Holiday Car Buying: Smart Strategies for the Season

By: Joshua Finley

If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle as a gift or for yourself this holiday season, there are some smart strategies that you may use to get the best deal possible. This is a great time to buy and there are some great options available.

Year-End Sales

A lot of dealerships offer year-end sales to combat the decrease in sales during this time of year. There are often some great discounts available, and you can usually negotiate lower price points as well.

Holiday Promotions

As we get closer to the holidays, look for seasonal promotions that offer things like cash back and reduced interest rates. You can often secure the vehicle of your dreams with a bit of planning and taking advantage of promotions.

Utilize a Trade-In

You can offset the cost of a new vehicle by utilizing your current automobile as a trade-in. Before you start shopping, value your current vehicle to see what it will be worth. Research different trade-in deals to see what your premier option is.

Pre-Approved Financing

Even if you haven’t found the specific vehicle that you want to invest in, work with a lender or dealership to become pre-approved for financing. This is a great way to leverage your financial standing so you can negotiate with a sales team. This also helps provide you with an idea of what kind of vehicle you can comfortably afford. You don’t want to spend all your monthly budget on a car payment. Factoring in things like your down payment, trade-in, and the current interest rate allows for better planning.

Shopping at Off-Peak Times

If you stop by a dealership during the week, you will have full access to the sales team and any other staff members that you need to work with to secure financing and purchase a new vehicle. You’ll reap the benefits of more personalized service when there isn’t a line of customers waiting to be taken care of. Avoid the weekends, especially around the holidays.

Do Your Research

There’s a lot of research that goes into finding a new vehicle at an affordable price point. Look into the different makes and models that are available. You should also consider leasing a vehicle versus buying one. Used or certified pre-owned models are a great way to save some money while still ensuring reliability. Compare prices and come to a dealership ready to negotiate. Interest rates can vary quite a bit from one lender to another, so it’s a good idea to figure out what your most affordable option is.

Don’t feel like you must put off finding a new vehicle just because the holidays are quickly approaching. This is a really great time to find an amazing deal on a vehicle you will love. You may even want to shop for a new automobile for your significant other. This makes for an unforgettable gift they’ll truly enjoy.