This Is the Best Time of the Week to Buy a Car

It’s probably not the most convenient, but it will get you the best deal.

Salesperson selling cars at car dealershipnd3000/Shutterstock

Buying a new car isn’t a purchase you should take lightly. It’s a big investment, and doing your research can help you be more confident in your decision. One of the things you should make sure to take into consideration is the day of the week you head to the dealership.

Plus: Check out the 10 things you should never, ever do to your car.

To get the best deal possible, you need to have the salesperson’s full attention. You’ll want to go look at cars when the showroom isn’t crowded. Since most people have off on the weekend, Saturdays and Sundays tend to be very crowded. That means the middle of the week is the best time to buy a new car. Try to get to the dealership on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If you’re nervous about the car salesmen giving you a hard time, here’s how to outsmart them.

“Saturdays are notoriously high-traffic days at dealerships, as many people are off from work,” says Richard Reina, product training director at the aftermarket auto retailer CARiD.com and experienced car salesman. “Mondays can also be busy and are often referred to as “be back day,” by salespeople, meaning shoppers who browsed on the weekends might plan to return and make a purchase at the start of the week.”

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Reina also recommends buying at the end of the month, and, if possible, the end of the year. Dealers have quotas to meet and can be anxious if they haven’t made them—meaning that the chances of you getting a good deal are much higher. “And, if you’re willing to buy a new ‘leftover’ from the previous model-year, there can be big money savings,” Reina adds.

Driving behind the wheel of a new car feels good, but knowing you got a great deal on it feels even better. Did you know these are the most reliable cars that rarely need a mechanic?

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Originally Published on Reader's Digest