What Is the Best Time of Year To Buy a Used Car?

 

man and woman looking at a used car for sale in Las Vegas with a used car sales person

When looking for used car deals in Las Vegas, knowing the best time of year to buy a used car can help you get the most bang for your buck. While used car dealerships in Las Vegas run promotions, specials, and deals all year round, certain times of the year can provide you with the best prices. 

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What Factors Determine the Best Time of Year To Buy a Used Car?

Several factors come into play when determining the best time of year to buy a used car, including:

  • The weather: It’s easier for used car dealers to sell cars in warm weather and on bright sunny days. Shopping in the winter and on overcast cloudy days could net you better deals.
  • The time of year: Used car dealerships in Las Vegas will run seasonal specials at specific times, as well as holiday specials for New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Christmas. 
  • At month-end and quarter-end: Monthly and quarterly deals can be found as dealers want to meet their monthly and quarterly sales quotas. 
  • Tax season: Many dealerships run specials when people get their tax refunds back. 
  • New car releases: Most new cars are released in September or October, which means used car inventories generally increase, leading to great deals. 
  • Available inventories: The number of used cars available for sale does affect what types of deals and specials are offered. 

Are There Specific Months When Used Car Prices Are Lower?

Yes, there are specific months when used car prices can be lower. November through February are usually the cheapest months to buy a used car in Las Vegas. 

Is It Better To Buy a Used Car at the End of the Year?

Most experts agree that buying a used car at the end of the year is best. According to CNBC, the best days of the year to buy a used car are New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day because there are 47.9% more deals on average. If you miss these days, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the second-best day to buy a used car, with the most used car deals in Las Vegas. 

Are There Advantages To Waiting for Black Friday or New Year’s Eve To Buy a Used Car?

Waiting for Black Friday and New Year’s Eve are both great times of the year to buy a used car. Most people shop online or in retail stores buying Christmas presents on Black Friday. So, used car dealerships in Las Vegas will offer great deals to entice people to forgo their holiday shopping and instead drive home in a new, used car. New Year’s Eve is the number one best day with the most deals, as it is month-end, quarter-end, and year-end for most dealerships.  

Are There Benefits To Buying a Used Car During Tax Refund Season?

There can be benefits to buying a used car during tax refund season. You can find great deals in March and the first part of April. Remember to shop toward the end of the month since it is month-end and quarter-end for most dealerships. 

How Does the Timing of the School Year Affect the Used Car Market?

With schools starting earlier and earlier, you may not find many deals on used cars in August. However, if you can wait, Labor Day is generally considered the kick-off to the fall used car sales season. New models are rolling out, so used car inventories will start to increase. 

Even better is taking advantage of Black Friday, New Year’s, or Martin Luther King Jr. Day sales events. Otherwise, tax refund season or Memorial Day are other times when you can get good deals on used cars. 

How Does the Release of New Car Models Affect the Used Car Market?

As new models start rolling out in September and October, the number of used vehicles increases. November and December can be great months to find good deals on Las Vegas used cars. 

Is There a Difference Between Buying a Used Car in Summer Versus Winter?

Yes, there is a difference between these seasons. Winter months can be colder, and the days are shorter. Summer months are warmer, with longer days. Most people shop when it’s sunny outside and not at night because inspecting the used vehicle they want to buy is easier. This is why you find the best deals in the winter months. 

Should Buyers Prioritize Timing or Focus on Finding the Right Car at the Right Price?

You should focus on both timing and the right price. Start planning ahead instead of waiting until your current car is on its last legs. If possible, purchase your new, used car at the end of the year when the deals are the best.  

Are Prices Better for Specific Types of Vehicles (e.g., SUVs, Sedans) at Certain Times of the Year?

Prices can be better for specific types of vehicles at different times of the year, such as:

  • Convertibles are much cheaper in the winter when it’s colder
  • SUVs generally have better prices in the spring and summer 
  • Sedans are cheaper in the fall and winter because people want four-wheel drive vehicles 

How Can Buyers Prepare to Purchase a Used Car During Peak Buying Seasons?

Buyers can prepare for purchasing a used vehicle during peak buying season by doing the following:

  • Start researching a month or two in advance
  • Get pre-approved for a car loan so you know how much you can spend
  • Establish a comfortable budget that includes the car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance costs
  • Value your trade-in before visiting the dealer 
  • Negotiate on the used car price when necessary
  • Check CarFax reports on the used vehicle’s history
  • Have different models and trim levels as second and third choices
  • Visit the dealership early in the day and during the week when it will be less busy
  • Start shopping as soon as the sales event is announced to have the best selections

Find the Best Used Cars in Las Vegas at Newport Motors Today

It is easy to find the best used cars in Las Vegas at great prices at the best used car dealership, Newport Motors. We have sales events and promotions year-round to make it easy for you to get a used car when you need one. 

Explore our current sales event, value your trade, and get pre-approved for financing before visiting our Las Vegas showroom in person. Our no-hassle salespeople are available to answer your questions and help you find the perfect used car to meet your needs and budget. 

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Sources:

CarFax Vehicle History Reports. (2024).
5 Things that Affect the Cost of a Used Car. (2024).
Sola, A. (2024). This Is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Used Car – Wait for Memorial Day, and You’ll Miss It.