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When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?

Buyer's GuideSeptember 17, 2026 4 min read

Seasonality, model-year turnover and market timing for pre-owned buyers.

Timing will not transform a bad deal into a good one, but it can help at the margins.

End of the month and quarter Dealers work to volume targets, so the last days of a month or quarter often bring more flexibility.

Late autumn and winter Convertibles and sports cars sell slowly in cold months. Trucks and all-wheel-drive vehicles move in the opposite direction.

Model-year turnover When a new generation launches, clean examples of the previous generation become better value almost overnight.

The most important factor The right car at the right condition and price beats perfect timing every time. Set an alert and we will tell you when a match arrives.

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