Black Friday: The Ultimate Time to Nab a New Car Before 2025
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Black Friday is the Best Time to Buy a New Ride Before the New Year
An in‑depth look at why the holiday weekend is the ideal moment for car shoppers, as highlighted by the KSL article and the related links.
1. The Big Picture: Why Black Friday Works for Auto Buying
KSL’s feature, “Black Friday is the best time to buy a new ride before the new year,” kicks off by framing Black Friday as more than a retail shopping frenzy—it’s a strategic window for automotive buyers to secure deals that would otherwise be unavailable in the spring or summer. The article emphasizes two key reasons:
Manufacturer Incentives – Carmakers routinely align incentive calendars with the holiday season, offering substantial cash‑back, low‑APR financing, or “dealership‑only” rebates that expire after the new‑year sales period. These incentives often peak during the Black Friday week, because dealerships are eager to clear inventory before the new model year launches.
Year‑End Inventory Adjustments – As the 2024 model year comes to a close, dealerships start offering “end‑of‑year” discounts on 2024‑year vehicles while still holding significant stock of 2025 models that will arrive soon. This dual‑push creates a rare overlap of reduced pricing on older models and incentives on upcoming releases.
The article notes that shoppers who wait until late December or early January often find that inventory has shifted, and some of the best bargains evaporate as the new‑year sales cycle kicks in.
2. The Deal Calendar: What to Expect
KSL breaks down the typical timeline for Black Friday auto deals, using data from recent years:
Early November – Manufacturers announce “pre‑sale” incentives for the upcoming holiday season. These announcements can include 6‑month to 12‑month low‑APR financing or up‑to‑$3,000 cash‑back offers on certain trims.
Black Friday Weekend (Nov 24‑25) – Dealerships launch “door‑buster” promotions, often advertised through local TV spots, radio, and digital channels. The article quotes a dealership manager saying, “This is the day when our most aggressive incentives line up, and buyers who see us in the showroom are ready to walk in and close a deal.”
Late November‑Early December – Dealerships start “extended” deals that run until the first week of January, sometimes with special extended warranties or complimentary maintenance packages.
KSL’s article links to an additional resource—a downloadable PDF from the American Automobile Association (AAA) that provides a year‑round incentive calendar, helping buyers spot which manufacturers are offering the most attractive financing or rebate packages during the holiday window.
3. Featured Models & Manufacturer Highlights
To give readers a concrete sense of what’s on the table, the article lists a handful of models that are typically hot during Black Friday. (The original KSL piece also linked to each manufacturer’s “deal of the week” page, giving readers direct access to the latest pricing.)
| Manufacturer | Model | Typical Black Friday Incentive | Why It’s Hot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Camry | $2,000 cash‑back + 0% APR for 12 months | Strong resale value + low depreciation |
| Honda | CR‑V | $1,500 cash‑back + free maintenance for 3 years | Popular compact SUV, eco‑friendly |
| Ford | F‑150 | 0% APR for 24 months + $3,000 lease cash | Top‑selling truck, strong demand |
| Tesla | Model 3 | $4,000 cash‑back (limited slots) | Growing electric‑vehicle market |
| Chevrolet | Silverado | 0% APR + free towing package | Durable workhorse, seasonal demand |
The article also highlights 2025 model year vehicles that have just arrived in inventory. Because these newer models often come with the latest safety tech, the dealerships are motivated to offer incentives to accelerate sales before the next round of 2026 models arrive.
4. How to Maximize Your Savings
KSL goes beyond listing deals and offers a pragmatic guide to buying on Black Friday. The advice is grounded in the author’s own experience as a long‑time automotive journalist and includes the following key steps:
Research Early – Use the KSL “Car Reviews” section to read in‑depth analyses of the models you’re interested in. The article links to a KSL video review of the 2025 Honda Civic that includes a cost‑per‑mile breakdown.
Compare Incentives – The article recommends creating a spreadsheet that tracks the manufacturer’s base price, dealer rebate, financing rates, and any add‑on incentives (free maintenance, extended warranty, etc.). This helps you see the “true” cost of each offer.
Get Pre‑Approved Financing – Even if a dealership advertises a 0% APR, it’s still wise to have pre‑approved financing from a bank or credit union. This protects you if the dealer’s offer is non‑transferable or if the incentive is limited to a specific dealership.
Negotiate Smartly – The article quotes a local dealership sales manager who says, “Buyers should be ready to walk out if the dealer can’t match the price offered elsewhere.” KSL also links to a KSL “Negotiation 101” guide that walks readers through common tactics, like focusing on the total price rather than the monthly payment.
Ask About Hidden Fees – The article reminds readers to be vigilant about destination charges, dealer prep fees, and documentation fees. It encourages using the KSL “Add‑On Cost Calculator” (link provided) to get a realistic estimate of all charges.
5. Dealership Events & Test‑Drive Opportunities
KSL notes that many dealerships will host special events over the weekend: “Deal‑in‑a‑Box” showcases, “Financing Bootcamps,” and “Test‑Drive Extravaganza”. These events are not just marketing fluff; they’re designed to create urgency. By the end of the first week, dealerships report that about 60% of the Black Friday inventory is sold.
The article provides a list of participating dealerships in the Salt Lake City area, complete with phone numbers and links to their online booking tools. Readers are encouraged to schedule a test drive before arriving, ensuring that if an offer feels right, they can negotiate on the spot.
6. The New‑Year Twist: Why You Might Delay
While Black Friday offers many attractive deals, KSL’s piece also explains a counter‑argument: some buyers may want to wait until January. In the new‑year period, dealerships often offer “end‑of‑year” price cuts that exceed the Black Friday savings, especially for models that have been on the lot for a long time. Additionally, sales tax incentives can shift depending on the calendar year, sometimes making January a better option for those in states with tax holidays.
The article links to a KSL analysis of sales tax changes in Utah for 2024, noting that the state’s “Holiday Sales Tax Holiday” may affect the final purchase price.
7. Takeaway: Timing Is Everything
KSL’s article concludes that for most consumers, Black Friday presents the most compelling mix of incentives, availability, and urgency—especially for those eager to get a new vehicle before the start of the new year. However, the piece advises a strategic approach: research early, compare offers, and be prepared to act quickly. By following the steps outlined and using the resources linked within the article (dealership pages, incentive calendars, and negotiation guides), buyers can walk away with a vehicle that meets their needs while also keeping their wallets in check.
For anyone planning to hit the road in 2025, the article serves as a clear roadmap for how to leverage the holiday shopping season to secure a great deal on a new ride.
Read the Full KSL Article at:
[ https://www.ksl.com/article/51407781/black-friday-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-new-ride-before-the-new-year ]