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When Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car?
There can be great deals on cars throughout the year, depending on the occasion, the season, the month, the day or even the time of day.
Watch for sales, especially during holidays like Black Friday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Columbus Day. Some, but not all three-day weekends can be good times to buy a used car. You may not get the best deal in the months of April, May, June or July. During these times, the weather gets warmer and more car shoppers come out and are ready to spend money, so dealerships may have less incentive to offer discounts.
Do your research before your take the leap. A “big sale” advertised may not always be a big sale. At the same time, don’t discount these times completely because there may be some models of used cars that dealers may not want to keep on their lots.
Rebates and incentives are usually highest in September, October, November and December, and particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. During these months car manufacturers are trying to make room for their new models, so they typically provide dealers with the big factory incentives and customer rebates and more so, towards the end of the year. You should know though that visiting the dealership on the last day of December may get you the best deal on a used car, but by that time the car of your choice may no longer be around.
Another good time to buy a used car is towards the end of the month or at the end of the quarter. These are times when dealerships do everything to meet their monthly sales goals and quotas. You will be in luck if they just need one more sale to reach their number.
You can also get a good price on a used car if you visit the dealership mid-week. If you stop by early in the day on a Tuesday or Wednesday when business may be slow, you are more likely to get a sales associate’s full attention and get a good deal, rather than on a busy weekend.
Ultimately, you need to decide when the time is good for you to buy a used car. If you do diligent research on the numbers, you could save on a car any time of year.
When in the market for a used car, check out Carousel Pre-Owned. Carousel Pre-Owned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.
Date: June 21, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Whether pre-owned or new, the key to keeping a vehicle healthy and you happy and safe is regular maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance on your car can lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a bad accident. It could cost you a lot of money, if not your life.
Here are priorities you need to check regularly to keep your vehicle well-maintained, increase its life span and keep your safe on the road.
Should I Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller or a Car Dealership
Date: June 9, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
When you’ve decided you are better off buying a used car instead of a brand-new car, the next question that will come to mind is whether you should buy the vehicle from a private seller or a dealership. Let’s examine the pros and cons.
Know the Difference: Vehicle History Report vs. Vehicle History
Date: May 25 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Acquiring a vehicle history report before purchasing a used car can save you a lot of money and headache afterwards. A vehicle history report can be purchased for a fee from companies like Carfax and AutoCheck.com. Other websites, like the National Insurance Crime Bureau, can provide you with the history of a vehicle for free, but they will not provide you with as detailed information.
Whether pre-owned or new, the key to keeping a vehicle healthy and you happy and safe is regular maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance on your car can lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a bad accident. It could cost you a lot of money, if not your life.
Here are priorities you need to check regularly to keep your vehicle well-maintained, increase its life span and keep your safe on the road.
5 Steps to Buying Your First Car
Date: May 17 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You got your first job and you’re renting an apartment of your own. The next testament to your full independence is to buy your first car. Buying your first car can be overwhelming, but doing research ahead of time will make it less daunting and help you arrive at an informed decision on the best car for you. Read more for a few tips.
When to Know It's Time to Replace Your Car
Date: May 10 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Every car, no matter how well-maintained, will reach its limit and sooner or later, you’ll have to decide whether the car is worth keeping, or whether it’s time to look for another vehicle. Read more to know when it's time to replace your care.
Should You Pay Cash for a Used Car
Date: April 28 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve done your research on the type of car you want and you are ready to approach the dealer. The question is, will you get a better deal if you pay all cash for a pre-owned car?
A buyer paying all cash may appeal to a seller, but cash may not always be king when it comes to buying a used car. Paying all cash for a car would save you money on interest charges and could save you time in a dealership, but it may not always guarantee that you’ll get a better deal.
Preparing Your Car to Sell to the Dealership
Date: April 20 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
So, you’re ready to say good-bye to your car. Maybe you want to replace it because it’s giving you more trouble than you want to deal with; or, maybe just want a change - something new or newer.
Of course, you’d like to get the most money out of your car. At Carousel Pre-Owned, we want to help our customers be informed, so here are a few things you can do to prepare your car so you get the most for trade-in.
What to Include in a Car Survival Kit
Date: April 13 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
At Carousel Preowned, we are proud to be a used car and automotive leader in our community. Our customers are very important to us and our customer care goes beyond purchasing a vehicle; we want you to be safe. We encourage everyone to carry a Survival Kit in their car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Read more to learn what you need in your Survival Kit.
15 Car Buying Questions You Should Ask
Date: Mar. 29 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
It’s a rare person who enjoys the car buying process. More often than not, we find ourselves wondering what questions we should ask when we’re at the dealership. And when we do purchase a new car, we wonder “Did I get a good deal?”
Getting a good deal is more than just price. At Carousel Preowned, we want to help our customers be informed; help them know what questions to ask. So, we’ve compiled a list of 15 car buying questions you should ask. Some of these questions may not be applicable to your situation and there may even be more that we forgot, but it’s a start and we hope it’s helpful.
Cost Considerations for Used Cars
Date: Mar. 22 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re considering purchasing a new or used car, but when it comes to the cost and your budget – what should you know about? For starters, used cars are the most affordable. The average new car can range anywhere from $20,000 to $55,000 according to Kelly Blue Book. While the average used car can range anywhere from a few thousand to the average $13,000.
Beyond the sticker price, it’s smart to get ahead of expenses like maintenance, repairs, parking, gas and more. To get a handle on your budget, determine ceilings for down payment costs, monthly payments, insurance in addition to miscellaneous expenses like parking and gas. Here’s what you need to remember when budgeting for your used car.
Date: Mar. 15 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
If you’re shopping for a used car, you’ll want to understand what types of used cars there are and what to look for before setting out on your search. Here’s a look at the types of used cars and what to consider.
What to Know if You're Selling Your Car to a Dealership
Date: Mar. 6 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re ready to sell your car. You have a few options, some easier than others. You can sell it on your own, privately. This will often get you the most money, however it requires a great deal of time and effort. You can use sites like Cars.com or AutoTrader, which also require time and effort. Or, you can sell your car to a dealership. Here’s what you need to know if you’re selling your car to a dealership.
How Much Mileage Is Good For A Used Car
Date: Feb.22 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
There are many reasons why buying a used car rather than a new car is a wise choice. But there are also factors that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a used car. Good mileage is one them. But how much mileage is good for a used car? Here’s what to know before purchasing a used car.
Date: Feb.1 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
If you're buying a used car for your teenager, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go to the dealership.
What You Need to Know When Test-Driving A Used Car
Date: Jan. 18, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Buying a car can be a big decision. Making the most of a test drive is a simple matter of common sense, careful observation, and knowing what to look for. Read on for how to prepare yourself for this all-important experience and what to keep track of when taking a car out for the first time.
Date: Jan. 18, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve decided to purchase a new car – fantastic! We invite you to look at our online selection of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles. We are confident that your dream car is here on our parking lot. As you’re looking for your vehicle, we’ve compiled a helpful checklist for you to reference to help ensure a fantastic customer experience.
Advantages of Buying a Used Car
Date: Jan. 11, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Used cars are a great option for all kinds of drivers. They offer benefits like having more options and lower prices, making them an excellent and affordable choice. If you’re considering buying a used car, read on to find out more about how Carousel Preowned can help.
Date: Dec. 29, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
When you decide to purchase a car, truck or SUV from a Carousel 2, you’ve made a good decision. Shopping at Carousel 2 ensures that you’ll obtain a high-quality automobile that has already met our high standards. Read about a few benefits you can experience when you shop with us in Iowa.
Date: Dec. 19, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
Buying your first car can seem a little daunting. There are many makes and models to choose from with a variety of features. It can be difficult to sort through the options and find the best car for you. Consider these ten tips before you buy a car.
Date: Nov. 13, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
If you are looking to buy a car for yourself or a family member, consider purchasing a used car instead of a new car. Carousel Preowned is a trusted used car dealer, and we believe that our high-quality used cars will fulfill your transportation needs.
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