What’s the Best Month to Buy a Car?

If you’re looking for the best time to purchase a vehicle, you may still be in luck.

December is the optimal month for car shopping, at least according to some experts, because dealers are itching to move their inventory. That’s because new models are flooding in, slow months are ahead and sellers are looking to pad their commissions before the end of the year.

New model cars hit dealer lots in October, but sellers really feel the pressure to get rid of their old stock two months later. That means moving previous year models and those that have been discontinued to make room on the lot for shiny new (and usually more expensive) vehicles.

Dealers will often dangle discounts and other incentives to get cars sold before the winter holidays. Car prices decline by an average 6.1 percent in the last month of the calendar year, according to the auto industry researchers at Edmunds. Dealers are also more willing to offer lower financing rates, lease specials and cash rebates during this time.

Who Said April is the Cruelest Month?

Everything changes come January. The first and second months of the year see the smallest average discounts, according to Edmunds.

But that doesn’t mean you necessarily have to wait for December to roll around again to get a decent deal.

The end of any month is a good time to browse because salespeople may be trying to reach quotas and avoid paying another month of insurance on the cars on the lot. Holidays like Presidents’ Day may also come with new incentives to spur buying.

Car Buyers: Understand Your Rights

No matter when you buy a car, it’s important to understand that dealers don’t always have your best interests at heart. Fortunately, California law provides some important protections for anyone who gets stuck with a “lemon.”

The California Lemon Law forces car makers to repair various defects and other problems with the vehicle while it’s under warranty. If repair efforts don’t work, the manufacturer is obligated to compensate owners covered by the law for the purchase price and/or down payment and financing charges, as well as other expenses like car rentals, towing and repair costs. The manufacturer may also offer to replace the car instead.

The law applies to both new and used vehicles.

Talk With an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney

If you’re a California car owner with a faulty airbag or related problem, it’s important that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options. The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. We understand the significant stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.