7 Times of Year You Should Never Buy a Used Car (And 6 When You Should)

They say timing is everything, and that's doubly true when it comes to saving on car costs. The price you pay for a used car can fluctuate depending on the time of year, market conditions, and other factors. But if you can perfect the timing, you can score a great deal.

Here are eight times of the year when you should avoid buying a new car and seven times to seal the deal.

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When tax refunds start hitting bank accounts, many people have the same idea: use that extra cash for a down payment on a car.

This surge in demand gives dealers less incentive to offer discounts. With more buyers on car lots, you'll have less negotiating power and may end up paying more.

The warmer weather of late spring brings out more car shoppers, continuing the high-demand period that started during tax season.

In fact, June can be one of the worst months for used car deals since dealerships have more than enough foot traffic.

While holiday weekends are often associated with sales events, summer holidays are typically not the best for used car bargains.

The Fourth of July, in particular, is a time when demand remains high, and dealerships often focus their major promotions on new vehicles, leaving used car buyers with less room to negotiate.

Sunny Saturday and Sunday afternoons tend to be the busiest times for most car dealerships, as people are off work and the weather is conducive to shopping.

With a sales lot full of customers, salespeople have less time to dedicate to you and will be less motivated to negotiate on price.

When production or supply chain issues delay a new car model's arrival at dealerships, there's a ripple effect on the used car market. Fewer new cars being sold means fewer trade-ins, resulting in a tight supply of quality used vehicles.

Consequently, you can expect to pay higher prices for that smaller stock of used cars.

When confidence in the economy is low, people tend to hold onto their money and refrain from making major purchases, including new cars. However, many look to the used car market for more affordable alternatives.

The increased demand for used vehicles can lead to surprisingly high prices.

Although it can happen at any point in the year, the worst time to buy a used car is when you're in a rush. If your current vehicle is no longer running, you're more likely to make a hasty purchasing decision.

Don't agree to a deal out of desperation. If possible, start shopping for a new car before your old one gives up for good.

In December, dealerships scramble to hit their end-of-year sales quotas. They're also looking to clear out inventory to make room for the influx of trade-ins from new car buyers. Throw in some winter storms, and fewer people are out shopping for cars.

This combination of factors can lead to significant savings as salespeople slash prices in an effort to move cars.

After the holiday rush, the cold weather often keeps car shoppers at home. This slowdown in demand can make dealers anxious for a sale.

You'll find more room for negotiation and a higher likelihood of scoring a great deal in these colder months.

Holidays outside the summer season can actually be an excellent time to buy a used car. Black Friday, in particular, has become a significant sales event for dealerships.

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, you can often find special promotions and discounts on used vehicles as dealers try to capture some of the holiday shopping frenzy.

As new model-year vehicles hit showroom floors, dealers accept more trade-ins. This influx of used cars can lead to a surplus of inventory. By waiting until this time, you have more options to choose from and gain negotiating power.

Just as at the end of the year, the end of a month or a quarter is a time when salespeople are working hard to meet their target sales goals.

If they're just a few car sales short of a bonus, they may be more inclined to give you a favorable deal.

At dealerships across the country, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are routinely ranked as some of the best days for car deals. They represent the absolute end of the sales year, and the motivation to move cars off the lot is at its peak.

If you don't mind car shopping in a traditionally cold season, you could be rewarded with a fantastic deal.

Americans buy approximately 52 million new and used cars each year, or about one million per week. How many of those sales see buyers paying too much? It's hard to say, but the best defense against overpaying for a used car is patience.

By waiting to make your purchase during periods of lower demand, you can keep more money in your bank account. Do your research, know the market, and make sure to go used car shopping at the right time.