The Best Time of Year to Buy a New Toyota

Mar 9, 2020

If you’re in the market for a Toyota you’ll be happy to know the auto manufacturer often runs a number of financing deals and rebates to make buying a new Toyota a great value. However, if you’re able to put off your purchase until one of the best times to buy, your deal on a new Toyota will be even sweeter.

End of Summer

Many car manufacturers start selling the new model in the fall. Therefore, they want to unload “last year’s” model before the new ones arrive, particularly if the body style has undergone radical changes and buyers will be able to spot the differences between old and new quickly. Car dealers often offer incentives and rebates to reduce dealership inventory. Keep in mind, you’re still getting a new car, but at a deeper discount.

End of the Month/Quarter

Auto manufacturers hold contests and pay out incentives and bonuses for dealerships that can clear a certain amount of stock each month, quarter, and/or year. If you come in to shop at the end of one of these times and the dealer hasn’t met the number, you can be sure they’ll want to work with you on a new car. However, know that they’ll want a decision right away and that deal will most likely dry up if you can’t buy your new Toyota before the end of the incentive period.

End of Day

Anyone with a job knows that at the end of the day many people are looking forward to going home. A dealership is no different. Assuming you’ve done your research, have your financing, know what you want, and you know the dealer has it in stock, you can stroll in about an hour before close and get a great deal. No one wants to draw out the sales process at that point. But do yourself and everyone at the dealership a favor – don’t try this without everything lined up. Sales people are generally motivated at this time of night but you don’t want that motivation to erode because of your lack of preparation.

End of Year

If you’re shopping for a new Toyota, the end of year is one of the best times to get a great deal. Each dealership agrees to sell a number of cars by the end of the year. If they haven’t sold that number by late December, they’ll most certainly work with you. The one drawback to buying at the end of the year is choice. A dealership will want to reduce current inventory, not order in new. You’ll get the best deals on existing vehicles on the lot.

When you’re looking for a great deal on a Toyota keep in mind it’s not all about haggling on the price. Consider other parts of the sales process that can save you big over the life of your car like financing deals with low interest rates, cash back offers, and lease options. Toyota frequently offers them based on model, state purchased, and time of year.