In the world of car buying, timing can be everything. Each month brings different opportunities, special events, and pricing strategies from manufacturers. Whether you’re eyeing a BMW or a luxury brand, Black Friday or year-end clearances, knowing when to buy can mean substantial savings. This guide answers top questions about car deals, timing, and industry trends, so you can make the most informed decision.
Do Car Companies Offer Black Friday Deals?
Yes, many car companies offer Black Friday car deals, but they vary depending on the manufacturer and dealership. Black Friday has become a popular day for discounts across various industries, and the automotive sector is no exception. You’ll often find exclusive offers on financing, leases, and cashback incentives on Black Friday, particularly for models from the outgoing year. Some brands, including luxury automakers, have embraced Black Friday as a way to increase sales during the holiday season.
What Month Offers the Best Car Deals?
While there are good deals year-round, the best months for significant savings are typically October, November, and December. Here’s why:
- October: Dealerships begin clearing inventory for the upcoming year’s models, so you may find attractive pricing on the current year’s stock.
- November: Black Friday, along with Thanksgiving weekend promotions, often offers competitive discounts. November also marks the end of the fiscal year for some dealerships, adding to their incentive to sell.
- December: Many dealerships aim to meet year-end sales targets, so they offer steep discounts and financing deals to clear inventory.
These months are often the best opportunities to find generous incentives on new cars, especially for models from the outgoing year.
Does BMW Offer Black Friday Deals?
BMW is known to offer special promotions around Black Friday, often called BMW Black Friday Sales Events. These deals can include cashback incentives, reduced financing rates, and attractive leasing offers. BMW dealers may offer significant savings on certain models, particularly those from the current year that haven’t yet sold out. Luxury brands like BMW use Black Friday as an opportunity to attract customers looking for high-end vehicles at a discount.
What is the Best Month to Buy a Car?
The best month to buy a car largely depends on your needs and preferences, but December is often cited as the optimal month. Many dealerships offer substantial year-end discounts to meet annual sales targets, and buyers can find significant savings on vehicles that dealerships are looking to move before the end of the year. Additionally, you may find leftover models from the current year priced at a discount as dealerships prepare for new models.
What Month are Car Prices Lowest?
Car prices tend to be lowest in December due to end-of-year sales quotas. Dealerships often give larger discounts to meet their yearly targets, making December a great time to find a deal. Additionally, Labor Day in September and Memorial Day in May are notable holidays when car dealerships typically offer reduced prices and special financing.
Do Luxury Brands Have Black Friday Deals?
Yes, several luxury brands, including BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, participate in Black Friday events. These brands typically offer financing incentives, lease deals, and cashback offers on a selection of their models. Black Friday can be an excellent opportunity to purchase a luxury vehicle at a discount, though it’s essential to check with local dealers for specific promotions and model availability.
Is Black Friday the Cheapest Day to Buy a Car?
Black Friday is often one of the cheapest days to buy a car, but December 31st may offer even better deals due to year-end sales goals. While Black Friday provides excellent deals, many dealerships aim to reach sales quotas at the end of the year. For the most substantial savings, consider shopping on December 31st when dealerships are eager to make last-minute sales.
Are BMW Sales Dropping?
In recent years, BMW has faced a competitive market, and sales have seen fluctuations. However, the brand remains strong and frequently adjusts its marketing and promotions, including Black Friday and end-of-year incentives, to stay competitive. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to check BMW’s latest sales data and consult with a local dealer.
Is It OK to Buy a Car on Friday?
Yes, buying a car on a Friday is perfectly fine, especially if it’s Black Friday or the last Friday of the month, as dealerships may be more motivated to negotiate. However, weekdays in general, particularly Mondays and Tuesdays, are often less crowded at dealerships, allowing more time for negotiations and personalized attention from sales staff.
How Much of a Discount Does Black Friday Give?
Black Friday discounts can vary, but it’s common to see discounts of 5% to 15% off the MSRP or several thousand dollars off a vehicle’s sticker price. Specific offers depend on the dealership, car model, and region, but significant savings are often available, especially on models from the current year that dealerships are aiming to sell.
Do Car Seats Have Black Friday Sales?
Yes, Black Friday deals on car seats are quite popular, as many major retailers and online platforms offer discounts. From infant car seats to booster seats, consumers can find substantial savings during this period. However, car seat promotions are typically separate from dealership car sales and are best found at major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target.
When Should I Plan to Buy a Car?
To maximize savings, plan to buy a car during one of these key times:
- End of the Month: Salespeople have monthly quotas, so they may be more willing to negotiate.
- End of the Year: December, especially between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, is ideal for end-of-year savings.
- Holiday Weekends: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday often come with attractive discounts.
What is the Best Holiday for Car Sales?
Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are among the top holidays for car deals, as dealerships use these holidays to boost sales. Memorial Day and Labor Day sales often mark the beginning and end of summer, bringing in discounts as manufacturers switch to new models. Black Friday is another excellent opportunity for deals, especially on luxury brands and outgoing models.
Is Saturday a Good Day to Buy a Car?
Saturday can be a good day for car shopping, especially for those with limited weekday availability. However, weekends are generally busier, meaning you may face more competition from other buyers. For a quieter experience, visit the dealership on a weekday or earlier in the morning.
In conclusion, timing is crucial when it comes to buying a car. By aligning your purchase with dealership incentives, monthly quotas, and seasonal sales, you can secure significant savings. Black Friday, December’s year-end deals, and holiday weekends are excellent opportunities for buyers.
How Much Can You Negotiate on Black Friday Car Deals?
Negotiation is often still possible on Black Friday car deals, though it may be more limited than at other times. Dealerships are eager to move inventory, especially models from the current year, and they often offer pre-set discounts and incentives that leave little room for additional haggling. However, you can still ask for extras like free oil changes, extended warranties, or upgrades if the dealership isn’t flexible on price. Negotiating financing terms or the trade-in value of your current vehicle are other potential avenues for savings.
Do New Models Have Black Friday Discounts?
While most Black Friday discounts are applied to outgoing models, some dealerships may offer minor incentives on newly released models. For high-demand models or those with recent updates, discounts might be limited. However, dealer-specific offers or manufacturer incentives occasionally apply to select new models, so it’s worth asking your local dealership.
Does Pre-Owned Inventory Get Black Friday Discounts?
Yes, many dealerships extend Black Friday discounts to pre-owned vehicles, especially certified pre-owned (CPO) cars. Since CPO vehicles undergo extensive inspections and may include extended warranties, they offer a balance between cost and peace of mind. Black Friday is an excellent time to explore these options, as dealerships may reduce prices on used models to move inventory before the end of the year.
Is Financing Better During Black Friday or Year-End Sales?
Financing incentives tend to be highly competitive during Black Friday and year-end sales, as dealerships and manufacturers often promote low or even 0% APR financing for qualified buyers. December’s year-end sales may provide a slight edge, as dealers are highly motivated to meet annual targets, but Black Friday also sees excellent financing options. To get the best financing, it’s a good idea to compare offers from multiple lenders, including your bank or credit union, before heading to the dealership.
What Month Has the Best Lease Deals?
If you’re considering leasing a vehicle, November and December are often the best months for lease deals. Manufacturers and dealerships frequently offer low monthly lease payments, reduced down payments, and flexible lease terms during these months to clear inventory. Luxury brands, in particular, might offer competitive lease deals around Black Friday or the end of the year, making it an opportune time to drive a high-end vehicle without the full financial commitment of buying.
Are Dealerships Open on Thanksgiving Weekend for Black Friday Deals?
Many dealerships are open throughout Thanksgiving weekend and on Black Friday to accommodate holiday shoppers. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest times for car dealerships, as they prepare for Black Friday sales. It’s a good idea to check with local dealerships for their holiday hours to ensure you can take advantage of any limited-time offers available.
Should You Buy a Car Online on Black Friday?
With the rise of online car buying platforms, many dealerships now offer Black Friday deals online, allowing you to browse inventory, review pricing, and even complete the purchase from home. Online car buying on Black Friday can save time and provide transparent pricing, but if you’re planning to negotiate, visiting the dealership in person may provide more flexibility. Many platforms, however, will still honor Black Friday deals, so explore both online and in-person options to find the best deal.
Can You Trade In Your Vehicle During Black Friday Sales?
Yes, trading in your vehicle during Black Friday sales is a great way to reduce the price of your new car. During this time, dealerships may offer additional incentives for trade-ins, especially if they’re trying to boost their inventory of used cars. To maximize your trade-in value, consider getting offers from multiple dealerships and use online tools to estimate your vehicle’s worth before entering negotiations.
Tips for Maximizing Black Friday Car Deals
- Do Your Research: Compare models, prices, and offers online before Black Friday.
- Get Pre-Approved: Having financing lined up helps streamline the process and gives you negotiating leverage.
- Arrive Early: Black Friday can be busy, so visiting the dealership early can help you avoid long wait times and get a first look at available inventory.
- Ask About Additional Perks: Even if the dealership won’t budge on price, they might include add-ons like free servicing, accessories, or roadside assistance.
Final Thoughts on Timing Your Car Purchase
Timing your car purchase strategically can lead to significant savings, whether you’re aiming for Black Friday deals, year-end clearance, or holiday weekend promotions. To summarize, November and December generally offer the best discounts and financing options, with Black Friday providing unique opportunities for savings on both new and pre-owned vehicles. Being well-informed and prepared will help you make the most of these deals and drive away with a car that fits both your budget and lifestyle.
Additional Benefits of Shopping During Black Friday and Year-End Sales
Shopping during Black Friday and year-end sales can provide unique benefits beyond just price reductions. Here are some additional advantages to consider:
- Special Holiday Incentives: Some dealerships and manufacturers offer unique incentives during the holiday season, such as extended warranties, free maintenance packages, or accessory bundles. These add-ons enhance the overall value of your purchase and may be exclusive to Black Friday or year-end events.
- Lower Interest Rates: While price discounts are attractive, the real savings often come from special financing offers. Many dealerships provide 0% APR or very low-interest loans during Black Friday, which can significantly reduce the cost of ownership over the life of a loan.
- Availability of Dealer and Manufacturer Rebates: During the holiday season, dealerships often offer both dealer-specific and manufacturer rebates. By combining Black Friday rebates with manufacturer offers, you can further reduce the price of your car.
- Exclusive Inventory Choices: Dealerships often showcase a larger selection of models around Black Friday and the end of the year, including limited-edition models or hard-to-find trims. Shopping during these times may give you access to a broader range of options than other times of the year.
- Reduced Demand for Specific Models: As dealerships focus on selling current year models during Black Friday and December, they may lower prices on previous model years to clear their inventory. This can mean deeper discounts on older, yet still new, vehicles that offer excellent value.
Why End-of-Year Sales Matter for Luxury Brands
End-of-year sales are particularly relevant for luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. Luxury vehicles typically carry a premium, but the discounts offered in November and December often make these high-end cars more affordable. Here’s what you can expect from luxury brands during the holiday season:
- Competitive Lease Offers: Luxury brands frequently provide attractive lease options with low monthly payments, minimal down payments, and flexible terms.
- Increased Availability of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Models: Many luxury dealerships offer discounts on CPO models during Black Friday, allowing buyers to enjoy the benefits of a luxury car with lower upfront costs.
- Customer Loyalty Programs and Perks: Some brands, like Audi and BMW, reward repeat customers with exclusive loyalty incentives, which may include special financing rates or additional savings.
Is Black Friday Worth It for Car Buyers?
For car buyers, Black Friday can be an excellent time to secure a deal, especially if you’re looking for outgoing models or popular SUVs and trucks. Here are the primary reasons why Black Friday is worth considering for your car purchase:
- Limited-Time Promotions: Black Friday discounts are often temporary and exclusive to that weekend, so acting quickly can yield one-time-only savings.
- Motivated Sales Teams: Sales representatives are often eager to close deals during Black Friday, making it an ideal time to negotiate. You might be able to secure extras that wouldn’t normally be included.
- High-Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles: For those interested in used cars, Black Friday can be an opportunity to find high-quality pre-owned options at a reduced price, particularly certified pre-owned models with dealer-backed warranties.
Preparing for Black Friday: How to Get the Best Deal
- Research and Set Your Budget: Know the model, trim, and features you’re interested in, and set a budget that includes potential financing terms.
- Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Being pre-approved can strengthen your negotiating position and save time.
- Visit Multiple Dealerships or Compare Online Offers: Some dealerships may have better Black Friday deals than others, so don’t settle for the first offer.
- Understand All Fees: Ask about any additional fees or charges, including dealer fees, taxes, and title costs, to avoid surprises in the final price.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead to Take Advantage of Black Friday and Year-End Sales
Black Friday and year-end car sales present a prime opportunity for car buyers to score significant savings, especially when combined with the incentives and financing deals offered by manufacturers and dealerships. Whether you’re shopping for a luxury model, an affordable SUV, or a reliable sedan, timing your purchase during Black Friday or year-end can help you secure an exceptional deal. By doing your research, setting a budget, and preparing to negotiate, you can make the most of these seasonal sales events.
