Blog

Timing can make a difference when purchasing a vehicle, especially for buyers with credit challenges. At Car N’ Credit, we’re committed to helping our customers find not just the right vehicle, but also the right moment to make their purchase. Understanding how seasonal trends affect the car market could potentially help you secure better terms, even with less-than-perfect credit.

Monthly Cycles: End-of-Month Opportunities

Dealerships and sales professionals often work toward monthly sales targets. This can create opportunities for buyers as the month comes to a close:

• Sales teams may be more motivated to close deals to meet quotas
• Managers might have more flexibility on deal structures
• Approval odds could improve as lenders work to meet their monthly loan origination goals

While this won’t guarantee approval with credit challenges, shopping during the last week of the month might provide slight advantages in negotiations.

Quarterly Patterns: End-of-Quarter Motivation

Similar to monthly cycles but often more pronounced, the end of each business quarter (typically March, June, September, and December) can be advantageous:

• Dealerships push to meet quarterly performance goals
• Manufacturers may offer additional dealer incentives
• Financial institutions might have quarterly lending targets to achieve

These factors can sometimes translate to more flexible financing options for customers with credit challenges.

Annual Cycles: Model Year Transitions

When new model years arrive (typically late summer through fall), dealers become more motivated to move the previous year’s inventory:

• Previous model year vehicles may be offered with better terms
• Dealers need to clear inventory space for new arrivals
• Special financing programs might become available

For buyers with credit challenges, focusing on the previous model year can sometimes result in more favorable consideration from lenders.

Seasonal Trends Worth Noting

Winter (December-February)

• Generally lower demand, especially in cold-weather regions
• Holiday promotions (particularly December)
• Tax season starts in late January, bringing more buyers to the market

Spring (March-May)

• Tax refund season brings increased competition from other buyers
• Weather improves, bringing more shoppers to lots
• New features and models often introduced

Summer (June-August)

• Model year transitions begin
• Increased inventory selection
• More people shopping during good weather

Fall (September-November)

• Model year clearance events
• Decreased shopping activity after summer
• Year-end sales beginning in late November

Beyond Timing: Other Factors That Can Help

While timing is important, other factors can have an even greater impact on your car buying success with credit challenges:

• Having a stable down payment ready (saving a few extra months can make a difference)
• Demonstrating income stability
• Working with specialists who understand credit challenges (like our team at Car N’ Credit)
• Being realistic about vehicle choices based on your current situation

How Car N’ Credit Approaches Seasonal Changes

At Car N’ Credit, we monitor market trends and maintain relationships with multiple lenders year-round. This allows us to:

• Identify opportune moments for customers with credit challenges
• Provide guidance on timing based on your specific situation
• Maintain consistent approval options regardless of season

We believe everyone deserves reliable transportation, regardless of credit history or the time of year. Our expertise in helping customers with credit challenges means we work to find solutions in any season.

Planning Your Purchase

If you have flexibility in your purchase timeline, consider:

• Starting your research 1-2 months before your target purchase date
• Monitoring for special promotions or sales events
• Pre-applying for financing to understand your options before shopping

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about car buying trends and is not intended as financial advice. Market conditions vary by region and change over time. Individual financing outcomes depend on many factors beyond timing, including credit history, income, down payment, and lender criteria.

Visit Car N’ Credit today to discuss your specific situation with our experienced team. We’re dedicated to helping you find reliable transportation with financing solutions tailored to your needs, regardless of the season or your credit history.