A new study reveals that Black Friday is among the worst times to buy a used car. Contrary to popular belief, waiting for major sales events like Thanksgiving or Black Friday won’t necessarily get you the lowest price. In fact, these days rank ninth out of ten for finding deals on used vehicles.
Why Winter Months Offer Better Prices
The iSeeCars report, based on analysis of over 40 million used car sales from 2024-2025, demonstrates a clear trend: used car prices generally drop as temperatures do. According to Karl Brauer, an executive analyst at iSeeCars, prices fall between November and March, hitting their lowest point between December 31st and February 28th.
This seasonal pattern is likely tied to several factors. Demand for cars tends to be lower in colder months, as people drive less and dealerships have fewer buyers to target. Additionally, end-of-year sales goals may push dealers to offer deeper discounts.
The Best Times to Buy
If you’re looking for the highest chance of securing a deal, Martin Luther King Jr. Day stands out as the optimal time, with a 65.5% chance of finding a savings of at least $2,689 off the average used car price. New Year’s Eve/Day (58.6%) and the entire month of January (55.6%) also offer substantial savings opportunities.
Here’s a breakdown of the best days and months to shop:
- MLK Day – 65.6%
- New Year’s Eve/Day – 58.6%
- January – 55.6%
- President’s Day – 47.0%
- February – 36.2%
- Veterans Day – 23.1%
- Christmas Eve – 15.2%
- December – 15.2%
- Thanksgiving/Black Friday – 9.5%
- Halloween – 6.8%
Avoid Spring and Summer
Conversely, spring and summer months are the worst times to buy, with June and the Fourth of July offering the fewest deals. Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and Mother’s Day also fall into this category.
The data clearly shows that timing matters. If you’re patient, waiting until winter can save you thousands on your next used car purchase.
In conclusion, skip the Black Friday rush and plan your purchase for the colder months to maximize your chances of getting the best possible deal.
