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 Aug 12, 2026

Juan was polite and friendly I wish they could have fix the cover underneath that came lose it just need to be screwed back in but they dint they just left it the way it is.

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DealerRater Aug 12, 2026

My experience was amazing, my salesman. Zach was very knowledgeable and listen to everything. I was looking for and helped me find my dream car.

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DealerRater Aug 8, 2026

I had the best customer service at the Lexus of Albuquerque dealership! They helped me get into the vehicle I really wanted and went far and beyond!

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DealerRater Aug 4, 2026

Service Advisor, Juan, performed outstandingly and provided excellent service and information to keep my 2013 Lexus ES 350 in excellent working order and condition.

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DealerRater Aug 3, 2026

Every visit to Lexus of Albuquerque is top-notch, whether it be for sales or service. I brought in both of my hybrid cars for service, was given a loaner/extended test drive electric vehicle and decided to trade in both and buy an electric. I have been a very happy customer for 15 years. Danny has always been my service advisor and he is always amazing.

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Lexus of Albuquerque 35.138041, -106.603286.