When Is the Best Month to Buy a Honda Car?

December—especially the final week of the year and the last two to three days of the month—historically delivers the strongest deals on new Honda vehicles, driven by “Happy Honda Days” promotions and dealers’ push to meet annual targets. That said, late summer into early fall can be nearly as good for outgoing model-year closeouts, and holiday sales weekends throughout the year sometimes match or beat typical incentives depending on inventory and financing programs.

Why December Stands Out for Honda Buyers

Several market and dealership dynamics converge in December to make it the most favorable month for negotiating the price of a new Honda. These include manufacturer-backed promotions, model-year transitions, and end-of-year sales goals.

• Year-end quotas and bonuses: Dealers often have annual targets tied to bonuses, making them more flexible on pricing to secure final sales.
• “Happy Honda Days” incentives: Honda’s recurring holiday campaign typically brings special APRs, lease offers, and cash incentives on popular models.
• Model-year overlap: With many new model-year Hondas already on lots by fall, December can feature aggressive pricing on remaining outgoing inventory.
• Competitive pressure: Shoppers comparing year-end deals across brands can spur dealers to sharpen their pencils to win business.
• Tax-year considerations: Some buyers aim to purchase before December 31 for personal or business reasons, boosting dealer motivation to close deals.

Together, these factors often create the deepest discounts and the broadest set of incentives, particularly during the last week of December.

Other Strong Windows Throughout the Year

While December is reliably strong, other periods can be excellent depending on model cycles, local supply, and Honda’s regional offers. Buyers with flexible timing can capitalize on these windows.

Seasonal and Holiday Events

Automakers and dealers typically concentrate promotions around major retail moments and model changeovers. For Honda, a few periods consistently merit attention.

• Late summer to early fall (August–October): New model arrivals spur clearance pricing on prior model years, especially if inventory is ample.
• Honda Summer Sales Event (typically July–August): Can yield competitive lease and APR offers, particularly on high-volume models.
• Holiday weekends: Presidents’ Day (February), Memorial Day (May), Fourth of July, Labor Day (September), and Black Friday (November) often feature short-term promotions.
• Back-to-school period (late summer): Family-oriented models like the Pilot and Odyssey may see targeted deals.

These dates don’t always beat December but can offer comparable value—especially if you’re targeting a specific trim that may be gone by year-end.

Inventory and Rate Dynamics in 2025

Honda’s U.S. inventory recovered markedly through 2024 and into 2025 compared with pandemic-era shortages, leading to more consistent incentives than in 2021–2022. Financing rates remain higher than pre-2020 norms, but promotional APRs and lease offers appear periodically on select models. The best month for you may be the one when a desired trim is in stock locally and a favorable national or regional program is active.

Timing Within a Month and Week

Beyond choosing a month, smaller timing tactics can add leverage when you’re ready to buy.

• End of the month: Sales teams working to hit monthly goals may be more flexible on price and extras.
• End of the quarter: March, June, September, and December combine monthly and quarterly targets, sometimes sweetening deals.
• Early-week visits: Monday–Wednesday foot traffic tends to be lighter, which can mean more time and attention from sales staff.

Stacking the end of month with a strong seasonal window—like late December or late September—often produces the best combination of price and selection.

How to Maximize Savings When You Shop

Preparation and competitive quoting typically matter as much as timing. These steps can help you secure the best out-the-door price on a Honda.

1. Know your target: Decide on the exact model, trim, and must-have options; check invoice pricing and current incentives.
2. Monitor official offers: Track Honda’s national and regional promotions and subscribe to local dealers’ emails for short-term specials.
3. Request out-the-door quotes: Solicit itemized OTD prices from multiple dealers within a reasonable radius to compare taxes, fees, and add-ons.
4. Time your visit: Test drive early in the week; negotiate near the end of the month or during a major sales event when possible.
5. Be flexible on colors/options: Accepting in-stock configurations can unlock larger discounts or faster delivery.
6. Evaluate financing holistically: Compare credit union/bank pre-approvals to dealer financing and weigh any subvented APRs against cash rebates.
7. Consider CPO: Certified Pre-Owned Hondas can offer strong value if new-vehicle incentives are light on the model you want.

Combining smart timing with transparent, competitive quotes is the most reliable way to reduce your total cost.

Special Cases by Model

Demand and incentives vary by model and powertrain, which can shift the “best” timing for your specific Honda.

• Civic and Accord: High-demand trims may carry firmer pricing; look to year-end or model-change periods for the best leverage.
• CR-V and HR-V: Inventory swings can be pronounced; strong deals often surface during year-end and when fresh shipments arrive.
• Pilot and Odyssey: Family-focused promos tend to appear in late summer and during holiday events; year-end is usually strongest.
• Hybrids: Rapid turnover can limit discounts; watch for low-APR financing during national campaigns rather than large cash rebates.

Checking local stock and historical pricing trends for your target model can clarify whether to prioritize year-end, a holiday sale, or a model-year transition.

Summary

December is generally the best month to buy a Honda, with the final week of the year offering the strongest mix of incentives and dealer flexibility. Late summer to early fall is a close second for outgoing model-year closeouts, and major holiday weekends can deliver competitive offers. For the best result, align your purchase with a strong sales window, shop multiple out-the-door quotes, and capitalize on any model-specific promotions available in your region.

Which month has the lowest car price?

FAQs. Is December a good time to buy a car? Yes. According to Edmunds transaction data, December has traditionally had the highest discounts from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for both new and used cars.

What is the cheapest month to buy a car?

The cheapest month to buy a car is typically December. Dealerships are trying to meet year-end sales quotas and are more motivated to offer deals and incentives to customers. Additionally, the end of the year often sees the arrival of new model year vehicles, leading to discounts on outgoing models. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• End of the year: December is the most aggressive month for discounts as dealerships aim to clear inventory and meet both monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales targets. 
• End of the month: Salespeople are often more motivated to meet monthly quotas, so deals can be found at the end of any month, but especially in December. 
• End of the quarter: The end of each quarter (March, June, September, December) can also offer good deals, as salespeople are motivated to meet quarterly quotas and earn bonuses. 
• End of model year: When new model year vehicles arrive, dealerships often offer incentives to sell off the remaining older models, making September, October, and November good months to look for deals. 

Other good times to buy:

• Holidays: Holidays like Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve often feature attractive deals. 
• May: Some dealerships start their summer buying season in May, offering promotions and discounts. 
• January: Due to slower sales, dealerships may offer deals to move inventory. 
• February: Presidents’ Day events can also bring good deals. 

When buying a new car, what month has the highest discount?

December
December: December is arguably the best month to buy a car. Dealerships are trying to hit their year-end sales quotas, and salespeople are often more motivated to offer better deals to meet these targets. The closer you get to the end of the month, the better the deals tend to be.

What is the best month to buy a Honda?

The best months to buy a Honda are typically from October through December, as dealerships offer discounts and incentives to clear out the current year’s models and meet year-end sales quotas. Another strategic time is in early January, when the previous year’s models have officially depreciated and dealers are looking to clear inventory before the next new models arrive. 
Why Late Year is a Good Time:

• Manufacturer and Dealer Incentives: . Opens in new tabTo make room for the next model year’s vehicles, manufacturers and dealerships offer special promotions, cash-back offers, and low-interest financing options during this period. 
• Meeting Sales Goals: . Opens in new tabSalespeople have quotas to meet by the end of the year, making them more willing to negotiate prices to close deals. 
• Increased Trade-In Values: . Opens in new tabDemand for used cars often increases during the holiday season, making it a good time to trade in your old vehicle. 

Why Early January Can Be Good: 

• “New” Year Models: . Opens in new tabWhen the calendar flips to January, the previous year’s models (e.g., a 2024 Honda) become one year old.
• Still Clearing Inventory: . Opens in new tabDealerships are still motivated to sell the remaining previous-year inventory, and these models will be at a significant discount.

Other Factors to Consider:

• Monthly Deals: Dealerships sometimes offer monthly deals on the first of the month, so check their websites for promotions. 
• Specific Events: Look out for manufacturer-specific events, such as the Honda Summer Event, which offer sales throughout the year. 
• Flexibility: If you’re not in a rush, you can wait for the best deals to appear.