5 tips for buying a car during the holidays

It’s officially the holiday season! There’s so many shopping events and deals going on, it’s enough to make your head spin. This is also the time of year when car shopping absolutely booms. Dealerships are dropping prices left and right to move out inventory and make way for next year’s floor models.

If you’re willing to brave the craziness, this is an excellent time of year to shop for a new car. This week, we are bringing you six tips to help you in your car buying process this holiday season.

1. Do your research.

Any preparation you can do before you step into the dealership will give you an advantage. Research the available cars and pick out a few specific ones you want to look at. You can use our AutoLink service to find new and used cars in your area, or you can go to a specific dealership’s website to see what they have on the lot.

2. Don’t feel pressured.

Dealerships are trying to clear out their lots to make space for next year’s models. This works in your favor because they will be slashing prices left and right to try and get the cars off of the floor. This also means the cars will be selling a lot faster and the dealerships will try and use that to their advantage. Don’t let the car dealers pressure you into buying a car using the argument that it might not be there by the time you make your decision. It is better to miss out on a car you’re not sure about than end up stuck with a car you don’t love because you were pushed into a premature decision.

3. Try to go during the week.

Car dealerships are absolute madhouses on the weekends during the months of November and December. Although it isn’t always feasible, do your best to go shopping during the weekdays. The crowds won’t be nearly as large, and you won’t be so rushed as you look at the cars.

4. Go in the morning.

The early bird gets the worm! Go to the dealership as soon as it opens and you’ll be sure to beat the crowds. As the day wears on – and especially towards the evening – customers fill up the dealership. If you visit in the morning, dealerships will be able to give you their full attention rather than multitasking with all of the other visitors.

5. Finance your new car with POECU.

Finally, save money on your auto loan by financing your new or used car with us. As a credit union, we will work with you to create an auto loan that best suits your needs, no pushy salespeople or predatory fine print.