video: Dealer Beware, December is the Best Time to Buy A Car

Friday, December 19, 2014

Brad Boyer, GoLocalPDX Auto Expert

With little snow in the mountains right now, we at least can see a perfect storm in car buying deals through the end of the year. With high inventories, big incentives and a motivated dealer network, now is a great time for consumers to do some serious car shopping. Newly engineered models are coming out faster and faster these days so the need to turn the “last year’s model” is even greater. Plus, manufacturers and dealers need to hit some big sales numbers by the end of the year. All of this means a well-informed buyer can find the truck or SUV of his or her dreams, and at a better price than any other time of the year.

One tip is to shop just before Christmas. The dealerships are really slow and anyone coming in the door looking to buy pretty much gets what he or she wants. Another tip is to go in later at night. Statistically, the buyer gets a better deal closer to closing time. Also, be educated before you go into the dealerships on all the deals being offered by the manufacturers. As Lexus coined a few years back, they all want to make it a December to Remember. A couple of good sources for rebates, selling prices and lease deals can be found at Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book.

According to Nik Miiles, host of Test Miles Television and Radio, ” look at brands you may not usually consider. You might get one incredible year-end deal. If you are buying for your business don’t forget to think about tax benefits. Your tax consultant will be able to fill you in. But if you buy before December 31st remember that it counts as part of this year’s tax purchase.You should also consider leasing versus buying for your next vehicle. Leasing a vehicle can mean tax breaks every year you pay versus buying a vehicle which is often counted as one lump sum.”

He said that several manufacturers are offering 0% for up to 60 months, and Buick is offering that 0% finance with $3,000 allowance on the 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Buyers should be able to work out some aggressive terms at the end of the year and very likely should be able to get 0% financing to .09% financing and between three and $5,000 off the MSRP.

Brad Boyer is owner of Carcierge, a car concierge company providing expert assistance on anything car-related. He also co-hosts Test Miles on 101.1 FM KXL on Sundays, and is a founding member of the Northwest Auto Press Association. You can email him your car-related questions at [email protected].