Is January a Good Time to Buy a Car

When your vehicle starts making that ominous death rattle, the answer to the question, "When is the best time to buy a new vehicle?" can quickly turn into "Right now." However, if you can wait a bit before making your next purchase, timing it right can make a big difference for your wallet.

So, is January a good time to buy a vehicle? 

With holiday spending in our rear-view mirror and perhaps some extra cash received from Santa, January often feels like the perfect time for a fresh start (and a fresh car). But is January really the wisest time to buy a car? Generally speaking, there are perks to purchasing your next vehicle during this month. That said, as with any month, buying in January has pros and cons.

 

Pros and Cons of Buying a Car in January

The pros of buying a car or truck in January

  • Potential New Year sales incentives - Some dealerships might extend their December discounts into the first few days of January, giving you a chance to snag a good deal.
  • Generous pricing on last year's models - January is a prime time to find discounts on last year's models as dealerships look to clear out inventory.
  • Less foot traffic - Bad weather has a tendency to make people less inclined to unnecessarily leave the house, let alone venture forth to the car dealership. With fewer people shopping for cars in January, you may have more room to negotiate and a less stressful buying experience.

The cons of buying a car or truck in January

  • Limited Inventory: By January, the selection of last year's models might be more limited, meaning you could have fewer options to choose from.
  • Post-Holiday Financial Strain: After the holiday season, your budget might be tighter, making it harder to commit to a new car purchase.

January vs. December for Car Buying

December has long been known as the month for the best dealership discounts. However, recent years have shown that the automotive market is becoming less predictable. While you can still expect more generous discounts in December compared to January, the difference isn't as drastic as it once was. If you missed out on December deals, January could still offer some decent savings, though it's important to manage your expectations.

Still, December is considered a better month than Janauary for purchasing a car. 

January vs. February for Car Buying

When comparing January to February, it's essential to consider a few key factors. February might bring early releases of new models, which can influence pricing on older inventory. This can make dealerships more eager to clear out last year's models in January, potentially giving you an edge. However, February could also see slightly better weather, which might make the car-buying experience more comfortable and less rushed.

Other Factors to Consider When Deciding the Best Time for Car-Buying


Whether you're buying in January or another time of the year, there are numerous other elements to weigh when choosing the right time to "pull the trigger," including:

  • New model releases - If new models are set to be released soon, dealerships may be more motivated to clear out older inventory, leading to better deals.
  • Interest rates and financing options - Keep an eye on current interest rates and financing deals, which can vary monthly and significantly impact your overall cost. 
  • Some (but not all dealerships) may be more inclined to give discounts toward the end of the month - Monthly sales quotas can give some dealerships and their teams extra incentive to finalize deals at reduced rates that they might not offer under normal circumstances.
  • The end of annual quarters could also lead to steeper discounts - Much like sales teams have monthly goals to achieve, they also face quarterly benchmarks. Therefore, months like March, June, September, and December may lead to offers more competitive than usual. 

Ready to Buy? Shop For Your Next Vehicle With Bo Beuckman Quality Ford

Bo Beuckman Quality Ford has been a trusted, family-owned dealership for decades, with a strong reputation for putting our customers first. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to understanding both the vehicles we sell and the unique needs of each customer. Whether you're looking for a new Ford or pre-owned vehicle, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Experience a personalized, hassle-free car-buying journey with a dealership that truly cares.


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