| People spend lots of energy and time trying to get | | | | want that model car or want to save money badly, |
| their best deal on a new car. But one area where they | | | | this can bring you problems. Like not being able to get |
| often neglect is WHEN to buy. What follows are some | | | | parts for it (cheap) when it needs work. |
| tried and true strategies for getting your best car deal | | | | Rainy Days: The idea here is that if it's raining, then |
| based on the day you choose to set foot on the car | | | | most people won't be out shopping for a car. This |
| lot. | | | | leaves you as one of the few prospects for the |
| If you can wait until the winter holidays, you stand to | | | | salesmen that day. Which means they will be more |
| save money for sure. Reason is with everybody | | | | apt to give you a deal so that their whole day isn't a |
| buying their Christmas presents, not many of them are | | | | "wash" (tongue-in-cheek). But there's also the chance |
| looking to buy a new car; This forces dealerships to | | | | that the salesman will look at you as being "desperate" |
| ramp up their sales strategies. They will do just about | | | | to get a car if you're willing to slosh around a car lot in |
| anything to make a sale during Christmas, which puts | | | | the rain. So use your judgment on this one. |
| YOU in the driver's seat. :) | | | | Early in the Week: This is a good idea no matter what. |
| You can also get a good deal from July to October | | | | Because on the weekends, car dealerships are |
| because that is the time of year when dealerships are | | | | jammed with hungry prospects who are PLANNING |
| trying to get rid of their inventory to make way for the | | | | on buying a car that day; This was a task on their |
| new models. This is known as the End of the Model | | | | "things to do list." They've come with money and aren't |
| Year. Last year's model loses its luster and also its high | | | | leaving until they've got a new or used car. So the |
| price as the new models get in. You can get some | | | | salesmen will be able to pick and choose their 'fish.' If |
| cash rebates and really good discounts. | | | | you put up too much of a fight, they'll just 'throw you |
| This is related to the End of the Car's Design Cycle: | | | | back' and look for more easy fish who are willing to |
| This is where the manufacturer is going to continue | | | | pay MSRP. So why not go early in the week when |
| making a certain model car, but they are about to | | | | sales are slow? Besides, you'll get the dealer's |
| introduce a completely redesigned car under the same | | | | undivided attention. |
| name. You can really see some serious discounts | | | | End of the Month: This is another great idea. Car |
| here. True, you may be buying a car that is essentially | | | | dealers may be a car or two short of their quota or |
| outdated and out of style, but that shouldn't bother the | | | | need to sell more for an award (read: "bonus"). So |
| bargain hunter at all. Here, the savings can be huge. | | | | they will be much more likely to discount the car for |
| This brings us to the End of the Car's Lifecycle: If you | | | | you because they know they'll make up the discount in |
| hear that a manufacturer is announcing that a car | | | | their bonus. |
| model will be discontinued, you'll be able to get it for | | | | So next time you're in the market for a new or used |
| peanuts--unless the car is a "classic." (Which will make | | | | car, consider the timing of your purchase. You may |
| it even more expensive.) However, unless you really | | | | save lots of money just by doing this! |