When Is The Best Time To Buy A Pickup Truck?

Deciding which pickup truck to buy is an important decision that takes careful thought. There is no better feeling than sitting in your vehicle for the first time and taking it on the open road.

But when is the right time to invest in one? Whether you are on a budget or not, there are optimal times throughout the year when you can take advantage of the best deals.

In this article, we lay out the perfect times of the year to start the buying process. We also make you aware of the worst time of the year to buy a truck.

Luckily for you, there are more opportunities to get a good deal than a bad one, but you should always do careful research for a vital decision like this.

Most Ideal Times of the Year for Truck Buying

Below are some of the more advantageous times of the year to buy a truck. These time windows tend to be centered around gift-giving periods, which means more deals and incentives to buy.

Holiday Weekends

Three-day holiday weekends are perfect times to buy a new or used truck. A few examples include President’s Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

Many car dealerships historically ramp up their sales on these weekends because people are looking for reasons to get out and treat themselves or their families.

It is essential to note the seasonality of these sales weekends. They all spread out evenly across the year in the various seasons.

President’s Day is in the winter, Memorial Day takes place during the summer, and Labor Day falls toward the end of the summer season. During these times, many dealerships want to get the depreciating used trucks off their shelves and into the hands of eager buyers.

November’s Black Friday

Black Friday has become more and more popular over time. It became a special national holiday and starting to become a regular holiday for the entire world.

The automotive industry has capitalized on this holiday, creating many unique sales on both new and used trucks. Many sellers will have promotions for some of the more popular brands, such as a Chevrolet or Ford truck.

During this time of the year, newer models of trucks are usually rolled out by manufacturers. This timing creates the perfect storm for buyers because dealerships will be more likely to offer you valuable discounts on previous year models.

Some dealerships will want to launch a more significant promotion around a Black Friday sale, so you should be on the lookout for these.

Month of December

December tends to be the best time to buy a new truck. This month is home to our most giving holiday: Christmas.

Many dealerships will focus their promotions around the holiday season because people are looking to give gifts to others. Most of these purchases are for all types of cars, but trucks will be listed at a discounted price.

Salespeople are also incentivized to sell more trucks this month to meet their annual quotas. Because they need to hit a specific number, they are willing to bend to your financial needs so that they can make the sale.

As a person who is looking to buy a truck, you can use this late yearly timing as leverage to sweeten the deal and save the right amount of money.

The Best Days of the Week

Tuesdays or Wednesdays are usually the best time to buy a new truck. These days are the slowest days for a truck dealership specifically.

Monday might be slower, but the salespeople are busier on this day following up with weekend prospects. Most people are working a day job during the week and do not often stop to look for vehicles.

The Best Time of the Day

If you are looking to get very exact with buying a truck, then you should explore the moment right before closing time. When truck buyers are trying to bargain for a price, it could take a couple of hours to get down to the price you want.

If you go during the last moments of the day, you will be able to get in and out without having to spend time discussing pricing.

You also need to think about the state of mind of the salesperson. They work long days and talk to many people, so they are usually physically and mentally drained by this time.

They are more likely to be lenient and bend to your discount preferences because they are more tired and relaxed.

Worst Times of the Year for Truck Buying

It is suitable for you to know the optimal times for buying a truck, but it is equally important to know the times NOT to buy a truck. If you go at the wrong times, then you are more likely to get a bad deal than an average one or a discount.

Be aware of these unlucky times to buy a truck.

Spring Season

Spring is usually a time of year when consumers are out and about spending money. They are enjoying the beautiful weather with a lot of cash on hand.

This windfall usually comes from tax refund checks. Truck dealerships do not have to compete or advertise as much to gain new business.

More people are coming in and buying trucks, regardless of discounts. Therefore, you are less likely to receive one.

The Worst Day of the Week

Monday is typically the absolute worst day to buy a truck. Many dealerships have crazy weekends of customer traffic and meetings, so they utilize this day to follow up with their prospects and opportunities.

You may find that the dealerships are not as crowded on this day, but the salespeople’s minds are focused on their weekend follow-ups.

Reasons Why You Should Buy a Truck

Apart from the right timing and financial readiness, you may need to utilize the truck for a specific reason. It could also give you a positive feeling of owning one, which could increase your happiness in other areas of life.

Below are some of the top reasons why someone would want to buy a truck.

Versatility

Trucks are versatile because you can load the bed with a variety of raw materials like lumber and hay. You could also be transporting camping equipment, furniture, or appliances.

If you are making a move, doing homeowner projects, or starting a job that requires transport, it could be the right time to buy a truck. Not only can you carry these items, but the truck’s versatility can take you on rough terrain.

Safety

Trucks can also be a safe option for people who want to protect themselves. This benefit may not be a top priority for you, but it is certainly a bonus.

Various trucks help with stability control, optimal design for cab safety cage, safer seat belt systems, and side-impact protection. Truck manufacturers and companies are more innovative than ever at enhancing their various safety features.

Costs Associated from Gas Mileage Have Decreased

Nowadays, trucks are a lot more affordable from a gas mileage perspective. Manufacturers are producing more trucks that are lighter and more gas friendly.

But a lot of these companies are utilizing technology in the engines to make them more fuel-efficient, especially in rougher driving conditions. Features like “active fuel management” help deactivate your cylinders during the right times, wasting less fuel.

Towing Capabilities

If your family is growing and you tend to take more camping or road trips, you may want a tow vehicle. This benefit could be an excellent option for you because of the higher horsepower and towing capacity of a truck.

Some trucks can tow up to 12,000 pounds so that you can pull anything from a trailer to a boat!

Essential Things to Consider Before Buying a Truck

There is no doubt that a truck is a significant investment for you. It would help if you looked at the decision from all possible angles. Here are some of the most vital things to consider before you buy a new or used truck:

  • Usage – you should know what you will be utilizing the truck for. Depending on the size of things you might want to tow, you should match the size of the truck to what you are pulling along.
  • Engine and power size – smaller 4-cylinder engines will provide less power but reduce expenses on gas, but a larger V6 or V* will be useful for larger pulls like boats.
  • Gas mileage – you should consult with your sales representative to make sure you are getting a truck with gas mileage expenses that fit within your budget.

Conclusion

There are many considerations that go into purchasing a truck. But the more research and time you put into finding the right details at the optimal times, the more money you will save.

It feels great to drive your new truck, but it feels even better to know that you bought it at an excellent value!