This is often cited as the absolute worst time for used car buyers. As tax refunds hit bank accounts, dealerships experience a surge in foot traffic. Dealers often stop reducing prices in mid-January in anticipation of this demand, sometimes leading to price spikes of 30–40% on used inventory.
Determining the worst time to buy a car involves navigating a complex landscape of seasonal demand, dealer sales quotas, and broader economic shifts. While general consensus points to specific months like as particularly unfavorable, the "worst" timing is often driven by a lack of dealer urgency and high consumer competition. The Seasonal Pitfalls: Spring and Summer worst time to buy a car
Historically, the spring and summer months represent a "seller's market" where dealerships have little incentive to offer deep discounts. This is often cited as the absolute worst
Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days at any dealership. With high foot traffic, salespeople are less likely to spend hours negotiating a thin-margin deal when a full-price buyer might be walking in right behind you. Determining the worst time to buy a car