best time to buy new vehicle?

[Katie T]

We are needing to get a new vehicle and I am wondering if there is a better time to score a good deal.

I have gotten my best deal in the month of Dec. In 2005 I went and got a 2005 Chevy Impala that was a program car (not even really sure what that is) with only 11,000 miles for 11900! What a steal of a deal!

I am considering another Impala (if we can fit ) but want to of course get the best price I can. I don't plan on spending over 10k if I can help it so I know we will not get "new" but I am just lost as to what I want/can afford/will fit our needs.

Any insight please.

[sunnysandiegan]

If you go to a place with commissioned sales people, they are often more motivated to deal near the end of their commission cycle (often end of the month). Winter months are slower than other times. Check out places online for deals and coupons and random offers that you can print and then bring in with you.

Personally, I would put the word out to all my local friends and family to see who knows someone who is selling a reliable used vehicle. You never know who knows whom and private party sales save you the most money and give the seller the most money (avoid the middleman).

It doesn't sound like you are even ready to purchase just yet, though. Figure out your finances first, then figure out the range of vehicles, and lastly go shopping.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by sunnysandiegan

If you go to a place with commissioned sales people, they are often more motivated to deal near the end of their commission cycle (often end of the month). Winter months are slower than other times. Check out places online for deals and coupons and random offers that you can print and then bring in with you.

Personally, I would put the word out to all my local friends and family to see who knows someone who is selling a reliable used vehicle. You never know who knows whom and private party sales save you the most money and give the seller the most money (avoid the middleman).

It doesn't sound like you are even ready to purchase just yet, though. Figure out your finances first, then figure out the range of vehicles, and lastly go shopping.

Thanks, I have talked with the bank and have that all in order but want to spend as little as possible. I want another van (wish I could swing a car) and dh wants a truck or suv. We haven't even began to look besides online. So no I think we will just have to see what is out there in the used market and then come home and talk and research.

I hate car shopping just for the record. I would rather get a root canal in all honesty!

[sunnysandiegan]

When I mentioned 'finances', I meant what you can afford -- not what a bank will lend you.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by sunnysandiegan

When I mentioned 'finances', I meant what you can afford -- not what a bank will lend you.

Yup, that is what I meant as well.

[sunnysandiegan]

Sorry, I must have misunderstood your last sentence in the original post.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by sunnysandiegan

Sorry, I must have misunderstood your last sentence in the original post.

No your fine. I know plenty of people think what they can "afford" is what the bank will give them. Better to be careful than let someone get in over their head.

What I meant in my last sentence is what is out there as far as can I get a car, how old of a suv ect. with what I want to spend. Does that make sense?

[sunnysandiegan]

Ah, I see more clearly now...

[zebra15]

You can always try to negotiate on line. Most dealers have an internet division so if you know what you want (make/model/options) you can do it all via the comfort of your livingroom .
yes the last day of the month is the best time do go 'shopping'

[xmysticprincessx]

Prices of pickup trucks, SUVs, etc go up in cost over the winter because those are in higher demand with the snow and stuff.

This is a good time of the year to buy a brand new car, since you can get good deals on the current model year vehicles because dealers need to make room for the new model year. You may not get your 1st color choice or it might have an extra option on it, but you'll save quite a bit.

[CarrieMF]

October & March are the 2 best months to buy a vehicle. October moreso than March. In October they are trying to make room for the new year vehicles & will deal more because of it.

[boheime]

I highly recommend Fighting Chance. I used the fax attack method for both of our vehicles and got amazing deals on both. Rather than pitting yourself against a dealership, it makes the dealerships compete against each other for your business.