What Are the Best Days to Buy a Used Car in 2025?
7 Best Times to Buy a Used Car in 2025
Timing matters. Below are the 7 best times when you’re most likely to score a deal on a used car this year:
1. End of the Month
Dealerships often have monthly sales quotas to meet. By visiting a dealer in the last 3 to 5 days of the month, you may catch a salesperson eager to close just one or two more deals to hit their target. That urgency can translate to better pricing for you.
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2. End of the Quarter
Just like months, dealers work on quarterly targets. March, June, September, and December are prime times for quarterly deals, especially when dealers want to move out old inventory.
3. End of the Year
The last week of December, right after Christmas, is one of the most underrated periods to buy a used car. With dealerships trying to clear out year-end inventory and buyers distracted by holidays, you can find significant markdowns.
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4. Tax Season (February to April)
While many people rush to buy cars with their tax refunds, you can play the game smartly. Shop early in the season (February or early March) before demand peaks and prices rise.
5. Holiday Weekends
Dealerships love to promote sales events around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. If you don’t mind crowds, these can be excellent opportunities to save.
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6. New Model Launch Periods
When a new model year is launched—usually between August and October—dealers often slash prices on last year’s models. Look for trade-ins that become available in bulk.
7. Midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays)
Most people shop for cars on weekends. If you go midweek, you’re more likely to get personal attention, shorter wait times, and maybe even a better deal as competition is lower.
Top 5 Months for Buying a Used Car in 2025
While specific days are great, entire months can offer consistent savings depending on industry trends. Let’s look at the best months to focus on this year:
1. January
January is generally slow for dealerships. Post-holiday fatigue and freezing temperatures keep buyers away, which makes dealers more willing to negotiate. It’s a great time to find hidden gems.
2. March
The end of Q1 combined with tax refund season creates a powerful window. This is when dealerships want to boost first-quarter numbers and may offer incentives to lure buyers in.
3. July
Inventory levels tend to peak around midsummer, especially with trade-ins from earlier in the year. Dealers want to move inventory to make room for new arrivals—leading to potential bargains.
4. October
With most dealerships already introducing new model years, October is ideal for snagging previous-year used models or lease returns at great prices.
5. December
The crown jewel of deal months. Between the urgency to meet year-end sales quotas and a slow customer base, December often provides the deepest discounts of the year.
10 Tips for Timing Your Used Car Purchase in 2025
A smart buyer doesn’t just walk into a dealership on a lucky day. Follow these 10 expert tips to make sure your timing strategy actually pays off:
1. Track Local Inventory
Use tools like CarGurus or Autotrader to monitor car listings in your area. If you see price drops or increased listings, that’s a sign of increased supply and potential deals.
2. Avoid High-Demand Seasons
Stay away from June and early July if possible, when graduation and vacation season spikes demand.
3. Watch Interest Rate Trends
If interest rates are expected to rise later in the year, you may want to buy earlier to lock in a lower financing rate.
4. Get Pre-Approved First
Pre-approval helps you understand your budget and makes you a more attractive buyer. You’re also less likely to fall for dealer financing traps.
5. Study Trade-In Patterns
Most people trade in their cars in the spring. That means more used vehicles hit the market, increasing your choices and pushing prices down.
6. Look for Lease Returns
Leased vehicles usually return to the market after 2-3 years, often around the same time every year. These cars are typically well-maintained and lower in mileage.
7. Visit During Bad Weather
Rainy days keep shoppers away. Dealerships are empty, and salespeople are more motivated to sell. If you're prepared, you might score a deal.
8. Use Online Price Tracking
Websites like iSeeCars and Edmunds can show pricing history trends, helping you understand the best time to strike.
9. Avoid the First Week of Any Month
That’s when most people get paid, so demand spikes slightly. Wait a couple of weeks for better negotiating power.
10. Stay Flexible
The best deals are often last-minute. Be open to slightly different models or brands if the price is right.
6 Key Factors for Buying a Used Car in 2025
Beyond the calendar, here are six crucial elements that influence your used car buying experience:
1. Interest Rates
With economic shifts in 2025, interest rates are expected to remain moderately high. Check with multiple lenders before settling on financing.
2. Inventory Levels
Some brands may have limited availability due to supply chain issues. Always consider expanding your search radius for more options.
3. Trade-In Value
Used car values fluctuate monthly. Get your trade-in appraised by multiple dealers and online services to maximize your offer.
4. Condition and Mileage
A car’s age, mileage, service history, and accident reports matter more than its price tag. Use a trusted mechanic for inspection before buying.
5. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Options
CPO vehicles may cost a little more but often come with warranties and manufacturer backing—worth considering for peace of mind.
6. Dealership Incentives
Some dealers offer free maintenance, low down payments, or bonus trade-in cash. Always ask what promotions are active during your visit.
8 Best Days to Buy a Used Car in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the most advantageous days to walk into a dealership this year:
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New Year’s Eve (December 31) – End-of-year + month-end = biggest possible discounts.
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December 26 (Post-Christmas) – Dealers are eager to close last-minute sales and inventory is high.
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March 30–31 – End of Q1 push with tax season bonuses.
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July 3 (Pre-Fourth of July) – Many dealerships start sales a day early to beat competitors.
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Black Friday (November 28) – Surprisingly good used car deals pop up around this retail event.
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October 30–31 – Halloween sales events and model year turnover time.
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Monday After Thanksgiving (Cyber Monday) – Online used car platforms often run virtual deals.
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Any Tuesday Mid-Month – Fewer customers, more time for negotiation, and dealers ready to get closer to monthly targets.
Conclusion
So, what are the best days to buy a used car in 2025? It’s all about strategy. From choosing the right month (like December or March) to picking quieter weekdays and aligning with dealer goals, a smart buyer can make a big difference in what they drive away with—and what they pay.
Remember to monitor inventory trends, avoid buying under pressure, and be ready to walk away if a deal doesn’t feel right. Timing isn’t everything, but in the used car market of 2025, it can definitely tip the scales in your favor.
FAQs
1. What day of the week is best for buying a used car in 2025?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best weekdays to visit dealerships due to lower foot traffic and more personalized service.
2. Is December still the cheapest month to buy a car?
Yes, December remains one of the best months for used car deals thanks to year-end goals and reduced buyer competition.
3. Should I avoid buying during tax season?
Only if you're late. Buy early in the season—February or early March—before demand causes prices to rise.
4. Are holiday weekend deals really worth it?
Yes, especially around Memorial Day and Black Friday, when dealerships push promotions and bonuses to close more sales.
5. How can I know if a used car price is fair?
Use price comparison tools like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and CarGurus to evaluate the car’s market value before you negotiate.
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