What Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?

Buying a used car is going to involve a lot of money, which is why you will want to get it right the first time. While there’s a lot of thought that goes into the process when it comes to the vehicle’s make, model, year, and features, people seldom think of other factors that can get you a great deal when purchasing a used car. If you haven’t guessed already, here we’re going to talk about the best time of year to buy a used car from a dealership.

Seasonal Impact

While this is a factor that’s not often considered by the layman, seasonality plays a major role in used car prices as well. For instance, it is not uncommon for next year’s models to be seen in new car showrooms either during late summer or early fall. For instance, since a car model for 2024 can hit the market as early as September – 2023, that can have a direct impact on used car prices along with impacting the price of older models that are still in stock.

Whenever a new model of a particular brand hits the market, the value of used cars of the same manufacturer takes a dip at your local used car dealerships. That’s because the demand for said model has been reduced with the introduction of a newer model. This is also that time of year where brick and mortar dealerships tend to offer discounts and special offers to their customers to help drive up sales of the used cars in their inventory.

When You Need One

Well, the best time of year to buy a used car is going to be before you need one. If you wait until your car fully breaks down and dies on you before getting one, you’ll find yourself standing at the bus stop. So, if your current car is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s time to take a trip to your local brick-and-mortar used car dealership to find a used automobile that is just like brand-new to you at an affordable price.

Take the time to start the used-car purchase process right away if you know your mileage is increasing or your family’s circumstance is changing. Set a budget, start your study on features, and then scout out dealerships and private sales to get a sense of the market.

While the used vehicle market is competitive, and many individuals are still working from home, there is a bright spot for some. If it’s possible, you could sell your vehicle right away while you’re not commuting and invest in a used car from a brick-and-mortar dealership near you.

When Not to Buy a Used Car?

Now that we’ve gone through all of the best times of the year to walk into a used car lot let’s shine some light on the other times you shouldn’t buy a used car. While used cars are available year, these are the months where you will have to pay top dollar for a used vehicle because of the high demand for used vehicles.

Late spring and the beginning of summer are among the worst times to purchase a secondhand automobile. Particularly, May through August are some of the worst months for used-car customers searching for discounts.

Customers will probably hold off until the upcoming model year, which will be unveiled in the late summer or early autumn. Fewer trade-ins result from decreased demand for new automobiles, which raises prices and reduces availability. Apart from that, experts advise against buying a secondhand automobile between President’s Day and Memorial Day if you want to do so.

At this time, customers are seeking to buy expensive products like vehicles with tax refunds that are flooding back into their bank accounts. Because of this, automakers are less inclined to provide discounts or incentives anymore.

Don’t Forget the Test Drive

Regardless of what vehicle you go with or the time of year, it is important to test drive the vehicle before you make a decision. While a vehicle may seem great in a picture, it’s smart to inspect the vehicle up close before you choose a vehicle.

To get a test drive, call up the used car dealership and ask them about the vehicle that you are interested in. While you’re at it, you can ask them about the best time for the test drive. Contacting the used car dealership beforehand will make your visit as efficient as possible, and you won’t have to wait for the dealership to get the car out of the lot because they didn’t know you were coming.

Once you’re in the car, it is important not to rush the process. Take your time, which should be at least 30 minutes, to drive the car and make sure it handles well and that all of the features (and the brakes) work well once the car is fully warmed up.

It is also recommended to push the vehicle during the test drive, which will help reveal any mechanical issues. This means, braking hard, turning corners hard, and paying attention to any weird noises. You should also check for odd odors while you’re test-driving the vehicle, which will be an indicator that something’s wrong with the vehicle.

This advice is particularly crucial when there is a shortage of inventory, and private or corporate sellers wish to raise prices. It is much easier to spot dents, scratches, corrosion, bubbling paint, and any other external problems on a dry day with adequate lighting. When it’s not snowing or raining, you’re also more likely to be willing to spend the time to search for these issues.

PA Auto Sales is a great place to start your search for used vehicles, regardless of when you decide to get one. The used car dealership in Philadelphia and Warrington has a huge inventory of vehicles that’s frequently updated to make sure you are able to find the best deals. The platform also offers multiple financing options, including pre-qualification with Capital One, and other finance deals to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.