Buying a new car is often one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make, second only to paying for your children’s college education or buying a new home. It makes sense, then, to make sure you get the best deal possible and don’t spend any more money than you have to. Too many people, however, simply pay the sticker price at the dealership and don’t know that when they shop for a new car could save or cost them hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

How to buy a new car at the best price

If you’ve already decided that buying a used car is not for you, and you must have a new one instead, do your research and be smart about it. Planning ahead and using these tips can help your wallet and make you feel better about your purchase.

1. Time of year – The month of the year can make a huge difference in how much you pay for a new vehicle. Generally, September and December are the two best months and here’s why. In September, car dealerships begin to bring in new inventory – the next year’s models – and they want to get rid of the older ones. They’ll often offer buyers sweet savings and incentives for helping to take these vehicles off their lot! In December, dealerships and salespeople are motivated to meet quarterly, monthly, and end-of-year sales goals, often offering you big discounts to help them do so. Their anxiousness to sell can mean big savings if you buy.
2. Holidays – Christmas, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are often the holidays when savings offered on new vehicles are the biggest. If you shop around and do your research in advance of the holiday, you’ll be ready to make a deal when the holiday arrives and the prices drop.
3.  Time of the month – Understanding that most car dealerships have sales quotas to fill will help you realize that the time of the month you shop can make a huge difference in how much you pay for your new ride. If you shop at the beginning, the month is just starting out and a salesperson has little incentive to give you the best deal. After all, they’re in the business to make money. If you shop at the end of the month, however, and they’ve not yet met their sales goal, you could be in the right place at the right time for big savings. 
4. Time of the week – While visiting the local dealership on the weekend might fit well with your work or school schedule, it’s also the time when everyone else is shopping. Dealerships can be crowded on weekends, meaning you might get less attention from the salesperson and they’ll have less time to sit down with you to hash out the best deal. Shopping earlier in the week can change this scenario and make for a better negotiating environment.
5. When you have money in the bank – It might seem obvious, but the best time to buy a new car is when you’re fully prepared to do so financially. If you don’t have enough cash to pay the full cost of the vehicle, having a large down payment will help put you in the driver’s seat for getting the best financing and overall price.
6. Time – Some car buyers make the mistake of buying the first vehicle they want, instead of looking around at all of their options and taking their time. If you’re not in immediate need of a new car (in other words, your current vehicle still operates safely and you’re just looking to replace it), time can be your best friend. This allows you to give a salesperson time to come up with the lowest possible price – and the ability to walk away from the deal if it’s just not low enough.

 Once you’ve taken the plunge and bought your new vehicle, don’t forget about taking care of it! Preventative maintenance is the key to protecting your investment and helping it last as long as possible. When you’re ready, simply make an appointment at your local trusted auto repair shop and get ready to keep driving in style!