trend of end-of-calendar-year sales on new vehicles as dealers try to meet sales goals and make room for new models, though according to Edmunds, this hasn’t been as stark in recent years.
On the flip side, summer is probably the worst time to shop for a used car if you’re looking for a deal. Father’s Day and July 4th as well as Memorial Day tend to bring fewer deals than average, and the months of June, May, and July reflect that larger trend as well.
Finally, when shopping for a used vehicle, make sure you watch out for red flags.