I know it is somewhere around the end of the year, but when exactly is it a good time to look or when they clear out the cars for the following year...

thanks.

 

I would say the later on in the year, the better (November-December). If you want to buy something a bit sooner than that, go into the dealership toward the end of any calendar month, (i.e., the last 3 days). Salespeople are always desperate to make their quotas.

*A bonus tip: Inquire online with dealers. It saves A WHOLE LOT of hassle.

Hope this helps!

 

The end of the year (December) is always a good time. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices w/incentives and rebates to clear space for new car models.

 

Cosign, I bought my car on the last day of the month in May, the salesmen went from $29K to $26K in the matter of minutes. I was pleased.

 

We've had just as much luck at the end of any month as we have at the end of any year.

We've also had a lot of luck at the end of the month towards the beginning of the year... for example, going in on Feb. 26th, 2009 to buy a 2008 model.

That said, our last couple of purchases have been used cars and we will likely stay in that pattern. Let some other sucker take the depreciation. Plus, in this economy... dealers are sitting on used cars and want them off of the lot... so lots of good deals.

 

thanks guys.

I am looking at a new Camry again as the car has been cheap to maintain and a good drive overall. Not as flashy as my 01 CLS, but such is life.

I think I can wait a couple more month and see. Toyota may be less likely to deal than others... I hope not though.

 

last day of the year.

 

time is now.

 

If you're a member, check Costco's auto buying service and the AAA/Auto Club buying service to get you a start on numbers. Costco's is free; unsure about AAA.
IRCC, Costco would e-mail dealers for members with member's info re: option packages, color, etc. I did that when I was looking at the TL and G35 and got solid quotes and price guidelines.

 

It really does not matter. It all depends on the dealer, mfg, and particular vehicle you are looking to purchase.

 

The last car I helped a friend buy, we used the Costco price to beat other dealers down and ended up with a better price overall. I also agree to shop using the internet manager and your computer, easier to get the lowest price this way.

Timing, everybody is hurting right now including Toyota. Inventory is high on most models as well. The best time is when you are ready and have done your homework. Research car, options, color etc. Find the various opinions on dealer cost and incentives. Determine reasonable dealer markup and off you go. Of course, have your financing ready if needed. Don't disclose that you will not need financing until you are ready to sign, dealer counts on financing kickback.

 

+1

 

i wonder what kind of deals people got on 12/31/08

 

It helps if that week there is a major snow storm and nobody is out car shopping...that's exactly what happened to my parents in NY on December of 2007. They got a heluva deal on a Honda Odyssey. The dealership said they haven't sold a car in like 6 days so they were willing to anything to get at least 1 off their lot.

 

well not just that it's the end of the year, but with the economy the way it was last winter.

 

With the economy in the shitter, I'd imagine anytime...

End of the month worked for me...

End of model year is another good time, if you don't mind a leftover. Just remember that if you buy a car that's being redesigned and you got the last of the old design, your "new" car will be "old" in a month...

 

Don't buy new.

Buy used and you can get a good deal every day of the week.

 

End of the month is a good rule to follow, regardless of the time of year.

If you're buying, incentives are typically better Summer to early Fall, when the newer models are coming out and dealers are getting rid of prior model years inventory. In my own experience, I've found December incentives not as good as what you can find during May-October. Case in point, I was helping someone look for a GTI at the end of December last year. The best rate offered at the time was 3.9% APR. Now, we're into Summer and there's 0% for 60 months.

If you're looking to lease, the closer you get to the end of the model year, the lower the residual will be. In addition to that, the money factor (interest rate) usually increases as the end of the year gets closer. Both attribute to making for higher payments unless there's a substantial cap cost reduction.

Worst time to buy a car is when it is newly introduced.