D-MAN63

Hey folks, how have you all been !Last couple of months haven;t had time to go online but now I have a new work schedule and I MADE time to come on here

Just wondering, what part of the year is the best time to buy a car? Figured some people tell me in the middle of winter is the best time and others tell me during the holiday season. I know prices on cars fluxuate between seasons and I want to find out when is the best time.

Thanks guys !

link13

The best time is between Dec 25 and Dec 31.

Second choice is in August because new models are coming out softening demand for the current year models. However, I would not buy a car in August if a dramatic redesign is due to hit the showrooms in Aug/Sept because your resale value will soften (albeit not very dramatic if you buy a Lexus).

Third choice: The end of any month.

Honorable mention: NOW! It's a great feeling to have a new car. However, if you don't get a deal and get buyer's remorse, the joy will fade.

omegadoug

Yesterday, Jan. 30, I bought a 2002 GS300 at $150 under invoice. A salesman with a yearning for a month end bonus can be a great friend.

I'm not certain if this is the greatest deal of all time, but I sure feel good about it.

Richie

Link13 is right.

GS4Will

hey D-man,

how's going bro... actually for me, anytime can be a good time..but link 13 pretty much has the basic rules covered. if you could, find out the inventory on the dealer lot and work it as a leverage. ie. last year a dealer was selling the gs430/premium pkg at $500 below invoice, because they had over 10 available...there are simply too many factors that contribute to the selling/buying of a car...btw, who you know and as a repeat customer at the dealership helps too....except for the much sought after sc430

davezaristo

So exactly what price is $150 below invoice?

altaf

In talking to some car salesmen I know, January is the slowest month at the dealers, so you should get a good deal now. I guess this is because of the holiday shopping and the bills start pouring in now.

A local Mercedes dealer advertises every year during January, specifically saying that January is their slowest month, and their willing to negotiate more than usual.

Iceman

Is that car a hot seller? The styling isn't for me, and since the dealership here in Monterey has been unable to sell ANY (no kidding!) since the car came out, I just assumed that it was a huge flop for Lexus.

omegadoug

To answer dave's question:

Invoice = 37,891 (according to Edmunds, etc.)

Price = 37,629

Difference = $262 (I lied. I thought it was only $150.)

Cheers!

GS4Will

omega, niiice price...:eek: anytime that you get get close to invoice early on in the model year..good buy

iceman, really, no sc takers in monterey:eek: wow..in la, it is pretty much msrp(may be a little discount), but no waiting....when it first came out, 4-6 months wait..i guess japan shift gs430 production to sc/ls for higher profit

davezaristo

Cool...good deal..I paid $37,900 back in 11/00..so I guess i didn't do too bad considering the economy was still good back then...

Iceman

I have seen a few on the road around L.A. and up in San Jose. The looks are probably a little too radical for the Monterey market.

The last time I was down at South Coast Plaza I used the valet and they left my car right in the front (behind a yellow Ferrari, but that's another funny story...). When I was done shopping and picked up my keys, a middle-aged (I suspect mid-life crisis) guy had just pulled up in his SC430. The valet took it and sped over to the lot, and I think the middle-aged guy was pissed to see a young 'un like me getting in my car right up front while they whisked his even-more-expensive convertible away!