If you're looking to save money on a car in Canada, timing is everything. Certain months, seasons, and events offer better deals due to dealership sales goals, inventory clearances, and manufacturer incentives. Here's a quick rundown of the best times to buy:
- October–December (Year-End Clearance): Deep discounts as dealerships clear out older models to meet annual sales targets.
- November (Peak Incentive Month): Black Friday and holiday promotions stack with clearance deals for maximum savings.
- September (New Model Changeover): Great balance of discounts and inventory as new models arrive.
- Holiday Sales (Black Friday, Boxing Day): Additional perks like rebates, low-interest financing, and accessory bonuses.
- January–February (Winter Slow Season): Slower sales mean more negotiating power, though inventory may be limited.
- July–August (Late Summer Discounts): Early discounts on current models with a good selection still available.
- End of Month/Quarter: Extra savings as dealerships push to meet quotas.
Timing your purchase during these periods can save you thousands, especially if you combine it with tools like Price Driven to access invoice pricing and hidden incentives. For the best deals, aim for quieter weekdays, end-of-month visits, and flexibility on features or colours.
Best Times to Buy a Car in Canada: Monthly Savings Guide
Best time of year to buy a car explainer video
1. Year-End Clearance (October–December)
The last few months of the year often bring some of the best deals for car buyers. Dealerships are eager to clear out the current model year's inventory to make room for next year's arrivals. On top of that, they’re pushing hard to hit their annual sales targets, which means steep discounts are common during this time.
Discount Potential
During this period, you can save thousands of dollars off the MSRP on previous model-year vehicles. These discounts can make a brand-new car as affordable as a lightly used one, especially when paired with attractive financing options.
To maximize savings, combine manufacturer cash rebates, low APR financing or lease offers, and dealer-specific discounts. Tools like Price Driven can help uncover hidden factory incentives and show you the dealer's actual cost. On average, customers using such services have saved over $700. However, these great deals often come with a trade-off: fewer choices when it comes to vehicle options.
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
The deeper the discounts, the thinner the inventory. In October, you'll typically find a decent selection of trims and colours, but as the months progress, popular configurations tend to sell out quickly. By the time December rolls around, the discounts may be at their peak, but you might have to settle for a less ideal colour, trim, or drivetrain.
If you want a good balance between selection and savings, consider shopping earlier in the clearance period, from October to early November. On the other hand, if you’re willing to be flexible with the details, waiting until late December can unlock the biggest price cuts.
Negotiation Leverage
Year-end sales targets, combined with slower foot traffic during the winter months, give you an edge in negotiations. This means you’ll have more room to negotiate not just on price but also on trade-ins and extras like winter tires or extended warranties.
In early October, when inventory is still plentiful and there’s less urgency to clear stock, sales staff may not be as flexible. But as the year draws to a close, dealerships are more motivated to make deals. Visiting on quieter weekdays, such as Mondays, can also work in your favour, as staff can dedicate more time to your needs. Don’t stop at the sticker price - ask for reductions on fees, accessory packages, or vehicles that have been sitting on the lot for a while.
2. November (Peak Incentive Month)
For price-conscious car buyers in Canada, November is the sweet spot. Elite Auto Centre sums it up perfectly:
"If your primary concern is price and you are looking for a new car, the best time span of the year is between September and December. And more precisely, the best moment is November".
This month combines year-end clearance drives, quarterly sales goals, and holiday promotions, making it a goldmine for discounts. Let’s break down why November is such a standout for savings.
Discount Potential
In November, you can often save between $1,500 and $4,000 or more off the MSRP on previous model-year vehicles. Manufacturers frequently stack cash rebates with low-interest financing options, giving buyers a chance to save more than they might during spring or summer sales. The best part? These discounts don’t come at the cost of choice - you’ll still find a decent range of trims and colours.
Incentives and Promotions
November is packed with events like Black Friday and early winter clearance sales, which bring extra perks. Think manufacturer cash rebates, 0% APR financing offers, promotional lease rates, and even dealership-specific bonuses like free winter tires or extended warranties. Dealerships, eager to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals, are often more open to negotiating during this time.
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
By November, dealerships are focused on clearing out older inventory, which often includes previous model-year vehicles in less popular colours or with fewer sought-after options. While the selection may not be as broad as it was earlier in the fall, buyers who are flexible with features can find excellent deals without sacrificing performance or key options.
Negotiation Leverage
November is crunch time for dealerships trying to meet multiple sales targets. With fewer customers walking through the door, sales staff have more time to focus on crafting a deal. Coming in with pre-approved financing and knowing the invoice pricing from Price Driven can give you a significant edge in negotiations. For even better results, visit near the end of the month when managers are eager to close their books and hit their targets.
3. New Model Changeover (September)
September is a great time for car buyers in Canada to explore new vehicle options. Dealerships are focused on clearing out last year's models to make space for the latest arrivals. According to Canada Drives, this period offers "the perfect balance of savings and selection". With competitive pricing and plenty of inventory, September aligns well with the needs of savvy shoppers. It’s a chance to snag outgoing models with attractive incentives while still having a good variety to choose from.
Discount Potential
During this time, manufacturers and dealers roll out enticing offers like cash rebates, low or 0% APR financing, and stackable discounts. These deals can add up to significant savings, especially on higher-priced vehicles like SUVs and trucks. For example, past deals have included incentives of around $4,000 on models such as the Nissan Rogue. These discounts make September a rewarding time to shop for a new car.
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
On top of the savings, September still offers a solid selection of vehicles. With many configurations, trims, and colours available, you’re less likely to have to settle for something that’s not quite what you wanted. This mix of selection and early discounts makes September a prime time for buying. However, waiting until later in the fall might bring even steeper discounts, but the trade-off is a reduced inventory, meaning fewer choices.
Negotiation Leverage
Dealerships are eager to move outgoing models before they lose more value, which gives buyers extra bargaining power. This urgency can translate into better deals on pricing, trade-in values, and added perks like winter tires or extended warranties.
4. Holiday Sales Events (Black Friday, Boxing Day, Winter Clearance)
Holiday sales events in Canada present excellent opportunities for buyers. Black Friday, Boxing Day, and winter clearance periods add extra layers of promotions to the usual year-end clearance deals. According to Canada Drives, Black Friday and Boxing Day are particularly important for shoppers during this time. These events often come with unique discount structures, giving buyers an edge when negotiating.
Discount Potential
During these sales, you can find perks like cash rebates, low or even 0% financing, and bonuses on accessories. Winter promotions often include winter-ready offers such as free or discounted winter tire packages, remote starters, or extended warranties. Some dealerships also provide deferred payment options, letting you delay your first payment by 60 to 90 days[2,5,6]. Boxing Week, which follows Christmas, is especially active as dealers push to clear out remaining current-year inventory before closing their books[2,6].
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
While inventory during holiday events might not be as robust as in early fall, there’s still a good selection of popular SUVs, sedans, and crossovers. Discounts are often available on less sought-after colours, specific option packages, or models due for a redesign - where manufacturers offer extra incentives to clear out old stock[2,6,7]. It’s also a great time to find deals on demo vehicles or leftover trucks and vans from earlier clearance events[2,6]. Being flexible on colour, trim, or options can help you secure even better discounts on what’s left in stock[2,6].
Incentives and Promotions
Canadian dealerships often combine manufacturer rebates, dealer discounts, and holiday-specific bonuses during these events[2,5,6,7]. For example, Black Friday cash offers, Boxing Day gift cards, or accessory giveaways can sometimes be stacked with existing manufacturer rebates, loyalty bonuses, or low-rate financing offers[2,5,7]. Confirming whether these promotions can be combined is key to maximizing your savings. Stacking multiple incentives can significantly improve your bargaining position.
Negotiation Leverage
Even with "event" pricing, there’s usually room to negotiate. Shopping at the tail end of these events - such as December 30–31 or the final days of Boxing Week - can often lead to better deals as sales staff aim to hit their quotas[2,5]. Visiting dealerships on quieter weekdays in late December or January can also work in your favour, as showrooms are less crowded[2,4,5]. Additionally, getting written quotes from several dealerships for the same model and trim can give you extra leverage to negotiate further. These holiday sales events are some of the best times of the year to strike a great deal[2,5,7].
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5. Winter Slow Season (January–February)
After the busy fall months, vehicle sales in Canada tend to slow down significantly during January and February. This quieter stretch often sees dealerships eager to move inventory left over from the holiday season, creating opportunities for buyers to negotiate better deals on both new and used vehicles. While the discounts might not match the steep cuts seen at year-end, this period still offers noticeable savings and increased bargaining power.
Discount Potential
Though smaller than the discounts offered during year-end sales, dealerships still provide early-year incentives to encourage purchases. These savings can include reduced prices, deals on accessories, or add-ons. For new cars, prices tend to dip slightly in February and March as compared to the higher demand during spring. On the other hand, the used car market often shines during this time. Some industry experts even refer to January and February as an "underrated bargain season" for used cars, with both dealers and private sellers showing more flexibility on pricing.
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
Inventory levels can be a mixed bag during the winter months. New car options may be somewhat limited due to prior clearance events, with popular trims and colours often sold out by this point. However, the used vehicle market typically offers more variety. Many new car buyers trade in their older models after making fall purchases, boosting the selection of used vehicles across different price ranges.
Winter can also be a strategic time to shop for certain types of vehicles. SUVs and trucks, for example, may sit on lots longer as some buyers delay these larger purchases until summer. This extended inventory time often prompts dealers to offer additional discounts. Similarly, sports cars and convertibles, which see less demand in the colder months, can be found at more appealing prices during this season.
Negotiation Leverage
Fewer customers in showrooms during winter means sales staff have more time to focus on individual buyers. This often results in greater willingness to negotiate on price, trade-in values, and extras. Dealers working to meet monthly or quarterly sales targets may be especially open to bargaining, particularly near the end of the month or just before a quarterly deadline.
To make the most of this, consider these strategies:
- Visit multiple dealerships to compare offers.
- Shop on slow weekdays, especially during bad weather.
- Focus on the total cost of the deal.
Targeting vehicles that have been on the lot for a long time - such as previous model years or less popular trims - can also give you an edge. These cars are often priced to sell, and their extended time in inventory can be a strong negotiation point. Coming prepared with competing quotes, thorough market research, and pre-approved financing will further boost your ability to secure a favourable deal. With reduced showroom traffic and motivated dealers, winter presents a practical opportunity to negotiate a better price.
6. Late Summer Discounts (July–August)
During July and August, dealerships focus on clearing out current model-year stock to make room for the new arrivals in September. This makes late summer an excellent time to shop for a vehicle, striking a balance between decent discounts and a wide selection. While the savings might not match the deep cuts seen later in the year, this period offers a practical trade-off - solid price reductions paired with a good variety of trims and colours. It’s the sweet spot between the bustling summer inventory and the heavier clearances of the fall.
Discount Potential
In these months, dealerships ramp up their efforts to move inventory by offering cash discounts, increased rebates, and competitive pricing. These savings can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars off the MSRP. You’ll often find larger dealer cash offers, better rebates, and more aggressive pricing as they aim to clear space and cut financing costs. While the absolute lowest prices are typically seen from September to December, late summer still provides valuable savings on select models.
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
One of the key advantages of shopping in late summer is the broader selection. Compared to the fall clearance period, when only less popular trims and colours may remain, this time of year still offers a wide variety of options. Families, in particular, may find great deals on SUVs, minivans, and sedans, as these models often see markdowns ahead of the arrival of new stock. While the most sought-after configurations might start to dwindle, late summer still delivers a better range of choices than the deeper clearance months.
Incentives and Promotions
Dealerships also roll out enticing promotions during this period. These include cash rebates, 0% or low-interest financing options, loyalty bonuses, and lease deals on current-year models. While the stacking of offers becomes more aggressive later in the year, these summer incentives still provide meaningful savings. Vehicles slated for redesigns or phase-outs, or those in segments with high inventory levels, often feature the most attractive deals.
Negotiation Leverage
With new models just around the corner, dealerships are highly motivated to sell off older stock. This creates opportunities for buyers to negotiate better deals. Focus on vehicles with higher inventory levels and inquire about incoming shipment dates to gauge urgency. Visiting the dealership on a weekday or at the end of the month can also work to your advantage, as sales teams are often more willing to negotiate during these times. Targeting vehicles that have been on the lot the longest - such as those with less popular trims, colours, or drivetrains - can give you additional leverage. Pair these timing strategies with pricing tools to strengthen your bargaining position.
7. End of Month and Quarter
Keep an eye on the calendar - dealerships across Canada often scramble to meet their monthly and quarterly sales quotas, which can lead to extra discounts. This pressure to hit targets can combine with other promotions, potentially saving you hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars, depending on the vehicle and local competition.
Discount Potential
Shopping at the end of the month or quarter can mean an additional 1–3% off the MSRP, on top of any advertised incentives. For vehicles that aren't selling quickly or for outgoing model years, the urgency to clear inventory can push savings even higher. Between September and December, these combined discounts often translate to thousands of dollars in savings compared to buying earlier in the month.
Vehicle Selection and Inventory
By the end of a sales period, dealerships may have sold many of the most popular trims, colours, and configurations. This can limit your choices, especially for high-demand SUVs and trucks. But if you're open to less popular colours or option packages, you might find great deals on vehicles dealers are eager to sell. Seasonal trends also play a role: late summer and fall often coincide with new-model arrivals, allowing you to choose between discounted outgoing models and fresh inventory. On the other hand, shopping late in the month during winter might mean fewer options but deeper price cuts.
Incentives and Promotions
National incentives like cash rebates, low-interest financing, and lease specials are common, but end-of-period discounts can add even more value. These extras might include additional dealer cash, higher trade-in values, waived fees (like documentation or tire-storage fees), or even free accessories like winter tires. If the end of the month or quarter coincides with major sales events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, or year-end clearance (October–December), you could stack multiple savings opportunities for maximum discounts.
Negotiation Leverage
To get the best deal, visit the dealership during the last 2–3 days of the month, ideally on a weekday when it's less busy. Gather written quotes from multiple dealers earlier in the month and bring them with you as leverage. Let the salesperson know you're ready to buy on the spot if the price is right. Being prepared with market data - such as invoice pricing, current national incentives, and typical discounts - can give you an edge. Flexibility on colour or options can also work in your favour, especially if you're targeting vehicles that have been on the lot longer or are from the previous model year.
How Pricing Tools Help You Save More
Understanding the right time to buy is just part of the equation - knowing what constitutes a fair price is equally important. Platforms like Price Driven give Canadian shoppers an edge by providing access to invoice pricing, which reveals a dealer's actual cost, including hidden incentives and factory discounts. With this detailed information, you can negotiate confidently, without second-guessing whether a "deal" is truly worthwhile.
Price Driven also works with partner dealerships to secure pre-negotiated deals below the MSRP, often saving buyers between $1,500 and $4,000. By simply using the platform’s referral process, you can access these fixed, discounted prices. Many users report significant savings, highlighting the benefits of using transparent, pre-negotiated pricing. For instance, in April 2025, 28 out of 32 buyers expressed satisfaction with their final price.
Using pricing tools alongside strategic timing can amplify your savings. For example, combining invoice data with the end-of-month pressure dealerships face can unlock additional perks like free winter tyres or better trade-in deals. By obtaining the invoice price and incentives for your chosen model and visiting the dealership between October and December, you can take advantage of both the pre-negotiated price and the dealership’s efforts to meet quotas. This might also lead to extras like discounted extended warranties or a higher trade-in valuation. Lucas H from London, Ontario, shared his experience:
"The transparent pricing gave me confidence, and the pre-negotiated deal saved me hundreds"
on his 2025 Kia Seltos. This method complements other strategies for timing your purchase, ensuring every negotiation is informed by clear, data-backed insights.
For Canadians, these tools are tailored to reflect the local market. They factor in CAD pricing, federal and provincial taxes, and regional incentives, which can vary by province or postal code. Whether you’re eyeing an EV with provincial rebates or a truck with manufacturer loyalty bonuses, a Canada-specific platform will display totals in $XX,XXX.XX CAD and detail local incentives. This ensures you don’t underestimate "out-the-door" costs and can accurately compare offers across regions. By pairing these pricing tools with the optimal buying times mentioned earlier, you can make the most of your car-buying experience in Canada.
Conclusion
Timing matters when it comes to buying a car, and knowing when to shop can lead to some serious savings. The period from September through December often stands out as the sweet spot. September strikes a great balance between selection and discounts, while October to December is when dealerships ramp up incentives to meet year-end quotas. If you’re open to some flexibility with colour or trim, late summer (July–August) and the winter lull (January–February) are also worth considering.
To make the most of these timing strategies, pairing them with transparent pricing tools is a smart move. Platforms like Price Driven give you access to the dealer’s actual costs, hidden incentives, and factory discounts. This information empowers you to negotiate confidently - or even skip the hassle with pre-negotiated deals. In April 2025, 28 out of 32 buyers reported being satisfied with the price they paid.
For maximum savings, consider shopping during optimal times like September through December, or take advantage of additional leverage by buying at the end of a month, quarter, or on quieter weekdays. Whether you’re focused on getting the best price or having more options to choose from, these strategies can make a noticeable difference.
With the right timing and tools, you’ll be well-positioned to land a fair, data-driven deal.
FAQs
Why is the end of the month or quarter a good time to buy a car?
Timing your car purchase for the end of the month or quarter can work to your advantage. Why? Dealerships are often under pressure to hit sales targets during these periods, which means they’re more likely to offer lower prices, better negotiation opportunities, and even special discounts to close deals.
This push to meet quotas might also bring extra perks or incentives into play, giving you the chance to snag a deal that’s easier on your wallet. If you’re in the market for a car, planning your purchase around these key times could lead to noticeable savings.
What’s the best way to save money when buying a car during year-end clearance sales?
To make the most of year-end clearance sales, focus on negotiating with confidence, leveraging dealership incentives, and being open to models that dealerships are keen to move off the lot. Timing plays a huge role - late December is when dealers often roll out their steepest discounts to hit annual sales goals.
Want to cut through the hassle? Tools like transparent pricing reports or pre-negotiated deals can streamline the process, helping you secure the best price with less effort.
What should I keep in mind when shopping during holiday car sales in Canada?
When you're browsing holiday car sales in Canada, timing is everything. Big shopping events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, and end-of-year clearance sales are prime times when dealerships are eager to clear out inventory. This often translates into some of the best discounts you'll find all year.
Take the time to compare offers across dealerships. Prices, incentives, and promotions can differ widely, so it’s worth doing your homework. Think about what you need in a vehicle - whether it’s specific features, size, or style - and make sure the deal matches your priorities. Using tools that show invoice pricing or offer pre-negotiated deals can make the process smoother and help you save both time and money.
