Best Time to Buy a Car
It's time to start shopping for a new car. You're excited; so are the rest of the people in the house. Everybody has his or her own preference, but you're in charge: the fate of the in-dash navigation system and fully-loaded wheel and rim package rests solely in your powerful hands. You load everybody into the old car and head to the nearest dealership, ready to sign papers and bring home something that is bright and shiny.
No matter what make or model you're looking for, there are certain times to buy new cars. These are the best times for various reasons, but it all comes down to saving you money.
First: don't be suckered by the ads you see on television every day of the year. "SAVE BIG NOW!" "THIS IS THE BIG BLOWOUT SALE!" "DON'T MISS THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME SALE!" Yes, the dealerships have cars on sale. Yes, it's entirely possible that this really IS their lowest price of the year. No, you don't HAVE to go down and check it out every time you hear something on TV. Be patient and think before you make any hasty moves. The salesman's job is to get as much money as possible for each car sold; yours is to save as much cash as possible.
There are a few very good opportunities that happen every year:
-Tax time. This is good because many people trade in their old vehicles (which aren't so old in some cases) because dealers will let them use anticipation loans as down payments. Their old cars - and income tax returns - go to the dealers, who then must get rid of the sudden influx of inventory. They also want to attract these trade-in customers by offering great deals and deep discounts. Either way, you're looking at a good chance to save serious money.
-The end of the model year. Dealers must get rid of last year's models so they can make room for the new cars and trucks. Take advantage of this. Check the pre-owned lot - some dealers put last year's models there and slash the prices just to get them out of the way.
-The end of the month. Try to stop in the last couple of days of the month. Like any other sales people, car dealers have quotas and ideal figures. If it's been a slow month for sales, they'll go very far to make a sale. Even if they don't get the sticker price (which they won't because you're such a good negotiator), they'll still make SOME money, which is better than if they didn't sell that car to you at all. Keep that in mind when you bargain with the sales rep.
There are other factors; things that don't happen every single year or month. These can help save lots of money:
-A depressed economy. You'll save hundreds, if not thousands, if you can afford to make payments, or even pay cash up front.
-Shortly after a hailstorm or other, similar event. Hailstorms usually don't kill people, but they make new cars look pretty bad. Car dealers will slash prices as fast as they can scribble: you'll save a good chunk of cash. In fact, what you save is probably going to be quite a bit more than the cost of having the dents and dings repaired, especially if you can do it yourself or find a friend who's willing to help you out.
Whatever you choose, enjoy it. It's your new car with the great smell, smooth interior and brand-new features. Have fun!
Written by Sahrra Borroum
