The Best Time of Year to Buy a Used Car or Truck

used cars & trucks: is there a best time to shop?

Curious to find out if it’s better to buy a pre-owned car at one time of year or another? While the answer is most certainly yes, it mostly depends on your requirements and preferences. Perhaps you need the best savings. What about the best value? Perhaps the biggest selection? Perhaps the best offer on your trade-in car or truck? Different times of the year, month, or week will usually provide various benefits. To help you to best understand the various options, we’re going to look closer at the top five best times to get a used car below.


Buy One Before You Have To

Shop for another car before you desperately need a new one. Of course this response may not be time-specific, but it’s generally better to have more time on this kind of decision rather than making this kind of purchase in a hurry. It’s good to begin investigating the options to make an informed choice instead of a desperate one. Another reason that it’s beneficial that you make a decision prior to your car breaking down, is because it’ll receive a better offer for a trade-in because of its better state.


During The Final Quarter of the Year

Why buy a pre-owned car during the end of the calendar year? We recommend this time of year for the amount of holiday automotive sales usually on hand. Furthermore, let’s make no mistake that they need to find space for the new year’s inventory.


Buy Towards the Front End of the Week

Why should one get used cars and trucks at the front end of the week? When dealerships aren’t overly busy, it is typically easier for customers to get the car they’re hoping for. In comparison to the weekend, Mondays are the least crowded by far. This can mean significantly greater time and attention from the sales and finance specialists.


Holiday & Seasonal Sales

Holiday and seasonal sales are always a great opportunity to buy a car. While almost all national sales events present sizable refunds on new models, many dealers also advertise local incentives or offers on their certified pre-owned car inventory, as well. Overall, New Year’s ranks amid the best of all annual sales for customers searching for worthwhile offers. Towards the middle of the year, car buyers usually expect to see even more savings during Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Last but not least, in the last quarter of the year, there are numerous seasonal holiday sales starting with Labor Day and ending in December with End of Year events to bring the calendar year to an end.


During the Last Days of the Month

What is the reward of buying used cars and trucks during the month’s last week? Frankly, since most auto dealers operate on a monthly system, it’s potentially probable that some inventory may need to be cleared in order to make places for incoming models. This increases your likelihood of finding the right car, truck, or SUV at the right price.


Lexus online car buying Albuquerque  NM


It’s Always the Right Time to Shop at Lexus of Albuquerque

No matter what day of the year, month, or week, Lexus of Albuquerque invites you to buy a used or certified pre-owned luxury car or SUV in Albuquerque, NM. We offer a great selection of used vehicles at our local Lexus dealership to assist you in finding the one you’ve been looking for. View our entire stock of Albuquerque area pre-owned cars and trucks for sale in-person or online. Schedule a test drive today or buy online with delivery at Lexus of Albuquerque.


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DealerRater Jun 30, 2026

The Lexus Service Dept. provided excellent communication regarding my car’s issues and needs. The prices were very reasonable and my car was done at the quoted time.

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DealerRater Jun 29, 2026

Excellent customer service! Daniel Perez, our service manager was very professional, courteous and an asset to the dealership. He went above and beyond on our service appt, took the time to explain everything clearly and reviewed all my prior service to ensure no service was being repeated unnecessarily. He was extremely efficient , responsive, and highly professional—I won't take my car anywhere else!

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DealerRater Jun 27, 2026

Excellent service today. Everything thoroughly checked out. A worthwhile annual service at a very good price.

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DealerRater Jun 25, 2026

Fastest service there yet. Daniel is my favorite service advisor, very knowledgeable and present. He understands how to help a customer be happy with the process.

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DealerRater Jun 25, 2026

Daniel always gives excellent service with a smile on his face! It is a pleasure to deal with him!

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Lexus of Albuquerque 35.138041, -106.603286.