Black Friday Car Shopping Tips and Advice
Can you get a good deal on a car on Black Friday? Depends on how you go about it.
Is Black Friday a good day to go car shopping? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
While dealerships roll out jaw-dropping deals and promotions, complete with advertisements in newspapers, television, and social media, braving the Black Friday madness at a dealership might not be the best strategy in 2024.
Dealerships attract buyers with big savings, trade-in offers, and limited-time discounts during Black Friday. However, these deals often involve high-pressure sales tactics, crowded showrooms, and the stress of quick decisions, making the experience less enjoyable and potentially more expensive.
Forget about all of the standard dealership gimmicks. In today’s digital age, you can find great car deals online without visiting a dealership amid the Black Friday craziness.
Many offer Black Friday promotions on their websites, letting you browse, compare, and buy from home. Online platforms provide detailed listings, virtual tours, and reviews, making finding the perfect car easier and less stressful. This convenient, transparent, and competitively priced method makes it a smart choice for Black Friday car shopping.
Table of Contents
- Is Black Friday a good day to go car shopping?
- November is not a good month for dealers
- Why do some cars have great incentives
- Always locate and read the fine print
- Brace for crowded dealerships
- Do your homework before Black Friday
- Arrange your financing beforehand
- Don’t expect to haggle too long
- Be prepared to score a great deal
- How to avoid impulse buying
- Other best times to buy a car
- Black Friday car shopping FAQs
- Be a smart Black Friday car shopper
Is Black Friday a Good Day to Go Car Shopping?
Why is Black Friday one of the best times to buy a car?
We’re a nation of bargain hunters, which is one of the many reasons Black Friday has become such a major event. Like traditional retail shopping, the retail car business follows this trend, making it a prime time for deals across the board.
- Black Friday led in U.S. in-store shopping for 2023, with 76.2 million shoppers—up 4.5% from 72.9 million in 2022.
- It was also the top day for online shopping, attracting 90.6 million U.S. consumers, a 3.9% increase from 87.2 million in 2022.
- In contrast, 59 million people shopped in stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, nearly 7% fewer than the 63.4 million last year.
- In 2023, a record-breaking 200.4 million consumers shopped during Cyber Week, edging past last year’s 196.7 million by 1.9%.
- Physical store visits reached 121.4 million, a slight 1% decline from 122.7 million in 2022.
- Online shopping rose to 134.2 million, a 3% increase from last year’s 130.2 million.
(Source: NRF’s Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Consumer Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics)
Black Friday Car Buying Tip: Looking for a fair price on a new or used car? Many buyers pay above retail in today’s market, but you can still snag a great deal. Just request a free car price quote to compare local dealer prices.
Remember, averages mean some people will have spent a lot more. Plenty of shoppers went car shopping on Black Friday, with some scoring great deals on cars or trucks at amazing prices. Others, though, may have ended up paying more than they planned.
Black Friday can be the perfect day to snag the car you’ve been eyeing. However, if you go in unprepared, you might regret your purchase by Cyber Monday.
Here’s some background on Black Friday car sales and tips to help you get the best deal.
November: Not a Good Month for Car Dealerships
The days are getting shorter, the weather is cooler, and people are thinking about turkey and the Holidays. They’re not thinking about buying a new car. That’s why November is usually a lean time for car salespeople and the dealers they work for.
When Thanksgiving grows near, people start thinking about looking for bargains on the more significant purchases they’ve been delaying for the past few months. The dealerships know that TVs, laptops, and cars are on that shopping list. That’s why they put out the balloons and banners. And spend thousands of advertising dollars buying spots on the Internet, newspaper, local radio, and TV channels: dealers are hungry and want your business.
The Auto Cheat Sheet will show you how to turn their lousy situation into your advantage with some Black Friday car shopping tips.
Understand Why Some Dealers Have Great Incentives
A Black Friday sales event is how retailers shift the inventory they’re struggling to move. Car dealers are no different. If you see a car advertised and discounted thousands off the list price, there’s a reason. Rebates and “incentives” are other words used, but they amount to the same thing: money off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
The number one reason for steeply discounting a car is that it’s last year’s model, costing the dealer every minute it doesn’t sell. The factories have been building the 2025 models since midsummer, making 2024 model-year cars hard to move. That’s especially true when a significant model changes, like a facelift, additional options, technology, or new engines. A substantial discount is the only way to persuade buyers to pick the old model over the latest one.
The other reason is that the dealer finds it hard to move a particular vehicle. Midsize sedans are a good example. Currently, SUVs sell fast, but few buyers lust after cars with trunks. As a result, you may see good deals on them (but not on SUVs.)
Car shopping tips you should know
- The cost of a new car from a dealer and the factory invoice price are different. The dealer’s cost is less than the invoice price.
- Knowing the dealer’s costs puts you on a level playing field when negotiating the best price with the dealer.
- Always negotiate up from the dealer’s cost, not from MSRP (or above) down.
- Take advantage of free, no-cost online services to check what vehicles are selling for locally.
- Please read my reviews on the best online car shopping sites: RydeShopper, Edmunds, MotorTrend, and CarsDirect.
Always Locate and Read the Fine Print on The Dealer’s Advertisement
The terrific deals you see advertised in the run-up to Black Friday most likely have some conditions attached. They might apply only to specific trims, engines, or vehicles on their lot. Sometimes, the deals are only for select groups – auto company employees or veterans perhaps – or related to specific financing terms like a minimum credit score.
The same applies to perks dealers advertise. They might offer a “free” iPad or TV with every truck, but make sure you know the qualifying criteria. You don’t want to demand an advertised deal or “freebie” only to be told you’re not eligible. That can lead to an uncomfortably red face, so read the ads carefully and always read the “fine print.”
Brace for Crowds of People at Dealerships
Recognize that every showroom will be full of people chasing a Black Friday bargain. Everyone – well, almost everyone – is off work, and they have plenty of time to accomplish their goal.
Plus, they’ve watched endless car commercials during the football games on television the day before and are in the mood to buy. In other words, don’t walk in expecting the salesman’s undivided attention or the opportunity to test drive a few vehicles.
They will be “weeding” through customers quickly to pre-qualify the ones who can actually buy a car.
Do Your Homework Before Black Friday!
Know what you want to buy and how much you will pay. We’ve covered this before, but it bears repeating: all the information you wish to know about every car and truck ever built is online. Let Google do the work for you. You can also email dealers and ask for internet quotes ahead of time. That way, you’ll know how unique the deal you’re offered is.
If you plan on test-driving a couple of candidate vehicles, you should try to do this about a week before Black Friday. Be careful; don’t get talked into buying while you’re there – stick to your plan. That way, you’re not wasting time waiting for the vehicle you want to become available. If Black Friday is your only free day, go prepared with license and insurance information in hand.
I have done a lot of the legwork for you by putting together the ultimate list of online car-buying tools to help you research and compare before ever visiting a dealership.
Another good tip is to check the inventory at the dealerships you plan to visit. Many have their inventory on their websites, so you can search for the exact combination of trim and color that will make your life complete again before you visit!
Dealerships will trade vehicles between themselves to get a buyer the model they want, but it takes a few days, and when they’re busy, they may not want to spend time doing this. Driving a few extra miles could be a better use of your time.
Recommended New Car Shopping Sites
Ryde Shopper has one of the largest dealer networks in the nation. Just choose the make and model you want, and they'll quickly find the best local clearance prices for you. To get the most discounts and savings, make sure to select several dealers to compare.
Edmunds is one of the internet's most seasoned and premier destinations for new car research and reviews. With their extensive network of dealers, you can browse, research, and juxtapose millions of new vehicles, ensuring you discover the precise car you aim to purchase.
MotorTrend remains an underrated gem online. While it's primarily recognized for its car magazine, its recommendation service comes at no cost and with no buying commitment. Simply choose your desired vehicle, opt for local dealers, and get access to discounted rates.
Cars Direct has been a leader in online vehicle research since 1998 and is equipped with the perfect tools to help you identify your next car, truck, or SUV. They ensure a smooth journey from customizing your preferred vehicle to finalizing the purchase, allowing you to find your next ride quickly and effortlessly.
Arrange Auto Financing Before You Go
Having your financing in place before Black Friday allows you to quickly compare interest rates offered by the dealer and fall back on your pre-arranged funding if needed. You can usually get pre-approved for an auto loan online, which speeds up the buying process and provides a clear budget. If leasing is your plan, it’s wise to research the deals available beforehand. Remember, some dealerships might offer financing with better terms than your bank.
It’s also a good idea to check your credit score before stepping onto the car lot, as your credit score impacts the terms that banks and lenders will extend to you.
November is a bit late to boost your credit score for Black Friday car shopping, although there’s never a wrong time to work on your credit.
Don’t Expect to Spend Hours Haggling Over Price
The dealership will be busy (See “Brace for Crowds” above), so they’ll quickly offer the best available deal.
If you’re ready to spend the whole day at the dealership negotiating, you might be in for a surprise. Dealers usually won’t spend hours haggling over a couple of hundred dollars on Black Friday. They’ll either make the deal with you or move on.
Dealers want to use their time wisely. Spending too long with one person could mean missing out on three or four other ready-to-buy customers, and they don’t want that. So, if the dealer reaches a price they’re not budging on, chances are that’s the best they can do.
Be Prepared if You Want to Score a Black Friday Car Bargain
Everyone loves a sale, and car dealerships are ready to jump into the Black Friday buzz. For days leading up to Thanksgiving, you’ll see local TV and radio ads to stir up excitement about the models they’re most eager to sell.
Here’s the trick to Black Friday car shopping: remember, if a model is already popular, don’t expect significant discounts. They might throw in a freebie like a tablet or TV, but ultimately, you’re still paying for it in the overall cost.
If you’re OK with last year’s model, Black Friday could be the perfect time to buy—it’s still new, without the latest styling or engine updates. This timing can be ideal if you keep your cars for years or don’t care about the latest car trends. Currently, SUVs are in high demand, so if you prefer a sedan, you might score a fantastic deal.
No matter when you shop, it pays to be a smart buyer. Learn the car-buying process before you start browsing the lots.
How to Avoid Impulse Buying on Black Friday
Black Friday’s buzz can make it easy to go overboard, especially when dealerships tempt you with “limited-time” offers or flashy add-ons. Here’s how to stick to your plan and avoid impulse buying:
1. Set a Clear Budget and Stick to It
- Determine your absolute maximum budget before you step onto the lot.
- Factor in all costs, including taxes, fees, and insurance, so you don’t underestimate your expenses.
2. Focus on Pre-Researched Models
- Narrow your options to a few models that meet your needs and fit within your budget.
- Avoid exploring models you haven’t researched; if you weren’t considering them before, they’re likely not the best fit.
3. Ignore Add-Ons and Extras
- Dealerships may push extras like extended warranties, special coatings, or premium sound systems.
- Politely decline or ask for time to consider. In advance, decide which add-ons are worth it and stick to those only.
4. Have a “Walk-Away” Mindset
- Remember, there’s always another deal. Don’t feel pressured to buy on the spot if something doesn’t feel right.
- Be prepared to walk away if the dealer isn’t meeting your budget or expectations.
5. Bring a Friend or Family Member
- Sometimes, a second opinion helps you stay grounded.
- Ask a friend or family member to come along to help you stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary purchases.
More Best Times To Buy a Car
Other times of the year that are a great time to buy a car include:
- Cyber Monday
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day (Weekend)
- Memorial Day (Weekend)
- Tax Season
Dealers tend to make big deals and hold huge sales events during these times.
Black Friday Car Shopping FAQs
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a car?
The short answer is, “Yes!” If you’re in the market to buy a car, Black Friday weekend is a great time to buy.
For most dealerships, November is a slow month for automobile sales. Instead of purchasing a car, many individuals travel and prepare for the forthcoming holidays.
Many dealers look forward to Black Friday weekend and are prepared to go to any length to liquidate inventory to increase sales.
Do dealers have Black Friday car deals?
Yes.
Dealers and manufacturers will run specials, rebates, and incentives to boost sales beginning Black Friday weekend. These deals are specifically geared toward increasing sales throughout the end of the year and also to move current year inventory.
When do Black Friday car sales start?
Dealerships begin their Black Friday sales on Friday, November 25th, and continue through Cyber Monday, November 28th, 2022.
Many dealers will honor advertised deals for the entire month of November if you inquire.
Are dealerships closed on Thanksgiving Weekend?
Traditionally, many vehicle dealerships close on Thanksgiving and reopen on Black Friday for massive deals. However, whether or not their dealership lot is physically open, most dealers will continue to push sales online.
How can I avoid impulse buying on Black Friday?
Stick to your budget, and focus on models you’ve already researched. Dealerships may push extras or upgrades, but having a clear plan will help you avoid overspending.
What kinds of discounts or incentives can I expect?
Black Friday discounts can include cash-back offers, lower financing rates, or bonus add-ons like free maintenance packages. However, incentives tend to be better on slower-selling models or last year’s inventory.
Be a Smart Black Friday Car Shopper
The number one tip for saving the most money when shopping for a new or used car is to always “DO YOUR CAR BUYING HOMEWORK FIRST!” For more hints and tips on navigating the new and used car buying process, spend a little time upfront before beginning your car shopping journey by browsing through my 100% free online car buying guide.
I recommend using an online referral service like Ryde Shopper before visiting a car dealership. Their free online price quotes will automatically include any current discounts or cash-back incentives.
Leading up to Black Friday weekend, learn how to find & research new cars online before ever stepping inside a dealership.
About the author
My name is Carlton Wolf, and I’ve been in the car business since 1994, both retail and wholesale. I created the Auto Cheat Sheet to better educate buyers about the deceptive sales practices many dealerships use nationwide. Please understand that not all car dealers are dishonest. However, you never know who you’ll be dealing with, though. I’m willing to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who listens. Keep in mind that I’m a car guy, not a writer.
