Online calculator to determine the home, car within your budget
These simple tips can help you understand your budget if you are considering buying a home or car.
The problem has been resolved
- According to industry experts, car sales data tends to show an increase in December purchases.
- The new model year release also offers the opportunity to win better deals on car purchases.
While the “December to Remember” spot from the Lexus may seem like nothing more than a subtle jab with your holiday gift plan not being measured, the push to buying a year-end car might actually make sense.
Sam Fioni knows a bit about cars and sales, and he says the end of the year is a reasonable time to consider buying a new car.
That may be the best time to do so.
Fiorani is the vice president of global vehicle forecasting for Auto Forecast Solutions, which provides insight into automotive trends and data, spending several years as a Ford, Lincoln and Mercury salesman, who humbly downplays his skills and downplays the wheels.
Fiorani said the last month of the year should be at the top of the car purchase calendar.
“December is the best time to buy a car,” says Fioni.
Automakers, dealers and salespeople want to report that they sold many vehicles during the calendar year. Your final chance to create these numbers is probably to offer some deals. It is reflected regularly in the data.
“We think sales in December are a little higher than the seasonal average,” says Fiorani.
However, he warns that car shoppers should avoid travelling to dealers on holidays.
What about when a new model arrives?
Traditionally, carmakers were equipped with new model releases from late September to early October, according to Fiorani.
Savvy car shoppers who save money rather than worrying about getting the latest model features may be aiming to buy during that period. The dealer will be trying to unload the previous model year, and it may open up some deals.
However, Fiorani says it’s important to recognize that individual carmakers are planning for their vehicles, not just following the calendar, but planning for the vehicle, as the timing of new model years has become more flexible.
However, the latest models may have new or updated features that may be decided by car shoppers.
If saving money is important, Allyson Harwood, senior editor at Creative Strategy at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, says that the model switch can usually open some doors in the fall.
“If you’re looking at a particular vehicle, you can take advantage of paying attention when a whole new generation comes out and getting the previous generation and saving money,” she says.
Is there anything else to consider?
Generally, an end-of-month or quarterly approach may always indicate a potential opportunity.
According to Fiorani, similar dynamics are at play, like the end of the year.
The end of the day may also play in favor of car shoppers, especially if it is the last day of the month or quarter. Salespeople who invest time with customers and know that people can walk away without buying can potentially add some motivation.
Let’s be the center of attention
Fiorani encourages shoppers to consider heading to the dealer when they’re not busy.
For example, Tuesday or Wednesday is a good day to do so in the middle of the week.
Being able to attract the full attention of salespeople will help ensure a better deal. This is a measure of supply and demand, and results better for shoppers when customer supply is not that high.
Eric D. Lawrence: Please contact elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Send a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
