Buying a Car in Spring Months - March, April and May
Springtime is when we Missourians begin to wake from our winter hibernation and think about the year ahead. With our eye on the soon-to-arrive summer, we start planning scenic road trips and camping adventures, doing "spring cleaning," and prepping the yards with new plants and furniture. It's also a time in which some of us begin to contemplate potentially getting a new vehicle for the adventures ahead.
As we established in another article, January is a good time to buy a car, but what about the springtime months of March, April, and May? Historically, discounts during these months weren't as significant as those available at other times of the year. However, traditional pricing patterns are increasingly falling by the wayside, and other factors should be considered when deciding whether to buy a car in March, April, or May.
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Is March a Good Time to Buy a Car?
March can be a great month for buying a car. While discounts may not be as eye-popping as those offered during other months, buyers may have more negotiating power.
Another way to strengthen your position with dealerships is by offering to purchase the vehicle outright or make a larger down payment. With tax refunds often arriving in March and April, this could be the perfect time to have the funds ready to negotiate a deal.
Finally, here's an insider tip about why March could be a good time to buy a car-it's the end of the "fiscal quarter." Many dealerships offer their teams extra bonuses if they achieve certain quotas by the end of the quarter, meaning that a salesperson may be extra motivated to give you that great deal if it means earning your business.
Is April a Good Time to Buy a Car?
April can be a good time to buy a used car, as it often brings an influx of fresh inventory and great deals. A lot of this is tied to the tax refunds people receive in March and April, as this can lead to:
- Dealerships competing with one another for customers' business
- More drivers trading in their older vehicles for newer models results in a surge of pre-owned options for other buyers to consider
In short? April isn't a bad time for scoring a new ride, but this is the month in which pre-owned vehicles truly shine!
Is May a Good Time to Buy a Car?
Good news-May is a fantastic time to buy a car. This is because winter and spring auto shows are now in the rearview mirrors, meaning new vehicles from these events arriving at dealer showrooms. This incentivizes dealers to clear out "older" inventory by offering significant discounts to buyers open to choosing last year's model.
Plus, let's not forget that May is the time of year in which car dealerships will be offering Memorial Day discounts.
In Summary-Which Spring Month is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
So, is March, April, or May the best time to buy a car? The answer is that it all depends.
Buy in March to seize upon the dealership's desire to meet fiscal quarter quotas
Buy in April to enjoy a broader selection of pre-owned vehicles
Buy in May to get great deals on last year's models and partake in Memorial Day sales
Other Tips for Determining When to Buy a Vehicle
- Don't wait until your current vehicle is on its last legs - It's not uncommon for people to wait until their vehicle requires a major repair before making a new purchase. However, if your family relies on you having a functional vehicle for daily needs, you may find it challenging to take your time browsing or waiting for a pre-ordered vehicle. Additionally, you likely won't get as much value for your current vehicle when selling or trading it in.
- Weekdays will mean fewer fellow customers competing for salespeople's attention - Bo Beuckman Quality Ford strategically staffs our sales floor to anticipate the needs of customers no matter the day of the week (except for Sunday, when all Missouri dealerships close). However, not all dealerships do the same; shop on a Saturday, and salespeople may be juggling you along with other customers, leading to an overall subpar shopping experience, regardless of whether you buy in March, April, or May.
- Want to hold out for end-of-year sales? You can always lease in the short term. Leasing gives you a much-needed set of wheels while you wait for the perfect deal, as it lets you drive something fresh without the long-term commitment. Plus, there's always the chance you may fall in love with the vehicle you leased, leading to you buying it at a reduced rate. Learn more about leasing a Ford vehicle near St. Louis.
- Eyeing the current year's model? Consider waiting until the next year's model arrives at dealership lots. When the latest models hit the showroom, dealerships often lower prices on the outgoing ones to make space and reflect that it's no longer the "new kid in town." While most new releases used to arrive in the autumn, this conventional wisdom is no longer the rule-it's not uncommon for new releases to happen during other times of the year.
- Don't rush the purchase-make sure your finances are in order. Is a dealership offering a fantastic limited-time offer on a new model you've been keen to test drive? We'll be the first to advise that you examine your own finances before leaping headfirst into the purchase. For example, would delaying the purchase for a few months enable you to amass a larger downpayment and improve your credit score, ultimately helping you score a better loan rate and save money in the long run? The best time to buy a car is when it aligns with your personal financial situation, whether that's in March, April, May, or at year's end.
Why Buy From Bo Beuckman
- We are one of the best-reviewed dealerships in Greater St. Louis - Your neighbors in Chesterfield, O'Fallon, and St. Peters have spoken- they love us! With thousands of positive reviews, our team consistently earns high praise for our professionalism and customer service. We go the extra mile to help you feel confident in your purchase.
- We offer transparency at every stage of the buying process - We believe in clear communication, so you'll never feel in the dark about pricing or vehicle details. More importantly, our highly trained staff can answer all questions and provide recommendations tailored to your family's specific needs. From your VIP test drive to the final paperwork, our team ensures you're fully informed.
- We are a family-operated business rooted in the community since 1970 - As a family-owned business, we take pride in being a part of the local Ellisville community and serving our neighbors over the generations. Unlike large chains, we provide a personalized, customer-focused experience, treating you the way we'd want to be treated ourselves.
- Every pre-owned vehicle goes through extensive vetting - We provide full transparency into each vehicle's history and offer fair pricing, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting. Additionally, every pre-owned vehicle we sell undergoes a thorough inspection to meet our high standards of quality. After all, our team will be sharing the road with your newly purchased ride, giving us extra incentive to keep you and your family safe!