When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?
Are you looking for a deal on a used car? Finding a great used car at a great price is what car buyers are after. Fortunately, finding sweet deals from pre-owned car dealerships is possible when you know the right time to buy a used car. Check out these tips before you start shopping for your car.
Buy During the Winter
More cars are sold during the spring and summer. Presumably this is because the weather’s nicer, people have their tax refunds in hand, and the big money-spending holidays are still far enough away that people have extra cash to buy a car. This means when winter rolls around, pre-owned car dealerships are eager to sell as many cars as possible. They want to move their inventory to make room for the new year’s models. They also want to make money on car sales. That’s why, if you have the luxury of time to wait, you’ll find good discounts on used cars during the winter. This includes same-year models that may have been used as rentals and don’t have a lot of miles on them.
Buy Around Certain Holidays
The most popular holidays for scoring great deals on used vehicles include the following:
- Christmas Eve
- Black Friday
- Veteran’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
Also, don’t forget New Year’s Eve. Car dealerships are often open and want to get those last-minute sales.
Look Closely
Scratches, dents, and other imperfections are harder to see when the sun’s not reflecting brightly off the vehicle. If some clouds are passing overhead or the lighting’s not so good, make sure to look closely at the vehicle to ensure there are no unwanted scratches, dents, or missing parts.
Buy a Car When You Don’t Need a Car
Too often people wait until the last minute to purchase a vehicle, such as when their current vehicle is on its last leg and chugging onto the car lot. Searching for a car before you desperately need one gives you the time to research the available options. It gives you more room to negotiate because you’re not desperate for a new set of wheels. Also, if you’re planning on trading in your current vehicle, you want to get as much money as possible for it. Waiting until it barely runs isn’t going to give your pre-owned car dealer in Houston, TX, any incentive to offer you top dollar for your trade-in.
No matter when you decide to purchase a used car, it’s important to be prepared when you do. If you have credit issues, work on fixing these before you start shopping to get the best interest rate possible. Take time to test drive different makes and models of vehicles to figure out exactly what you want. Car shoppers who have the time and are prepared before purchasing their used vehicle have a much better car buying experience.
Are you ready to buy a used car and looking for the best deal? Stop into Bemer Motor Cars, your local pre-owned car dealers in Houston, TX, who are invested in helping you get a great price on an outstanding used car.
