Truck buying timing?

[Skelshy]

We're going to buy a new tow vehicle sometime between November and March. That's between camping seasons for us. We're not particular to any brand. Would buy used up to three years old. Off-lease F150 and people jumping to the new model in fall would be an option, or hoping for good rebates from the other brands if the new Fords are good.

Do we know when rebates and/or prices are best? Towards end of the year?

Thanks
Martin

[wintersun]

When the new model year trucks start to arrive on dealers' lots is a good time to buy the "old" ones. There is also the factor that dealers get rebates or discounts from the factory for the number of units sold during the sales period so at the end of the year they want desperately to make the next bracket as it applies not just to what you buy but to all prior sales during that period.

Best strategy that has worked very well for me over the years is to go at the end of the model year, scan for trucks that have been sitting for several months on a lot or moved around by dealers in swaps, go during the few days of the month, talk only to a non-commission manager (fleet manager, sale manager, internet sales rep), and keep the deal clean with no dealer/factory financing and no trade-in.

I paid less for my 2011 GM diesel truck than my neighbor did for his special order gas engine equipped 2012 GM truck.

People tend to pay way too much for new trucks and SUV's and so ones coming off lease or on the used market are seldom a good value and the work trucks are to be avoided. With a private party you get to see their maintenance records and confirm the work done and get a sense of any problems. With a dealer you haven't a clue with a used vehicle.

If you need to get a loan it is best to shop around and arrange one before you go shopping. My bank was able to put together one for me in advance up to the amount I planned to spend and would be able to provide me with a check for the exact amount needed within a day as the loan was pre approved.

With zero percent financing you are leaving money on the table as this is an alternative to a straight discount on the purchase price which also affects the sales tax to be paid.

[Community Alumni]

The best time is probably starting now. Typically around end of summer/labor day manufacturers and dealers are trying to clear inventory. August-October are the normally the months when dealers start taking delivery for the next model year. The "Half Off MSRP" sales, although rare these days, normally show up around this time. If you watch the TV you'll notice an explosion of local dealer and manufacturer commercials at this time of year. You could always wait until next year. Find a dealer that's fully loaded with '15's, but has a few 14's lingering. They're motivated to get those off their lot.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:

gkainz wrote:
On the other hand, I've purchased off-lease vehicles and have been very happy with them, and I've returned leased vehicles that I cared for and serviced as if they were my own. So, caveat emptor and YMMV.

You and I are not the norm my friend, I know a guy that never changes the oil until the end of his lease. He told me that the last truck the oil was not on the dip stick and what came out was jet black. I just shook my head. He looked at me and said "it ain't mine". So unless I was the person that leased it there is no way I would buy one. My DD just leased a 2014 Dodge Dart that she will buy at the end of three years if it's a good car, if not back it goes.

Glad it worked out for you though.

Don

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

gkainz wrote:
On the other hand, I've purchased off-lease vehicles and have been very happy with them, and I've returned leased vehicles that I cared for and serviced as if they were my own. So, caveat emptor and YMMV.

You and I are not the norm my friend, I know a guy that never changes the oil until the end of his lease. He told me that the last truck the oil was not on the dip stick and what came out was jet black. I just shook my head. He looked at me and said "it ain't mine". So unless I was the person that leased it there is no way I would buy one.

Glad it worked out for you though.

Don

[gkainz]

On the other hand, I've purchased off-lease vehicles and have been very happy with them, and I've returned leased vehicles that I cared for and serviced as if they were my own. So, caveat emptor and YMMV.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Never ever buy an off lease or rental vehicle! I know way to many people that beat their lease vehicles and never maintain them at all! Rental vehicles are very well maintained but again get beat on from day one until they are sold.

If you are going to buy used buy from the original owner not a dealership. Ford has closed their F-150 plants to change over to the new alum. truck and will be down for three months+. I would bet the leftover trucks will be picked over and the only thing you will find are trucks not set up for towing unless you look right now.

Don

[Skelshy]

APT wrote:
Again, IMHO it is more important to get the truck you want than saving 2-5% of money.

I highly recommend 2012 F-150 for the 36 gal fuel tank. Also, 2014+ GMs for the 300 pounds higher payload and more power from 5.3L.

Sound advice. I am more or less a value buyer, but it certainly should not be overdone. When the dealer looked at inventory for the best matches for my checklist, they were all either black, white or brown.

[riven1950]

I'd say any time is good for used, plenty out there. On new, I got 30% off sticker on a F150 ECO last Dec.. Like someone said they are getting scarce by then though.

[APT]

Truck sales do not vary that much month to month throughout the year. So if you just want a used one, I would focus on finding the one you want more than saving and extra $500-1000. There are only about 1 million F-150s and another million half ton GMs on the market less than 3 years old. For new, leftover 2014s will be cheaper for the next 6 months, but selection will also go down. Again, IMHO it is more important to get the truck you want than saving 2-5% of money.

I highly recommend 2012 F-150 for the 36 gal fuel tank. Also, 2014+ GMs for the 300 pounds higher payload and more power from 5.3L.

[Skelshy]

Dave Smith is out - I pinged them about a diesel RAM 1500 they had on their site and they were pretty rude. Apparently sending out a price quote over e-mail was a "waste of time" and I needed to call immediately to "prove I am serious about buying". Yeah, about that. I don't do games.

Checklist was largest cabin, smallest bed, trailer brake controller, heated seats, rear view camera, tow package, ideally factory tow mirrors. On the RAM 1500, I'd want the diesel, but they are hard to find. Factory order for an SLT with that equipment was MSRP $48k, offer $44k minus whatever rebates are available at delivery.

Found out I have access to supplier pricing for the Silverado 1500. MSRP for an LT with the 5.3 engine is $44k. There's 6k in rebates out right now (cash allowance and special value discount - confusing). I think if these combine with the supplier pricing I'll just go with it.

Ford - thanks for the tips, I think y'all are correct towards year's end they are going to clear their inventory of the old model.

[Steve1950]

Peg Leg wrote:

wcjeep wrote:
Always keep an eye on Dave Smith. Near the end of the year their dealership competition really heats up. They will pick you up from Spokane airport.

Watch out! Dave Smith is my bil, but he doesn't own a dealership. Do you think there's more than one of them?

Explain I don't know what you are saying.

[Bamaman11]

If buying new trucks: Noon at the end of the month at the end of a quarter would be a great time to buy. And if the region is not seeing great sales, it's even better.

Year end is another good time as dealers would like to avoid paying ad valorem taxes on the inventories on hand.

Often, sales regions will throw out a special unadvertised local sales incentive if the territory is not meeting their projected sales goals.

[OH48Lt]

The week between Christmas and New Years is by far the best time. End of month, end of year, most folks are at the end of their $$$ after financing Christmas, the dealers last chance to hit their quotas, and they get rid of a vehicle they don't have to pay inventory tax on.

[michigancougar]

just found it hard 3 weeks ago to find a properly equipped ram 2500 - if you want a high end diesel they have lots - anything less it is getting thin as they are starting to ready the model year change over. on a 2014 there was an extra 2K off