Autotrader Shares Tips on Best Times to Buy a Vehicle

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Sep 15, 2016, 08:00 ET

ATLANTA, Sept. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Will you be able to get a "steal" when buying or leasing your next set of wheels? While negotiation tactics matter, experts say that timing is a bigger factor than shoppers may realize when it comes to getting a great deal on a new car.

September is an exciting month for bargain hunters with summer clearance and back-to-school sales. Likewise, car dealers are in the prime of summer selldown season, when they try to clear their lots of the outgoing model-year vehicles to make way for new inventory. Accordingly, September is an excellent time to buy or lease a new or used vehicle, and the editors at Autotrader are offering tips to guide shoppers through this process.

"To maximize your chances of getting a great deal on your next car, carefully consider the time of year, the time of the month and even the time of day that you plan to buy, as these things can really make an impact," said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. "Once you've done your homework to figure out what vehicle you want and what you should pay for it, grab your calendar and get strategic. For a better chance at driving away in your dream car, take advantage of the leverage you have in the end-of-year car shopping season."

To help prepare car shoppers during this busy buying season, the experts at Autotrader offer the following tips:

Look for seasonal trends. The season in which you purchase your vehicle matters. For example, late summer and early fall is when new model-year vehicles are rolling into dealers' inventories. Some of the best deals are on "leftover" models. For instance, a 2016 model may be steeply discounted once 2017 models arrive. In some cases, dealers will even have the previous model year in stock. For example, Autotrader.com still has listings for brand-new 2015 model vehicles.
End of the … The prime time to get the best deal is often the end of the weekend, month, quarter or year. If a lofty "end of period" bonus is reachable, salespeople might be more willing to work with you on a deal if it helps them garner an even bigger payout for beating quota. Also, end-of-day shopping can yield advantageous pricing if a weary dealer is ready to go home, but make sure you're serious about your car purchase and aren't wasting anyone's time.
Shop smart this holiday. Car shoppers should look out for holiday and model-year-end specials. Usually sales events of this kind offer good incentives to buyers, so you might be able to work out a lower price than at another time of the year. Holiday offers are often better, because automakers add extra incentives to meet annual sale goals and targets.

"From dealerships and financing to models and options, the key is to understand what's right for you and your particular situation," said Moody. "Do your homework before you start shopping, and pick the end of just about any period that is convenient. By being knowledgeable about what you're buying and planning your timing wisely, you'll stand a better chance of making the best choice and getting a good deal."

For more information on the ins and outs of car buying, visit Autotrader.com/NewCarBuying.

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience.

Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader^®, Dealer.com^®, Dealertrack^®, Kelley Blue Book^®, Manheim^®, NextGear Capital^®, vAuto^®, Xtime^® and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.