Used Cars: What Is the Best Time of Year to Shop?

the best time of year to purchase a used car or truck

Wondering if it’s better to purchase a pre-owned car at one time of year or another? While the answer to this question is surely yes, it depends on your requirements. Do you require the most savings? Perhaps the best value? Or maybe the biggest selection? Or looking for the most for your trade-in car or truck? Various times of the week, month, or year can often create various reasons. To help you to best understand the options, we’re going to dig deeper into the top times to buy used cars below.


Best to Buy Before You Have To

Choose a new-to-you used car or truck before you seriously need one. While this answer isn’t exactly time-specific, it’s always better to have more time to make this type of decision instead of rushing to purchase a replacement. It’s always good to begin discovering all the options to make a knowledgeable decision instead of a hurried one. Additionally, it benefits you to make a decision before your car breaks down, because it’ll receive a better offer for a trade-in because it’s not needing any repairs.


In The Final Quarter of the Calendar Year

Why buy a used car in the last months of the calendar year? This time of the calendar year is suggested because of the amount of holiday sales commonly on hand. Furthermore, let’s make no mistake that there is a need to make space for their upcoming models.


At the Beginning of the Week

Why would you want to buy a used car or truck at the front end of the week? Well, when dealerships aren’t too busy, it is typically easier for shoppers to get the car they’re looking for. As compared to Fridays and Saturdays, Mondays are typically the least full by far. This circumstance usually means greater time and attention from the sales and financing staff.


Holiday Sales

Holiday and seasonal sales events are on average a perfect opportunity to buy a car or truck. While these national sales events provide great offers on new models, many dealerships also advertise local incentives, promotions, or offers on their used inventory, as well. Typically, New Year’s ranks among the best recurring sales for drivers searching for some significant offers. During the middle of the year, drivers should expect to see even more savings for July 4th and Memorial Day. Additionally, there are a number of seasonal sales starting in October with Labor Day and ending in December with End of Year sales events to bring the calendar to an end.


Towards the End of the Month

What’s the advantage of buying pre-owned cars and trucks at the last week of the month? Honestly, because most dealerships operate on a monthly schedule, it is sometimes probable that they may be obligated to clear a certain amount of current vehicles in order to make space for incoming inventory. This may increase your ability of obtaining the right vehicle at the right price.


Volkswagen online car buying San Diego  CA


It’s Always a Great Day to Buy at Kearny Mesa Volkswagen

Kearny Mesa Volkswagen invites you to buy a used or certified pre-owned car or SUV in San Diego, CA. No matter what day of the week, month, or year, our local Volkswagen dealership offers a great selection of used vehicles to help you find the one that’s right for you. View all of our San Diego area used cars for sale online or in-person. Buy online with delivery or schedule a test drive today at Kearny Mesa Volkswagen.


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DealerRater Mar 27, 2026

100% recommended, service very professional, very satisfied. Glen Foster The service advisor is very professional, Recommend 100 % , he is friendly and work with you all the time help you all the time . Thank you

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DealerRater Mar 19, 2026

Glen Foster is probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I normally only go to one specific VW dealership, but needed something done immediately, so I chose Kearny Mesa. Needless to say, I will be coming back because I felt so welcomed and was treated incredibly well. Glen specifically was extremely personable, and never failed to keep a smile on his face. Literally, give this man a raise.

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DealerRater Jan 23, 2026

Second Time visiting volkswagen Kearny Mesa , 💯 % satisfied , Perfect Service , Great attitude from the workers. Thank you, Glen Foster for all your help. Thank you

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DealerRater Aug 22, 2025

I purchased a VW ID.4 from Kearny Mesa Volkswagen and was disappointed to find out that it has two active safety recalls. It's now been over five months since I was placed on the waiting list for a loaner vehicle so the necessary recall service can be performed. Each time I reach out, I’m given a different excuse for the delay. It’s frustrating and makes it feel like my safety concerns are being brushed aside. From my experience, it seems like they prioritize certain customers over others — there appears to be clear favoritism in how loaners and ... Read More

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DealerRater Jan 9, 2025

Outstanding Sales Experience with Rod Joyner We recently purchased an ID.4 from Kearny Mesa Volkswagen and wanted to express our sincere appreciation for our sales representative, Rod Joyner. Rod was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire process. When he didn't have an immediate answer, he diligently researched the information and promptly got back to us. We were particularly impressed by Rod's commitment. He even went above and beyond by responding to our inquiries on his day off! Rod was articulate, concise, and extremely polite throughout our interactions. His professionalism ... Read More

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8040 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA, 92111
Kearny Mesa Volkswagen 32.8228011, -117.1495453.