Manufacturer volume bonuses are often tied to quarterly targets. A dealer just a few units shy of a massive bonus may sell a car at or below cost to hit that goal.
The last 2–3 days of any month are better than the beginning, as salespeople push to hit monthly quotas.
While December is the peak, several other windows throughout the year offer significant savings:
This is the best overall season. Dealers are desperate to clear "old" current-year inventory to make room for incoming new model-year vehicles.
Major 3-day weekends like Memorial Day , Labor Day , and Black Friday feature manufacturer-backed promotions like cash-back offers and 0% financing.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car? - Navy Federal Credit Union