Regardless of where one is in the world, when it comes to buying a car, an auspicious time to get a car (ฤกษ์ ออก รถ, which is the term in Thai) is arguably everything when it comes to obtaining the best deal. International car buyers will be able to save money and derive value from knowing about the rhythms of the market, manufacturer cycles, and seasonal promotional opportunities.
Key Times to Buy a Car
1. End of the Calendar or Model Year
For the most part, dealerships want to achieve sales goals just before the end of the year. Sales departments become more vulnerable to bargaining as December approaches and generally offer great incentives or discounts just to clear out a large quantity of departing models. When new model years begin their coming to be, present model years’ stocks will be discounted even further, giving prospective buyers more bargaining power.
2. New Model Launches and Changeovers
Even though there aren’t many changes, when new models arrive, dealers suddenly find last year’s stock less exciting. Consumers can now afford “outgoing” models without compromising dependability or functionality.
3. Festive and Holiday Periods
Car sales rise during major holidays like Golden Week in China, Black Friday, and year-end holidays in the US and Europe. Time-limited promotions, sweetened financing, and bundled products are common offerings from manufacturers and dealers.
4. Month-End and Quarter-End
Because sales teams have monthly and quarterly goals, it can be advantageous to shop in the final days of these periods. Dealers may go further with bonuses or discounts to cap off a successful month or quarter, which would result in more fruitful negotiations.
5. Off-Peak Seasons
Every market has slow times, which could be brought on by the rainy season, the lull after a big holiday, or a lazy August. Because fewer buyers put pressure on dealers during these times, surprise deals were more common. Your negotiating position is strengthened as used car inventories rise in tandem with trade-ins arriving early in the year.
In a Nutshell
There is no one “perfect” time to buy because markets and brands have different conditions and cycles. However, the best times to buy are found worldwide around holidays, dealership sales deadlines, model changes, and the end of the year. Research, patience, and a little bit of flexibility will make your next car purchase as affordable and fulfilling as possible.
