When it comes to purchasing a car, timing is everything. While many consider spring and summer the best times to make big purchases, these seasons can present unique challenges that can be avoided by transacting in the fall. So, here are 15 reasons why the fall is the best time to get yourself a used car.

New Model Year Arrivals

As new car models are released in the fall, dealerships are eager to make room for them by moving older inventory. This pressure to clear space often results in discounts on new and used cars, as used vehicles typically take up more space on the lot.

End-of-Year Sales Quotas

Dealerships often face end-of-year sales quotas and are motivated to reach them by offering significant discounts or added incentives to close deals. Fall marks the beginning of this final push to meet or exceed these quotas so buyers may find more aggressive pricing on used vehicles.

Fewer Competitors

Many buyers focus on purchasing cars during the summer, creating less competition in the fall and less pressure on consumers to make quick decisions. This lower demand puts buyers in a stronger position to negotiate with sellers eager to offload their inventory before the winter months.

Better Trade-In Deals

As dealerships prepare for the new model year during the fall, they are often more generous with trade-in values. These help them acquire new stock and balance their inventory. For buyers trading in a vehicle, fall can be the perfect time to receive a better value for an old car.

Holiday Promotions

Several dealerships offer promotions around fall holidays, like Labor Day and Thanksgiving. The promotions often include special financing options, price reductions, or bundled offers that can make used cars more affordable. Buyers can use these holiday sales to get better deals, especially when coupled with negotiation.

More Flexible Financing

Lenders, like dealerships, are often motivated to close out the year with strong numbers, which can lead to more favorable financing terms for buyers. In the fall, consumers may find lower interest rates or more flexible loan terms, making it easier to afford a used car.

Depreciation Hits Car Prices

Vehicles depreciate most during their first few years, and the arrival of new models, sometimes in the fall, further accelerates the depreciation. This leads to lower car prices and provides excellent value for buyers who need nearly new vehicles at a discounted cost.

Changing Weather Conditions

As the weather cools in the fall, dealerships may offer more incentives to move convertibles and sports cars, which see less demand in colder months. Buyers can take advantage of steep discounts on models that are more expensive in spring and summer.

Lease Returns Increase Inventory

Many leases end in the fall, bringing a flood of lease returns to dealerships. Most returned vehicles are often well-maintained and low in mileage, making them attractive used car options. Their return gives buyers a wider selection and can drive down prices due to higher supply.

Better Vehicle Condition Visibility

Fall’s cooler weather provides a better environment for inspecting used cars. Extreme summer heat or winter cold can mask issues such as battery health or air conditioning performance. However, in the fall, buyers can make more informed decisions as they get a clearer sense of the vehicle’s actual condition.

Tax Refunds for Some Buyers

Some consumers may still have leftover tax refunds by the fall. This leaves them with extra cash to invest in a used car. If you’re in this category, making a larger down payment or being able to buy outright can give you more leverage in negotiations.

Less Urgency Than Winter

During the winter, customers are under pressure to purchase cars that can withstand the harsh weather. Hence, buying a used car in the fall means avoiding the last-minute rush that often happens in winter. You’ll have more time to evaluate options, test-drive vehicles, and make informed decisions.

Warranty Benefits

Most used cars, especially those only a few years old, come with remaining factory warranties. You may still receive these warranties if you purchase a vehicle during the fall. Doing so can be an added layer of protection and save on repair costs.

New Budget Planning

For most people, fall is the time to plan the budgets for the upcoming year. Their plans could include buying new cars and disposing of old ones. You can purchase these used cars at great prices as their owners want to sell them before getting new ones.

Lower Insurance Rates

Fall is often the time when insurance rates tend to stabilize, especially after summer, when accident rates can be higher. Because of the lower risks associated with changing seasons, insurance premiums at this period can be far less than at any other time in the year.