Timing a car purchase strategically can save you $1,000–$5,000. Here's what actually moves prices in the Australian market.
End of Financial Year (April–June)
The EOFY period is the most celebrated car buying window — and for good reason. Dealerships push hard to hit annual targets. Stock that hasn't moved faces pressure to be discounted. New model arrivals give dealers extra motivation to clear the outgoing stock.
This is particularly powerful for new cars. For used cars, the effect is real but less dramatic.
End of Month
Sales targets are typically monthly. The last 3–4 days of any month, salespeople are under pressure. A deal that didn't make sense on the 15th might make sense on the 28th.
Calendar Year End (December)
New year models arrive in January, making December a strong window for the outgoing model year. Dealerships want to close their books cleanly. The Christmas period also brings genuine slow traffic — hungry salespeople and low competition from other buyers.
When to Avoid Buying
Tax time arrivals (July–August) often see demand spike as business buyers use their new-year tax budgets. Periods of high new car supply shortages (like during the 2021–2023 chip shortage) see dealers remove discounts entirely.
The Best Day of the Week
Monday or Tuesday, mid-morning. Lowest foot traffic, highest availability of finance managers and fleet staff, and salespeople who haven't closed a deal in days.
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