With cars sitting on lots for months and dealers desperate to move them, now is a great time to buy — new or used, electric, hybrid, or gas. A little research is all it takes to find a terrific deal.
If your old clunker is on its last legs—or rather, wheels—BILLSHARK wants you to know that this is the perfect time to replace it: new or used, electric, hybrid, or gas-powered, online or in person. Doesn’t matter. The cars have been sitting there for months and dealers are desperate, so this is a great time to get a terrific deal.
The deals are out there and with a little research you can find them, so here’s what you need to know.
1 Buying New: Incentives and Deals
If you’re looking for a new car, most dealers are offering such purchase incentives as 90- to 120-day deferred payments, zero-percent-interest loans for as long as 84 months (seven years), and even Ford’s “Built to Lend a Hand” program, in which the carmaker will make your payments for three months.
The best deals, of course, are reserved for those with the highest FICO credit scores, and on slower-selling models, such as coupes and sedans. SUVs and full-size pickups are in higher demand, so incentives won’t be as plentiful or generous on these vehicles. More popular colors, body styles, and options will further decrease your bargaining power, but if you’re willing to settle for less than your dream car, you should be able to score some remarkable deals.
2 Buying Used: Save Thousands
If you’re looking for a used car, this is also a great time to buy. Many people resist buying used, with the argument that “you’re just buying someone else’s problems.” On the other hand, there are those who never buy anything but used cars, because they say that a new car loses ten percent of its value the minute you drive it off the lot, so why buy new? And that’s actually true.
In addition, not only will you save thousands on the up-front cost of the car, but you’ll also save on taxes and auto insurance. This can allow you to buy a better car than you might be able to afford to buy new—a Mercedes, say, instead of a Ford, or a Rolls instead of a Toyota.
The key is to find cars that have been well maintained. You’ll want to see maintenance records, if possible, and get a vehicle history report from such companies as Carfax.com or Autocheck.com. And look for cars that have a good reliability record, which you can find from Consumer Reports or J.D. Power, among others.
Regardless of what you find in these reports, however, always take the car to a mechanic you trust to have it inspected.
3 Rental Cars: Another Smart Option
Used rental cars are another option for good deals on used cars. Every major car rental company offers their used rental cars for sale on their websites, with a flat-rate price and a significant discount over other types of used car dealers. Many of them also offer a longer test drive than do most used car dealers.
Again, if you’re worried about wear-and-tear, be sure to buy from one of the major rental companies and have the car checked out by a mechanic you trust before closing the deal, even if the companies offer a “certified” guarantee.
The coronavirus pandemic has been brutal for almost every commercial enterprise you can think of, and the rental car industry is no exception. Last month Hertz declared bankruptcy and will be selling off its fleet as a result, so be sure to check them out for special offers.
4 Pandemic-Safe Purchasing
Worried about going into the dealership? No problem. Most dealers are offering hands-free purchasing and “touchless” delivery in one form or another. For example, GM has a “Shop, Click, Drive” program available, and most of the others will bring the car to your home to let you test drive it. This is a service many of the high-end dealers have offered for years, but now they’ve pretty much all adapted to the realities of the pandemic by providing this type of concierge service right to your door.
5 Do Your Homework
Whether you’re buying new, or used, spend time comparing prices and deals online. Look for any rebates, discounts, or incentives you may qualify for, and find out what comparable makes and models are selling for in your area because prices on everything from Ford trucks to Teslas vary by state based on local demand.
And most experts advise that you get your financing lined up through your own lender before you ever set foot in a showroom, whether virtually or in person.
Need some extra cash to help out with your downpayment? Let BILLSHARK find it for you by slashing your Internet, wireless, satellite, and TV bills, among others. Our professional negotiators can not only save you hundreds of dollars but also hours of time by finding hidden savings on your bills. And, of course, this is a free service. We charge only if we can save you money.
Share:
Billshark · Bill Negotiation Experts Helping consumers and small businesses stop overpaying on recurring bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is now a good time to buy a car?
Cars have been sitting on dealer lots for months and dealers are desperate to sell, so this is a great time to get a terrific deal. It applies whether you want new or used, electric, hybrid, or gas-powered, and whether you shop online or in person. With a little research, the deals are out there to be found.
What incentives are dealers offering on new cars?
Most dealers are offering purchase incentives such as 90- to 120-day deferred payments and zero-percent-interest loans for as long as 84 months (seven years). Ford even has a “Built to Lend a Hand” program in which the carmaker makes your payments for three months. The best deals go to buyers with the highest FICO credit scores and on slower-selling models like coupes and sedans.
Why might buying a used car save me money?
A new car loses ten percent of its value the minute you drive it off the lot, which is actually true. Buying used not only saves you thousands on the up-front cost of the car, but you also save on taxes and auto insurance. Those savings can let you afford a better car than you could buy new—a Mercedes instead of a Ford, or a Rolls instead of a Toyota.
How can I check that a used car is reliable?
Look for cars that have been well maintained. See the maintenance records if possible, and get a vehicle history report from companies such as Carfax.com or Autocheck.com. Check reliability records from sources like Consumer Reports or J.D. Power. Regardless of what the reports show, always take the car to a mechanic you trust to have it inspected before you buy.
Can I buy a car without going into the dealership?
Yes. Most dealers are offering hands-free purchasing and “touchless” delivery in one form or another. For example, GM has a “Shop, Click, Drive” program, and most others will bring the car to your home so you can test drive it. Many high-end dealers have offered this concierge service for years, and now most have adapted to provide it right to your door.
Need to Buy a Car? Now’s a Great Time page context
Need to Buy a Car? Now’s a Great Time is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.
Buying a car now means great deals: new-car incentives, big used-car savings, rental options, and touchless delivery. Do your homework.
Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.
Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.
Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
This page can help with real questions. You can learn about your plan, your account, and what you pay each month. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
We keep things short and clear so you can choose well. You can then read more if you want to. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.
The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.
Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.
Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.
We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.
Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.
Use what you learn here to plan your questions. Look at your choices, then take the next step when you are ready. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.
Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.
Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.
Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.
This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.
Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.
It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.
Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.
We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.
A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.
This page is part of our help library. It gives you clear facts and links so you can keep on reading. We make it easy for you. We are here to help.
Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.
With cars sitting on lots for months and dealers desperate to move them, now is a great time to buy — new or used, electric, hybrid, or gas.
If your old clunker is on its last legs—or rather.
The deals are out there and with a little research you can find them, so here’s what you need to know.
If you’re looking for a new car.
The best deals, of course, are reserved for those with the highest FICO credit scores, and on slower-selling models, such as coupes and sedans.
If you’re looking for a used car, this is also a great time to buy.
In addition, not only will you save thousands on the up-front cost of the car, but you’ll also save on taxes and auto insurance.
The key is to find cars that have been well maintained.
Regardless of what you find in these reports, however, always take the car to a mechanic you trust to have it inspected.
Used rental cars are another option for good deals on used cars.
Again.
The coronavirus pandemic has been brutal for almost every commercial enterprise you can think of, and the rental car industry is no exception.
Worried about going into the dealership?.
Whether you’re buying new, or used, spend time comparing prices and deals online.
And most experts advise that you get your financing lined up through your own lender before you ever set foot in a showroom, whether virtually or in person.
Need some extra cash to help out with your downpayment?.
Cars have been sitting on dealer lots for months and dealers are desperate to sell, so this is a great time to get a terrific deal.
Most dealers are offering purchase incentives such as 90- to 120-day deferred payments and zero-percent-interest loans for as long as 84 months (seven years).
A new car loses ten percent of its value the minute you drive it off the lot, which is actually true.
Look for cars that have been well maintained.
Yes.
Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.
Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.
Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.
Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.
1 Buying New: Incentives and Deals.
2 Buying Used: Save Thousands.
3 Rental Cars: Another Smart Option.
4 Pandemic-Safe Purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why is now a good time to buy a car?.
What incentives are dealers offering on new cars?.
Why might buying a used car save me money?.
How can I check that a used car is reliable?.
Can I buy a car without going into the dealership?.
