8 Tips for Buying a 2019 Model Car During the Holidays

Now is the best time to buy a 2019 model car.

Year-end Car buying Tips

Tip 1 – Time your purchase.  Buy on Christmas Eve! Research has shown that the best day to buy is Christmas Eve, with a $2,000 - $4,000 in savings. If you can’t make it to the dealership on that day, New Year’s Eve is also some of the best days to buy.

Tip 2 – Be prepared to act quickly. If you wait on a deal for that 2019 model, there’s a good chance that someone else will grab it. End of year sales happen at a wide variety of dealers, make sure you head there with full intentions to buy. Remember the inventory tends to be limited. 

Tip 3 – Research before you go to a dealership. Go in armed with all the information you need to make the right decision. Check multiple sources for reviews, pricing and other incentives that will make your car buying journey a prosperous one. The internet is your friend, take full advantage of the information at your fingertips.

Tip 4 – Make your the most our of your Membership. Take advantage of your memberships. If you are a member of any auto-buying or retail clubs, check for member-exclusive benefits or holiday promotions.

Tip 5 – Avoid Impulse Buying. By researching the make, model, and style of the car, and reviewing insurance rates and financing. Prevent impulse buying by conducting extensive research, purchasing a car on a whim is risky.

Tip 6 – Be selective with Add-ons. Do you really need heated front seats, built-in navigation, remote start, and all the other bells and whistles in vehicles these days? Research the different trim levels offered on the model you are considering. If you finance the car, the overall costs for accessories will skyrocket. Don’t get star struck by all the items you do not need.

Tip 7 – Always Test Drive the Car.  You want to test drive the car checking the following items:

•       Idle: The car should be smooth and quiet.
•       View: Make sure the view from each of the mirrors is acceptable, and you have a straight-line view of all dashboard gauges.
•       Controls: Flip on the air, locate the turn signals, and turn on the windshield wipers. Ensure that everything is easy to use. Some people find that their fingers are too big to handle certain switches, buttons, or levers in some cars.
•       Handling and Brakes: Make sure the car responds when you push the accelerator or brakes. Cars vary significantly in terms of sensitivity, and you want to choose a car that best fits your preferences.

Tip 8 – Ask around. Even if you think you know what you want, it’s a good idea to ask your friends about their cars. Weekly deals are not uncommon during this time of year. Check Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for promotions and sales from multiple dealerships.

By following these tips you should be able to put yourself in a car that you will enjoy for many years to come. Remember you did your homework and educated yourself so you can go into negotiations well-prepared to get the best deal possible on a new or used car.

Finally, Don’t feel pressured into buying anything just because there’s a short window of opportunity, Cars are a long-term investment. In the end, buying a car is a major purchase, so don’t feel the need to rush into it.