“Patience is a virtue.”
“Good things come to those who wait.”
More than just sayings parents use to quiet endless petitions from their children, these adages have valuable applications when it comes to buying a car. As the calendar year draws to a close, it may be the best time to pick up a new set of wheels. So, why is it such a good idea to wait until the last month of the year before making such a big purchase? Glad you asked.
Baby, It’s Cold (or Windy, or Rainy) Outside
Cold and blustery one day, unseasonably warm and rainy the next; southern winters can be fickle—resulting in less than ideal conditions for wandering around a car lot. To be fair, it’s not all that great for salespeople either. This can work to your advantage. You see, unpredictable weather tends to keep shoppers away. Fewer shoppers makes it more difficult to meet sales quotas. By being one of the few, you can gain valuable leverage in the negotiating process. The law of supply and demand applies to consumers as well as products.
Help Me Help You
Speaking of salespeople, there’s no need to treat them as the enemy. A good salesperson knows the best promotions and incentives that can help you get more car for your money. When you shop at the end of the year, they’re working towards monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals. As much as you want to buy the right car, your salesperson probably wants to sell it to you even more! It’s a classic win/win situation.
That Model is SO Last Year
Dealerships don’t want to be saddled with an inventory of 2017 models once 2018 rolls around. The end of the calendar year adds a sense of urgency to move the previous year’s automobiles, and that urgency can equal big savings for you. If you do your research and determine that an earlier model will meet your needs, your flexibility can pay off.
Timing is Everything
If location is the key when it comes to real estate, timing can be the most important factor in a successful automobile search. Buying a car at the end of the day is good. Buying one at end of the month can be better. Buying at the end of the year may be the best. Following this logic, picking out your new ride may be the best way to spend New Year’s Eve this year. Counting all the money you saved is a great way to ring in 2018!
