If you have been researching a new vehicle but have noticed that prices seem higher than ever, that is not your imagination! The average new-vehicle transaction price is hovering at or near $50,000 today, the highest it’s ever been in the automotive industry. It seems the days of ultra-affordable cars have passed, and even a six-figure salary may not leave enough margin when factoring in the total cost of vehicle ownership.
That said, the yearly calendar still matters when it comes to getting the best deal possible, and the summer months ahead offer a few windows of opportunity worth knowing about.
Go on a weekday
Saturdays can be very busy
Regardless of when you look for a vehicle this summer, try to drop in at some point during the week. Even if you have to take an afternoon away from work, it might be worth it.
Dealerships of mainstream brands are often the busiest on Saturdays, as that is the day most customers have off. Foot traffic is up, salespeople are delivering already-sold vehicles, and staff might be pulled in a thousand different directions.
This was the case for me when I was in sales at Sioux Falls Ford early in my career in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Since Ford is a mainstream brand, we were often busy on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Once Monday morning rolled around, it was a different story. Whereas you might have three or four customers at once on a Saturday, you were waiting for the phone to ring on Monday while just sitting at your computer.
Weekdays in general, particularly Monday through Wednesday, give you more time with the sales team to ask questions, more time for the test drive, and can put you in a more comfortable negotiating position because the showroom is less busy.
Aim for June and July 4th
Two windows for a good deal this summer
June is when the market starts to shift in the buyer’s favor, and you can use it to your advantage.
Every quarter, auto manufacturers track current sales volume against internal targets. Automakers may use this time to advertise better incentives and more flexible financing options to move as many units as possible before the second quarter wraps up at the end of June. Local dealers may do something similar to clear inventory from their lots.
The July 4th weekend follows a similar formula. Factory-backed promotions, TV and radio ad blitzes, and a holiday crowd create just enough urgency for dealers to sharpen their pencils. Price reductions and other incentives can vary by make and model and by where you live, but generally speaking, the ramp-up to July 4th is a good time to shop for a vehicle.
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Look for Labor Day sales
Dealers want to move older inventory
If you can wait until the end of the summer, Labor Day weekend offers one of the best buying windows of the year. The reason is as old as car buying itself. As September arrives, so too have 2027 model year vehicles. Anything on a dealer lot that is a 2026 model must go. And that can work in your favor if you don’t need the “new, new” version of a vehicle.
According to Kelley Blue Book, new vehicle inventory in April was more than 20% below where it stood a year earlier, with only about 79 days’ worth of stock on dealer lots nationwide. As that inventory builds back up through summer and new model-year vehicles arrive, dealers become increasingly motivated to move existing units as quickly as possible.
The arrival of vehicles that have undergone a mid-cycle refresh is also worth noting. Recently refreshed models tend to push down pricing on the previous versions of that vehicle (i.e., if the mid-cycle refresh occurred for the 2027 model year, the 2026 model is apt to be less expensive). Using Labor Day to look at the “non-refreshed” vehicle, or one that is being discontinued, might net you some savings on the window sticker.
3 insider tricks to get VIP treatment at any car dealership
Red carpet treatment, even if you buy something used.
Get pre-approved beforehand
Leasing a vehicle can also be an option
Walking into a dealership without financing isn’t the worst thing in the world, but having some idea of where you stand ahead of time is beneficial.
Visit your bank or credit union first and get a pre-approval letter. You do not have to use it, but it gives you a reference point and a negotiating tool. Dealers can often match or beat a bank rate, but they are more motivated to compete when they know you already have something on the table.
Focus on the total purchase price, not the monthly payment. Keep in mind that while a longer term lowers the payment, it also means paying more in interest over the life of the loan. Later on down the road, consider applying a one-time payment to the principal of your vehicle loan. Doing so, even with a smaller amount of money, can cut a surprising amount of time off your repayment schedule.
If leasing has crossed your mind, it can be a sound financial decision depending on your situation. Lower monthly payments, factory warranty coverage for the full term, and the ability to drive a brand-new vehicle every two to three years are genuine advantages. Here at How-To Geek, we put together a full guide on vehicle leasing with tips you can use to determine if it’s the right move for you.
The bottom line on car buying this summer
Summer car-buying windows follow a somewhat predictable pattern. If you are in the market, consider the month of June, the time around July 4th, or over Labor Day weekend. Pair any of those windows with a weekday visit and a pre-approval in hand from your bank, and you should be all set to soon take the keys to your next vehicle.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
