Memorial Day Weekend Car Buying Tips and Advice

Is Memorial Day Weekend a Good Time to Buy a New Car?

Couple buying a new car during a Memorial Day Weekend Sale at a car dealership.

Memorial Day Weekend is often considered one of the best times to buy a car during the year. Car dealerships typically offer significant discounts and incentives during this holiday weekend, making it an ideal time for consumers to find a great deal on a new or used vehicle.

However, as with any significant purchase, it’s essential to research beforehand and be prepared to negotiate to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of buying a new car on Memorial Day Weekend and provide tips to help you make the most of this popular car-buying holiday.

One of the reasons that Memorial Day Weekend is a popular time to purchase a car is because it falls towards the end of the spring season.

Many dealerships are looking to clear out their inventory of older models to accommodate the new models arriving soon. More deals and promotions are often available to entice buyers to purchase a vehicle.

Insider Car Buying Tip: It’s challenging to find a new car, truck, or SUV at a reasonable price nowadays. Automobile buyers frequently pay more than the suggested retail price. You can still get a great deal by comparing prices using an online shopping service.

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Is Memorial Day Weekend a Good Time to Go Car Shopping?

Another factor that makes Memorial Day Weekend an attractive time to buy a car is that it falls during a time of year when many people are planning road trips and vacations.

As a result, dealerships often offer promotions geared toward those looking to purchase a car for a summer road trip or adventure. This could include discounts on specific makes and models or unique financing options available only during Memorial Day Weekend.

Of course, like any major purchase, it’s essential to do your research and be prepared to negotiate when buying a car during Memorial Day Weekend. While there may be more deals and promotions available, ensuring you’re getting the best possible deal on the vehicle you’re interested in is still essential.

This means researching the make and model you’re interested in, comparing prices between dealerships, and being willing to negotiate with the salesperson.

Use Free Online New Car Quote Services to Your Advantage

Getting several free quotes from car-buying services online a few days (minimum of 4 days) before Memorial Day Weekend is an effective way to save time, money, and hassle when purchasing a new car.

These online services can provide an easy and convenient way to compare prices from multiple dealerships, allowing you to make a more informed decision about which dealership to work with.

Use an online car to compare new car prices during Memorial Day Weekend.

Benefits of using an online quote service:

Getting multiple quotes from car-buying services online can save you time and money
It can give you a better understanding of the fair market price for the car you’re interested in purchasing
By having a baseline price to work from, you’ll be able to recognize whether a dealership is offering a fair price or trying to overcharge you.
Car-buying services can do the legwork for you by contacting multiple dealerships on your behalf and gathering quotes.
This can help you avoid dealing with multiple salespeople and negotiating offers.
Car buying services often have experienced professionals who can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have
Working with a car-buying service can give you more confidence and make you feel more informed about your purchase.

In conclusion, getting multiple quotes from car-buying services online before contacting a dealership can be an intelligent move when buying a car.

It can help you save time, money, and hassle and better understand the market price for the vehicle you’re interested in purchasing. So, explore your options and use the resources available when purchasing your next car.

Understand Why Dealers Have Memorial Day Sales

Dealerships tend to offer enticing Memorial Day incentives and rebates to attract more buyers during the holiday weekend. The start of the summer season often sees increased demand for cars, as many people are planning summer road trips and vacations. To take advantage of this increased demand, dealerships offer promotions to stand out from their competitors and attract more buyers.

In addition, car manufacturers often offer bonuses to dealerships that meet specific sales goals or quotas, which may coincide with the Memorial Day weekend. To meet these sales goals, dealerships will offer incentives and rebates to buyers in addition to the bonuses they receive from the manufacturer.

Another reason why dealerships offer Memorial Day incentives is to honor the military personnel who have served and sacrificed for their country. Many car manufacturers and dealerships offer special discounts and incentives for active military members, veterans, and their families during this time.

Finally, the Memorial Day weekend is typically a busy period for dealerships, and they often see an increase in traffic during this time. To take advantage of this surge in potential buyers, dealerships offer aggressive promotions and incentives to attract customers and stand out.

By understanding these reasons, buyers can take advantage of the promotions and incentives available during Memorial Day weekend and get the best possible deal on their car purchases.

Prepare and Do Your Research Before Memorial Day Weekend

The excitement of holiday promotions can often lead to impulsive decisions, which may not be in your best interest in the long run. By researching beforehand, you can avoid car dealer scams and comparison shopping and have negotiating power to make the most informed decision possible.

This way, doing your homework can help you save time and money and prevent buyer’s remorse.

It’s essential to do your homework before Memorial Day weekend car shopping for several reasons:

Avoiding Impulsive Purchases: The excitement of Memorial Day promotions and incentives can pressure buyers to purchase impulsively. Doing your homework beforehand, including researching different models, their features, and prices, can help you avoid making a hasty decision.
Comparison Shopping: By doing your homework, you can compare dealerships, promotions, and incentives to find the best deal for your needs and budget. You can also compare other models and features to find the car that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Negotiating Power: When you do your homework, you better understand the market value of the car you’re interested in. This knowledge can give you more negotiating power at the dealership and help you get the best possible deal.
Avoiding Scams: Unfortunately, some car dealerships may use deceptive advertising or sales tactics to lure buyers in with Memorial Day promotions. By doing your homework and understanding the terms and conditions of the advertisements, you can avoid scams and fraudulent deals.
Saving Time and Stress: Doing homework before Memorial Day weekend car shopping can save you time and stress. You’ll be prepared with the needed information and can focus on finding the right car at the right price without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Doing your homework before Memorial Day weekend and car shopping is essential for avoiding impulsive purchases, comparison shopping, negotiating power, avoiding scams, and saving time and stress.

By taking the time to research and prepare, you can make an informed purchase decision and get the best possible deal on your car purchase.

Step-by-step walkthrough on how to buy a new car and get the best deal.

Always Read the Fine Print on Dealer Advertising

When looking at car dealer Memorial Day ads, it’s essential always to read the fine print. Here’s why:

Exclusions and Limitations: Memorial Day ads may have exclusions and limitations that may not be immediately apparent from the main promotional messaging. For example, an ad may promote a low financing rate, but the fine print may reveal that the rate only applies to specific models or terms.
Time-Limited Promotions: Memorial Day ads may have time-limited promotions that expire after a specific date or time. The fine print will typically include this information, which is essential before making a purchase decision.
Hidden Fees and Costs: Car dealerships may include additional fees or costs not mentioned in the main promotional messaging. The fine print will typically include all relevant fees and expenses, including taxes, documentation, and registration fees.
Terms and Conditions: The fine print may include essential terms and conditions that buyers must know before making a purchase decision. This may include information about warranties, return policies, and other important details.
Verification of Information: By reading the fine print, buyers can verify the information provided in the ad and ensure they understand the promotion terms.

Reading the fine print is essential when looking at car dealer Memorial Day ads to avoid surprises and make informed purchase decisions.

Pay attention to exclusions, limitations, time-limited promotions, hidden fees and costs, and terms and conditions. Always verify the information provided in the ad. By doing so, buyers can ensure they are not misled by tricky dealership advertising and get the best possible deal on their car purchases.

Brace for Crowed Dealerships

There are several reasons why dealerships tend to be crowded on Memorial Day Weekend:

Start of Summer Season: Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial start of the summer season. Many people want to buy a car for summer road trips or vacations. As a result, dealerships see increased foot traffic during this time.
Extended Weekend: Memorial Day is a federal holiday, and many people have an extended weekend, providing them more time to visit dealerships and shop for a car.
Sales and Promotions: As mentioned earlier, dealerships often offer special sales and promotions during Memorial Day weekend to attract more buyers. These incentives can include cash-back offers, low financing rates, and other discounts that appeal to buyers.
Time to Research: For many people, Memorial Day weekend provides an opportunity to research and make a purchase decision. People may have time off work or school, giving them more time to explore cars and visit dealerships.
Competitive Market: The car industry is highly competitive, and dealerships constantly try to attract buyers with the best deals and incentives. Memorial Day weekend is a prime time for dealerships to stand out and offer better promotions and discounts.

In summary, Memorial Day weekend is a busy time for dealerships due to the start of the summer season, the extended weekend, special promotions, more time for research, and the competitive market. These factors combine to create a bustling and crowded atmosphere at dealerships during this time.

Will You Be Trading in a Vehicle?

Trading in your current vehicle can be a great way to reduce the overall cost of your purchase. Memorial Day weekend is a prevalent time for car shopping, and many dealerships offer special promotions and incentives for those looking to trade in their car. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning to sell your car on Memorial Day weekend:

Research Your Car’s Value: Before heading to the dealership, research the value of your current car. You can use online resources such as our trade-in estimator, powered by Edmunds, to see what your vehicle is worth. Knowing the value of your car can help you negotiate a fair trade-in price with the dealership.
Clean and Prepare Your Car: Ensure it is clean and presentable before being taken to the dealership. Remove any personal items and give the vehicle a thorough cleaning. This will help make a good impression and could potentially increase the value of your trade-in.
Negotiate the Trade-In Price: Once you’re at the dealership, be prepared to negotiate your car’s trade-in price. Don’t be afraid to ask for a higher value or walk away if unsatisfied with the offer. Remember, the dealership wants to make a profit, but you also want to get a fair deal for your trade-in.
Consider Other Options: If the dealership isn’t offering a fair trade-in value for your car, consider selling it privately or using a car-buying service. You may get a better price this way, even if it takes more effort.

In summary, trading in your car on Memorial Day weekend can significantly reduce the overall cost of your new car purchase. Research the value of your car, clean and prepare it, be ready to negotiate the trade-in price, and consider other options if necessary. With some preparation, you can save money on your new car purchase.

Don’t Forget About Auto Financing

Arranging auto financing before you go Memorial Day car shopping is a smart move for several reasons:

Know Your Budget: By securing financing ahead of time, you’ll know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a car. This can help you stay within your budget and avoid overspending.
Better Negotiating Power: Pre-approved financing can give you better negotiating power at the dealership. You’ll be able to focus on the price of the car rather than getting bogged down in financing details.
Time-Saving: By arranging to finance beforehand, you can save time at the dealership. You won’t have to spend hours filling out paperwork, waiting for credit checks, or negotiating financing terms.
Avoiding Dealer Financing Pitfalls: Dealer financing may sound like a good deal, but it can come with hidden fees and high-interest rates. By securing funding beforehand, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure you get the best financing terms for your needs and budget.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your financing is already taken care of can give you peace of mind when shopping for a car. You can focus on finding the right vehicle without worrying about funding or unexpected expenses.

Arranging auto financing before Memorial Day car shopping can help you know your budget, have better negotiating power, save time, avoid dealer financing pitfalls, and give you peace of mind. By securing financing ahead of time, you’ll be able to focus on finding the perfect car at the best possible price.

Don’t Expect to Haggle for Hours on End

During Memorial Day weekend, car shopping promotions can offer great incentives and discounts; it’s essential to understand that these deals may not always be negotiable. Here are a few reasons why you may not be able to haggle over price during Memorial Day weekend car shopping:

High Demand: Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for car shopping, and dealerships may be busier than usual. This means they may not have as much incentive to negotiate on price since many other potential buyers are likely interested in the same deals.
Limited Inventory: Dealerships may have limited inventory during Memorial Day weekend, as they may have already sold many of their cars earlier in the year. This means there may be less room for negotiation on the still available vehicles.
Fixed Promotions: Many promotions and incentives offered during Memorial Day weekend are pre-determined by the manufacturer or dealership and are non-negotiable. Dealerships may not be able to provide additional discounts or promotions beyond what is already advertised.
Transparency: With increased regulation and competition, dealerships are becoming more transparent with their pricing. This means they may not have as much room to negotiate on price as they did in the past.
Online Pricing: With the ability to compare prices online, dealerships may be less willing to negotiate on price since buyers can easily see if they are offering a fair price.

While there may be some opportunities for negotiation during Memorial Day weekend car shopping, it’s essential to understand that the promotions and incentives offered may be fixed and non-negotiable.

By doing your homework beforehand and understanding the market value of the car you’re interested in, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal, even if you can’t haggle over the price.

Be Ready to Buy a New Vehicle

Everyone likes a good deal, and car dealerships have jumped on the Memorial Day Weekend buying frenzy.

They’ll be airing local TV and radio commercials for days before Thanksgiving to generate interest in the models they want to sell. And that is the secret to effective Memorial Day Weekend vehicle shopping: if a model is selling well, there won’t be much in the way of further incentives. You could get a free tablet or TV as a bonus, but you’ll still have to pay for it.

If you don’t mind driving last year’s model, it will still be new, but not with the most up-to-date style or engine. Memorial Day Weekend might be an excellent opportunity to purchase a vehicle.

This is especially true if you maintain your autos for an extended period. The same is true if you are not a fan of automobile fashion. Everyone wants an SUV right now, but if you prefer the sedan experience, you may be in line for a fantastic offer.

It also helps to be a wise shopper, regardless of the season. Before you hit the road, be sure you understand the car-buying procedure.

More Best Times To Buy a Car

Other times of the year that are a great time to buy a car include:

Black Friday (Weekend)
Cyber Monday
Fourth of July
Labor Day (Weekend)
Tax Season

Dealers tend to make big deals and hold huge sales events during these times.

Be a Smart Memorial Day Weekend Car Shopper

“DO YOUR CAR BUYING HOMEWORK FIRST” is the number one recommendation for saving the most money when searching for a new or used automobile. Spend a little time upfront before commencing your vehicle hunting trip by using my step-by-step new car buying cheat sheet to guide you through buying a new car.

Before visiting a vehicle dealership, I recommend using an internet reference service such as Ryde Shopper, Edmunds, Motor Trend, or Cars Direct. Their free online pricing quotations automatically incorporate current market discounts or cash-back offers.

Learn to identify and study new automobiles online before Memorial Day Weekend before even stepping inside a dealership.

Memorial Day Weekend Car Shopping FAQs

Is Memorial Day Weekend a Good Time to Buy a car?

Memorial Day weekend is the second-best time of the year to purchase a vehicle. Memorial Day marks the customary beginning of summer.

One of the leading causes is that car dealerships need to make room in their inventory for the models that will be released in the fall.

What holiday is the best time to buy a new car?

Though the dealership will likely be busy, dealers frequently have some of their best sales around holidays. Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, and Presidents Day weekends in February will likely have heavily promoted deals. Memorial Day is one of the best times to buy among these.

Will car prices continue to rise in 2024?

However, there is good news coming in 2024. According to J.P. Morgan, prices for both new and used cars are expected to drop as supply chain problems fade away, and inflation is expected to continue to decline.

How do I get the best deal on Memorial Day Weekend?

Requesting car prices from multiple car dealerships at once is the best way to negotiate a price. Then ask the higher-priced dealers beat your best price.

About the author
My name is Carlton Wolf, and I’ve been in the car business since 1994, both retail and wholesale. I created the Auto Cheat Sheet to better educate buyers about the deceptive sales practices used by many dealerships throughout the country. Please understand that not all car dealers are dishonest. However, you never know who you’ll be dealing with, though. I’m willing to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who listens. Keep in mind that I’m a car guy, not a writer.