When seeking out a pre-owned automobile, many consumers are drawn to prominent sales events like Black Friday. However, contrary to popular belief, a comprehensive study involving more than 40 million used car transactions from 2024 and 2025 indicates that this highly anticipated shopping day is far from the best time to secure a favorable deal. The research highlights a fluctuating market where opportunities for significant savings on used vehicles are more prevalent during specific holidays and colder periods of the year.
The study pinpoints Martin Luther King Jr. Day as the prime occasion for purchasing a used car, presenting an impressive 65.5 percent likelihood of buyers achieving substantial discounts, defined as savings exceeding $2,689 on an average price of $26,889. Following closely are New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, with a 58.6 percent chance of securing a good deal, and the entire month of January at 55.6 percent. Even Christmas Eve surpasses Black Friday in terms of potential savings, ranking seventh on the list of advantageous buying times. This trend suggests that the colder months generally offer better prospects for used car buyers, with market prices typically declining between November and March and reaching their lowest point from late December through February.
Conversely, the analysis reveals that spring and summer months, including the Fourth of July, June, Father's Day, Memorial Day, and Mother's Day, are among the least opportune times to purchase a used car. These periods consistently show fewer deals compared to the year-end and early-year holidays. Therefore, for those planning to invest in a used vehicle, strategic timing around these identified holidays could lead to considerably greater financial benefits.
Understanding the cyclical nature of the used car market and identifying peak buying periods empowers consumers to make informed decisions, transforming what might otherwise be a regular purchase into a rewarding and cost-effective endeavor. This insight encourages a proactive approach to shopping, ensuring that buyers can maximize their savings and drive away with a greater sense of value and satisfaction.
