March, June, September, and December see increased pressure from management to boost quarterly performance reports.
Historically the strongest window. Dealerships must meet monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals simultaneously. The week between Christmas and New Year's is a prime time for negotiation.
When's The Best Time To Buy A Used Car? (2026 Update) | Motorway when is a good time to buy a used car
Specific holidays offer a statistically higher probability of deals. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is often cited as the top day for used car bargains, followed closely by New Year’s Day. 2. Strategic Windows Within the Month
Aim for Tuesdays or Wednesdays . Showrooms are far less busy than on weekends, meaning you get more one-on-one time with staff and less competition for the vehicle you want. 3. Times to Avoid March, June, September, and December see increased pressure
Salespeople are often more flexible in the last 3 to 5 days of the month as they race to hit quotas.
If you can't wait for winter, align your search with dealership internal deadlines to gain leverage. The week between Christmas and New Year's is
Shopping during periods of high demand will typically result in higher prices and less room to haggle.