Year End Holiday Car Deals [2023 Edition]

December is usually the best month of the year to buy a car, but don't expect massive savings (or inventory) at the dealership. With the current shortage and disruptions in the supply chain, markups are still unusually high for most models.

However, holiday car deals historically offer the biggest discounts all year long because of a trifecta of bonus milestones for salespeople: end of the month, end of the quarter, and end of the year all at once.

The new year means that the model year is also ending, and good prices abound, but selection will be more limited as cars get sold.

Best Year End Lease Deals

After reviewing deals from all manufacturers, models, and body styles, here are my picks for the top 5 deals this December through January 2nd.

Why Buy a Car at the End of the Year?

Car salespeople are offering specials and some of their best lease deals over the holidays for these reasons:

1. The 2022 model year is ending, and salespeople are usually scrambling to get cars off the lot before January. However, it's worth noting that there is a shortage of 2022 vehicles, so many popular models will be unavailable or not available with any incentives.
2. Salespeople and dealerships are trying to reach their month-end and year-end sales quotas before the end of the year. The loss they take from a couple of sales may be greatly outweighed by the bonus they could possibly earn.
3. December is historically a sales peak for luxury cars. And many luxury shoppers get a 36-month lease. That means every three years, these shoppers are looking for something new in December, and car dealers want to capitalize on that with special offers. This is a cycle that keeps repeating itself.
4. The week between Christmas and New Year's means a lot of people are on vacation and looking to get out of the house and away from relatives. So dealerships will try to lure them in with “year-end events” and other promotions.
5. For a month or two after the holidays, it's historically a sales slump, and dealers know it will be tough to get car buyers to brave the cold and do any shopping.

Should I Wait Until Christmas to Buy a Car?

Yes, you should consider waiting if possible. Car buyers historically find the best deals during the week between Christmas and New Years Day.

Most people aren't usually shopping during this time, and dealers are eagerly trying to fill their month-end and year-end sales quotas. If you are planning to buy a car soon and have the luxury to time your purchase, you'll likely get the biggest discount right after Christmas.

Start getting Internet car prices as early as possible to collect contact information for several local car dealers. But wait until the holiday week to begin your negotiations.

However, with the disruptions in the supply chain this year, it's worth checking the inventory at your local dealership early on.

When Do Year-End Car Sales Start?

Year-end sales start Friday, December 23rd, and run through Monday, January 2nd, to include the long weekend after New Year’s Day. While dealership sales events run between Christmas and New Year’s, many published holiday incentives run for the entire month of December.

Salespeople will be most willing to negotiate during the first weekend of January in order to meet their holiday quotas.

Full List of All Year End Car Deals

Below are some of the best car deals this holiday season.

Bookmark this page and check back as deals are constantly added as they are released.

Tip: To truly get a good deal, you’ll want to get prices from several dealerships. (click the orange button above and Get Prices).

These offers may vary based on location, credit score, and financing terms and are not guaranteed.  So use my free service to Check Discount Car Prices to get the best prices that include current manufacturer offers and incentives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the inventory shortage affect end-of-the-year sales?

We may not see the best deals this year because of the inventory shortage and high markup of vehicles. However, the end of the year is still usually the best time to buy a car, and brands offer some of their best incentives on current and previous model years.

Is the end of the year a good time to buy a car?

Yes, the week between Christmas and New Year's is historically one of the best times to buy all year long. This is because car dealerships have to meet their monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals.

Are car dealerships closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day?

This varies by car dealership. Some dealers stay open these days to catch shoppers on a day off from work, but some remain closed or close early. However, most dealers will continue to promote sales online whether or not their dealership lot is physically open.

Which brands have the best year-end lease deals?

Honda, Mazda, Lexus, Toyota, Acura, and more.