Are end-of-year automotive offers truly an excellent time to purchase?

We spoke with Dan Park, CEO of Clutch, which not too long ago launched its annual used automotive pricing report. We wished to seek out out what modified with automotive costs this yr and what consumers ought to concentrate on when making an attempt to get an end-of-year deal. Principally, are you getting an excellent deal or are the gross sales a little bit of slick advertising?

The state of used automotive costs in 2025

Like most issues, the worth of used automobiles went up in 2025, with the typical price of a used car going for $33,718—4.6% greater than the earlier yr. However there’s a bit extra to the worth than what you see on the sticker. 

Because the Clutch report exhibits, many particular person fashions truly declined in worth, however different components pushed the general used automotive common up. These components embrace a transfer to larger automobiles, extra higher-end trims, and electrical automobiles, all of which might make it more durable to detect true reductions.

For those who’ve been holding out until the tip of the yr for an excellent deal, bear in mind that costs have been dipping month by month because the yr involves an in depth. As Park notes, “Step one [to finding a deal] is evaluating the worth to related automobiles with the identical yr, make, mannequin, mileage, and situation—not simply whether or not it’s been discounted.”

Associated: Must you purchase a brand new or used automotive?

What to think about earlier than heading to a dealership

It’s simple to really feel overwhelmed by choices while you set foot on the lot, so scale back the stress that comes with these selections by doing a little analysis. First off, develop a practical finances and establish fashions at that worth level. It additionally helps to study what mileage is affordable based mostly on a automotive’s age.

Some dealerships make key info like pricing context, car historical past, and inspection particulars very clear to consumers, which Park says, “…permits patrons to give attention to whether or not the automotive itself meets their wants moderately than uncovering particulars later.”

As you’re narrowing down choices, don’t overlook hidden car prices that may differ considerably. We’re speaking insurance coverage premiums, gasoline consumption, upkeep wants, and doable repairs for the automotive you’re enthusiastic about.

Additionally, it’s simple to neglect that securing financing earlier than deciding on a automotive could make the entire course of simpler. For those who store round for an auto mortgage and get pre-approval, you’ll be much less targeted on month-to-month funds and might as a substitute store for a automotive with excessive general worth.

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Enhance your credit score rating
Among the best issues you are able to do to make sure you stroll away with the very best deal on a automotive is to have a stellar credit score rating. In case your rating might use some work, give attention to paying down debt and making on-time funds within the months earlier than you buy a car. This fashion, you’ll get the very best rate of interest when financing a car.

Cash-saving methods for purchasing a automotive

We’ve already highlighted some easy steps you’ll be able to take to economize earlier than you head to a dealership, however when you’re there, preserve these methods in thoughts:

• Be versatile. Park says, “Being open to completely different physique kinds, reminiscent of sedans as a substitute of SUVs or vehicles, or to variations in trim degree, color, or non-compulsory options [which] can decrease prices with out compromising reliability or efficiency.”
• Broaden your search past the place you reside. Costs for automobiles can differ extensively and stock ranges throughout dealerships can even fluctuate. You would possibly snag a terrific deal on a automotive in a neighboring metropolis that you just’d miss out in the event you have been solely trying domestically.
• Analysis frequent issues or points. Earlier than you decide to a automotive, learn up on frequent complaints or restore points that the mannequin is perhaps recognized for. In some circumstances, these may be minor, but when homeowners be aware costly repairs as soon as the automotive hits a particular mileage, it may be more cost effective to decide on a unique automotive.
• Go for a used automotive that comes with a guaranty. You’re extra more likely to get a genuinely helpful guarantee from an automaker, moderately than a third-party. So, in the event you’re contemplating a used car that also has a number of the producer’s guarantee, it would prevent cash down the street.
• Learn contracts rigorously. You don’t wish to pay for add-ons you didn’t notice you have been getting, so take as a lot time as it’s essential learn the buying settlement earlier than signing. If there are issues within the contract you don’t need, don’t hesitate to talk up.

Must you look ahead to 2026 or purchase an end-of-year mannequin?

We posed this query to Park, who mentioned, “Ready doesn’t essentially result in higher outcomes.” In any case, automotive costs have much less to do with the calendar and extra to do with provide shifts. So, as dealerships attempt to clear house for brand new fashions, you’re more likely to catch an excellent deal.

In the end, in the event you’re out there for a car, the very best time to purchase is while you see a worth enchancment for the kind of automotive you wish to purchase. “If it matches your wants and finances, it’s usually higher to behave with confidence than to attend for an ideal second.” 

About Jessica Gibson

Jessica Gibson is a private finance author with over a decade of expertise in on-line publishing. She enjoys serving to readers make knowledgeable choices about bank cards, insurance coverage, and debt administration.