The best time of year to buy a car

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When you’re shopping for your best deal on a car, timing matters.

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[{"selector":"#anim-8e27aa6b-3685-4273-871e-b7371c3df6b2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Vermont sees the biggest seasonality in car buying. Car buying in the Green Mountain State is 30% above average in March and 33% below average in December. Learn more

[{"selector":"#anim-83ac9e93-61b8-44cc-aff4-4ca08d13f062 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.25342391838675%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] December is the best time to buy. For a $25,000 loan with a five-year repayment at an APR of 8%, just a 1 percentage-point reduction would save you $743 in overall interest payments. Learn more

But even if you can’t wait for December, understanding seasonal trends could still help you time your purchase to get a better deal.

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While APRs change from month to month, it’s important to note that they don’t typically fluctuate a ton over the course of a calendar year

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According to LendingTree metrics, car purchases nationwide hit their peak much earlier in the year in March, followed by May.

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Vermont sees most seasonality in car buying, while Alaska sees the least seasonality

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[{"selector":"#anim-90990843-0048-4dff-afe1-54ddf08c4705 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Consider some of these methods for finding your best deals: - Get preapproved first. - Look for rebates. - Shop during the holidays. - Labor Day or Memorial Day. Consider some of these methods for finding your best deals: - Get preapproved first. - Look for rebates. - Shop during the holidays. - Labor Day or Memorial Day. Learn more

Swipe up for more interesting finds!

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