What Time of Year to Sell Your Car: A Seasonal Guide
6 min read • Oct 30, 2024
Timing can play a big role in how much you get when selling your car. Seasonal demand fluctuations mean that some times of year see more interest from buyers and dealers than others. Understanding these patterns can help you maximize your car’s value. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best and worst times to sell your car, tips for each season, and how Quotor can help you find the best offers, no matter the season.
If you want to get quotes from all the top car selling companies, use our free no-email service.
The Best Times of Year to Sell Your Car
1. Spring (March - May)
Spring is one of the best times to sell a car, as buyers are often looking for a fresh start and may have additional funds after tax returns. Additionally, warmer weather and longer days make it easier for buyers to view and test-drive cars. Family cars, sedans, and mid-size SUVs tend to perform particularly well during this time.
- Pros: Higher demand, ideal weather conditions, increased buyer interest.
- Cons: Increased competition as many sellers recognize spring as a good time to sell.
2. Summer (June - August)
Summer can be a hit-or-miss season for car sales. Convertibles and sports cars, for example, tend to do well due to their seasonal appeal. However, general demand may be lower as families go on vacation and focus on summer activities. If you’re selling a niche or seasonal vehicle, like a convertible or luxury car, summer can still be ideal.
- Pros: High demand for seasonal cars, opportunity for higher prices on convertibles.
- Cons: Potentially lower overall demand, especially for family cars and SUVs.
3. End of Year (November - December)
As the year closes, car sales often dip, but there are also motivated buyers who want to secure a car before year-end. Additionally, some buyers may take advantage of end-of-year bonuses or tax benefits related to vehicle purchases. If you’re selling a luxury car, late fall can be surprisingly beneficial.
- Pros: Buyers with end-of-year budgets, increased interest in luxury vehicles.
- Cons: Generally lower buyer activity as people focus on holiday expenses.
The Worst Time to Sell Your Car
1. January - Early February
Right after the holiday season, many potential buyers are focusing on recovering from holiday expenses and managing new-year budgets. As a result, January and early February can be challenging for sellers. While some buyers are looking, demand is typically low, and prices may reflect this lack of competition.
- Cons: Lower demand, reduced buyer budget post-holidays.
- Best Move: If possible, wait until spring to list your car, when demand tends to pick up again.
Other Factors That Impact the Best Time to Sell
In addition to seasonal factors, there are other key considerations when timing your car sale:
- Market Trends: New car models are often released in the fall, which can lead to increased interest in used cars.
- Vehicle Condition: Cars in excellent condition generally sell well any time of year. If you’ve recently completed a major repair or maintenance, it’s worth listing your car promptly.
- Mileage: If you’re approaching a major mileage milestone (like 100,000 miles), selling your car before crossing it can often get you a higher price.
How Quotor Can Help You Get the Best Price, No Matter the Season
While timing is essential, our instant, no-email quote service makes it easier to get the best price year-round. Here’s how Quotor stands out:
- Instant Quotes from Multiple Dealers: See quotes from trusted dealers in seconds.
- No-Email Requirement: Get quotes without the hassle of unwanted follow-ups.
- Seasonal Market Insight: Quotor uses real-time market data, so your quotes reflect seasonal trends and demand.
Conclusion
While spring and early summer generally offer the best market conditions for selling a car, you can find competitive offers year-round by using the right tools. With Quotor’s no-email quote service, you can quickly compare dealer offers anytime, helping you decide whether to list your car now or wait for peak demand.
Ready to see what your car’s worth? Try Quotor today and get quotes from multiple dealers.