Why Year-End Is the Best Time to Buy a Car
In the US, December — especially the final days of the month and year — consistently offers the largest discounts on new cars. Dealers are closing out the year and need to hit annual sales quotas, making them more willing to negotiate. Manufacturers simultaneously run year-end clearance incentives on current model-year vehicles to make room for incoming new models. Combined, dealer discounts plus manufacturer rebates can easily reach 8–12% below MSRP on many models.
What This Calculator Does Not Include
This calculator shows pre-tax savings on the vehicle price. It does not include state sales tax (which applies to the final purchase price), documentation fees ($100–$900 depending on state), title and registration fees, or extended warranty costs. Always request the full out-the-door price from the dealer before agreeing to a deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Models that are being replaced by a new generation, slow-selling sedans, and outgoing model-year inventory (e.g., still-on-lot 2024 models in late 2024) typically carry the largest discounts. Trucks and in-demand SUVs often have smaller markdowns because dealers can sell them without needing to discount heavily.
Negotiate the purchase price first, separately from the trade-in value. Dealers sometimes bundle both to obscure the true discount on each. Get the lowest out-the-door price on the new car before bringing the trade-in into the conversation.