End of the month and the quarter
Dealers work toward monthly and quarterly sales targets, and hitting them can earn them manufacturer bonuses. In the last days of a month or quarter, a dealer close to its target may take less on a car to make the sale. It is a tendency, not a guarantee: a dealer that has already hit its number has less reason to bend.
Want to know if this month is a good one for your car?Get a quote
When incentives change
Manufacturers usually update their lease programs every month: the residual value, the money factor and any lease cash. A car can lease for noticeably less one month than the next. Electric models sometimes carry factory lease cash the gas models do not. Ask for a quote that states which month’s program it uses.
Model-year changeover
When the next model year arrives, dealers want the outgoing cars off the lot, and manufacturers often support them with extra incentives. A brand-new redesign, on the other hand, usually launches with little lease support, so the first months of a new generation are rarely the cheapest.
Year-end sales
December combines a month end, a quarter end and a year end, and many brands run year-end sales events. It is one of the more reliable times to find a good lease, though popular trims can sell out.
Holiday sales events
Many brands run sales events around Memorial Day, Labor Day and Black Friday, often with extra lease cash for a few weeks. They line up with month ends, which can stack the savings.
Your own timing matters too
- Start shopping 60 to 90 days before your current lease ends, so you are not rushed into a deal.
- Allow time for a pre-return inspection, and for a trade-in appraisal if your car is worth more than its payoff.
- Flexible on color or trim? A car already on a dealer lot often leases for less than a factory order.
Skip the calendar
We check current incentives and dealer pricing every time we quote. See the current lease deals, or tell us the car you want and we will tell you whether to sign now or wait.