subject: Buying a Used Car: When's the Best Time? [print this page] Buying a Used Car: When's the Best Time? Buying a Used Car: When's the Best Time?
If you're in the market for a used automobile, the question of when to buy may not be one that you have thought much aboutor, indeed, been able to think much about. If you re desperately in need of a vehicle, there's a chance you simply need it now, as soon as possible, and that considering the optimum buying times simply is not an option. However, for those who are seeking a bargain on a used vehicleand who have the luxury of waiting for a prime buying timeyou might consider those periods that are generally, within the used car market, the best times to find a great deal.For instance, it's always considered wise to buy your used vehicle on a weekend or a Monday evening. Generally speaking, these are the busiest times at a dealership, and the times when most promotional events are in effect. And because these are such busy selling periods, the sales staff is generally in a "selling mood," energized by the traffic and eager to make the most out of the crowd.Additionally, these busy times are frequently enhanced by additional incentives for the sales staff; for example, the first to make a sale, or the one who makes the most sales, might receive a cash bonus. All of these are factors that lead to an increased likelihood of getting off the lot with a good deal; taking advantage of these peak buying hours could lead to substantial savings on your part.Another prime time to buy: The end of the month. Like many other industries, the used auto sales market is typically very "quota"-orientedmeaning, a salesperson is required to sell a certain number of cars within a particular span of time, usually a month. So buy visiting the lot toward the end of the month, you may be catching the sales staff at a time when many of them will be scrambling to get their sales numbers up as high as possible. In other words, your sales representative is likely to be extra motivated to assemble as many dealsand close as many salesas possible. And this, of course, is good news for the consumer. You are more likely to be given a bargain during this period.For those who really have time to bargain-hunt, it might also be suggested to wait for the colder months. The sale of cars, both new and used, is traditionally fairly low during the winter months, and so prices tend to be fairly low. This is a great time to shop for a vehicleassuming you can afford to wait for winter.Of course, these peak shopping times ought to be considered in light of local promotions, as well; generally, these occur on the weekend, but keeping an eye on sales flyers is always advised to make sure that you don't miss out on any good deals. There are other factors to consider as well, and of course buying a used car is going to be a different experience every time, but factoring in the best buying times is one way to optimize the bargain you'll get.
