The average price of a new car today is around $50,080, making it challenging for many shoppers to justify the cost. For those looking to save money, used cars offer a more affordable option with an average cost of $26,889 according to iSeeCars data.
When buying a used car, timing can be everything. Certain days of the year stand out as prime opportunities for finding great deals. Based on a study analyzing 40 million vehicle transactions from October 2024 to October 2025, iSeeCars identified several peak times for scoring discounts.
Winter holidays are particularly good for car shopping, according to industry expert Karl Brauer of iSeeCars. He notes that finding great deals on used cars is easier in colder months when fewer people are out buying vehicles.
The likelihood of securing a deal with at least a 10% discount on any given day is around 13.7%. However, certain days offer significantly higher chances: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day ranks highest, offering a 65.5% chance of finding a good deal, followed closely by New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day with a 58.6% probability.
Other notable times for scoring discounts include Presidents’ Day (47%), and Veterans Day (23%). These days are great opportunities to negotiate with dealerships and possibly find that perfect used car at a price you can’t refuse.
It’s important to remember, though, that these deals don’t come around every day. If you miss out on one of the high-probability dates, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find good deals elsewhere. Keep an eye out for local events and dealer promotions as well!
