When is the best time to purchase a new truck?

Buying a new truck is an exciting milestone and a significant investment. Knowing the conditions that impact the price of the truck can save you time and money. 

The truth is that anytime is the best time to buy a truck, however, conditions that impact the price are always changing.

The pricing of new trucks is affected by 

• seasonal demand 
• dealership inventory 
• release of new models

Let’s explore the conditions that will impact your truck shopping and buyer’s journey. We'll help you understand what conditions will provide for the best value or price so that you can get the truck you want and get it fast.

Understanding Seasonal Demands that Impact Truck Buying

Buying a truck is good in any season, however, seasonal demands can influence prices and incentives based on several factors. These include new model releases, dealership inventory, and even the weather.

• New model releases often lead to discounts on outgoing models.
• Manufacturer incentives on previous-year models often accompany new model releases.
• Dealerships have monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales targets that can lead to price reductions.
• They also ebb and flow in inventory levels, which is often unpredictable.
• Weather changes can affect the demand for trucks, especially in regions with harsh winters, hurricanes, or agricultural demands.

By understanding these factors, you can time your purchase to coincide with these seasons. This strategy can help you secure the best deal on your new truck.

End of the Year Deals

The end of the year is often a great time to buy a new truck. Dealerships are eager to meet their annual sales targets and clear out old inventory.

This period, especially October through December, sees many dealerships offering significant discounts. It's a prime time to negotiate a good deal on your new truck.

New Model Releases and Last Year's Models

New truck models typically hit the market in late summer or early fall. This makes the outgoing models less expensive as dealerships aim to clear space for the new arrivals.

If you're not fixated on having the latest model, this can be an excellent time to purchase. You can get a brand new truck, albeit an older model, at a significantly reduced price.

Monthly and Quarterly Sales Targets

Dealerships and salespeople often have monthly or quarterly targets to meet. This can make the end of the month and/or quarter a good time to buy a new truck.

During these periods, dealerships and sales staff may be more flexible and offer discounts to meet their sales goals. It's a win-win situation for both the buyer and the seller.

Weekday vs. Weekend Purchases

Dealerships tend to be busier on weekends. At Strosnider Chevrolet, we are fully staffed on Fridays and Saturdays. Even with adequate staffing, however, we often fill the showroom on the weekends.

This increase in customers can make weekdays a better time to buy a new truck.

On a weekday, salespeople may have more time to offer you a more personalized experience and maybe even a better deal. While this surely isn’t fact for every situation, it is worth considering!

Holiday Sales Events

Holiday sales events, like Black Friday, Labor Day, and 4th of July, often offer significant discounts because they produce reasons to purchase. Many of us feel more open to buying a vehicle before we drive home for the holidays and around tax time before our summer road trips. Dealerships use these events to boost their sales numbers which can work in your favor.

Off-Peak Times to Buy

Early fall, late winter or early spring can be good times to buy. Dealerships are often eager to move inventory before the busy seasons and the end of the fiscal year or calendar year. 

New promotions, such as truck season, are often introduced ahead of busy summer and holiday seasons. If you buy your truck before those times, you will have more choices in manufacturer and dealership incentives.

When will you buy your next truck? What factors will you watch for?

In conclusion, the best time to purchase a new truck is anytime! While factors like dealership inventory, model release cycles, and yearly events can all affect pricing, ultimately every dealership and every salesperson is highly motivated to sell you a truck today. The key is to be patient enough to find exactly what you are looking for from someone you trust. Happy shopping!