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Rossen Reports: Never buy a new car on these days

The article titled "Rossen Reports: Never Buy a New Car on These Days," published on KOAT Action 7 News (koat.com), is a consumer-focused piece by Jeff Rossen, a well-known investigative journalist. The report provides practical advice for car buyers, highlighting specific days and times when purchasing a new car might not be in their best financial interest. Drawing on expert insights and industry trends, the article aims to help consumers avoid common pitfalls and secure better deals by timing their purchases strategically. Below is an extensive summary of the content, elaborating on the key points, context, and implications for potential car buyers.

The central premise of the article is that the timing of a car purchase can significantly impact the price and overall deal a buyer receives. Rossen emphasizes that car dealerships operate on sales cycles, quotas, and seasonal trends, which influence their willingness to negotiate and offer discounts. By understanding these patterns, consumers can avoid buying a car on days when dealers are less likely to budge on price or when demand is high, driving up costs. The article specifically identifies certain days of the week, holidays, and times of the year as less favorable for purchasing a new vehicle, while also offering alternative times that could yield better savings.

One of the primary "days to avoid" highlighted in the report is weekends, particularly Saturdays. Rossen explains that weekends are the busiest times for car dealerships, as many people have time off from work and are more likely to visit showrooms. This high foot traffic means dealers are less incentivized to offer deep discounts or negotiate aggressively, as they know they have a steady stream of potential buyers. Sales staff may also be stretched thin, reducing the likelihood of personalized attention or extended haggling sessions. Rossen suggests that buyers who visit on weekends might face a more rushed experience and miss out on the best possible deals due to the high-pressure environment.

In addition to weekends, the article warns against buying a car on major holidays or during holiday sales events that are heavily advertised. While holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or the Fourth of July are often associated with big sales and promotions, Rossen notes that these events can be deceptive. Dealerships may inflate prices before the holiday to make their "discounts" appear more substantial, or they may offer deals that come with hidden costs, such as high-interest financing or unnecessary add-ons. Furthermore, holiday weekends attract large crowds, creating a competitive buying environment where consumers may feel pressured to make quick decisions without thoroughly researching or negotiating. Rossen advises skepticism toward holiday sales hype and recommends doing homework on pricing and incentives before stepping into a dealership during these periods.

Another key point in the article is the caution against buying a car at the beginning of the month. Rossen explains that dealerships often set monthly sales quotas for their staff, and at the start of the month, there is less urgency for salespeople to close deals. As a result, they may be less flexible on pricing or less willing to throw in extras like free maintenance packages or extended warranties. In contrast, the end of the month is often a better time to buy, as salespeople are more motivated to meet their quotas and may offer better deals to secure a sale before the deadline. This insight into dealership sales cycles provides a valuable tip for consumers looking to maximize their bargaining power.

Beyond specific days, Rossen also touches on broader seasonal trends to avoid. For instance, the article mentions that the early part of the year, particularly January and February, can be a challenging time to buy a new car. During these months, dealerships are often stocked with the latest models, and demand for new vehicles tends to be higher as consumers look to upgrade after the holidays. With high demand and fresh inventory, dealers have little incentive to offer significant discounts. Additionally, Rossen notes that buying a car right after a new model release can be costly, as the latest vehicles often carry a premium price tag with little room for negotiation. Instead, he suggests waiting until later in the year, particularly late fall or early winter (November and December), when dealerships are trying to clear out older inventory to make room for new models. During this period, buyers are more likely to find substantial markdowns on outgoing models.

The article also delves into the psychological and tactical aspects of car buying. Rossen advises against showing too much enthusiasm or urgency when shopping for a car, as dealers may interpret this as a sign that the buyer is willing to pay a higher price. Instead, he recommends approaching the process with patience and a willingness to walk away if the deal isn’t right. This mindset is particularly important on the "bad days" to buy, as the high-pressure environment of weekends or holidays can lead to impulsive decisions. Rossen encourages consumers to research beforehand, know the fair market value of the car they’re interested in, and be prepared to negotiate regardless of the day they choose to visit a dealership.

To complement the warnings about unfavorable buying days, Rossen provides actionable tips for getting the best deal possible. He suggests shopping on weekdays, particularly Mondays or Tuesdays, when dealerships are less crowded, and salespeople have more time to focus on individual customers. These slower days can create a more relaxed atmosphere, giving buyers an edge in negotiations. Additionally, Rossen reiterates the importance of timing purchases toward the end of the month or year, when dealers are more eager to move inventory and meet sales targets. He also recommends looking for manufacturer incentives or rebates, which are often more prevalent during certain times of the year, and combining these with strategic timing for maximum savings.

The broader context of the article aligns with Rossen’s reputation for consumer advocacy. As part of his "Rossen Reports" series, this piece reflects his commitment to empowering everyday people with knowledge to make informed financial decisions. The car-buying process is notoriously complex and intimidating for many, with hidden fees, high-pressure sales tactics, and fluctuating prices creating a minefield for the unprepared. By breaking down the impact of timing on car purchases, Rossen demystifies a key aspect of the process and equips readers with practical strategies to save money. The advice is particularly relevant in an economic climate where inflation and rising interest rates have made car purchases more expensive, prompting consumers to seek every possible advantage.

In terms of implications, the article serves as a reminder that consumer behavior and market dynamics are deeply intertwined. The car industry, like many others, operates on predictable cycles that savvy buyers can exploit to their benefit. However, the piece also underscores the importance of due diligence beyond just timing. While avoiding certain days can increase the likelihood of a better deal, it’s not a guarantee, and factors like location, specific dealership policies, and individual negotiation skills still play a significant role. Rossen’s advice is best viewed as part of a broader strategy that includes researching vehicle prices, understanding financing options, and being prepared to walk away from a bad deal.

In conclusion, "Rossen Reports: Never Buy a New Car on These Days" offers a detailed and consumer-friendly guide to navigating the car-buying process with an eye toward timing. By identifying weekends, major holidays, the beginning of the month, and early-year periods as less favorable times to purchase a vehicle, Rossen provides clear guidance on when to avoid dealerships. Conversely, his recommendations to shop on weekdays, at the end of the month, or late in the year highlight opportunities for better deals. The article’s blend of practical tips, industry insights, and consumer advocacy makes it a valuable resource for anyone in the market for a new car. At over 700 words, this summary captures the essence of Rossen’s report while expanding on its themes and implications, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the content for readers seeking to make informed purchasing decisions.

Read the Full KOAT Albuquerque Article at:
[ https://www.koat.com/article/rossen-reports-never-buy-a-new-car-on-these-days/65292247 ]