Quick Answer: Best Times to Buy a Car in Australia
| When | Why | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| May-June (EOFY) | Annual targets, manufacturer bonuses | $1,000-$5,000 on new |
| November-December | Run-out models, clearing stock for tax | $2,000-$8,000 on run-outs |
| End of month (28th-31st) | Monthly targets pressure salespeople | Improved negotiation |
| Weekday mornings (Tue-Thu) | Fewer customers, more staff attention | Better service and flexibility |
| Model changeover periods | Old model becomes "old stock" | 10-20% off outgoing model |
Avoid: January-February, immediately after new model launch, when you're desperate.
Timing can save you thousands when buying a car. Here's when to strike for the best deals in the Australian market.
CQ quick take
For Central Queensland (CQ) buyers, "best time" is not just about discounts - it is also about availability. When Brisbane dealers are pushing EOFY or run-out stock, CQ buyers can often buy remotely and transport the car up (if you're pre-approved and your spec is clear).
- Run a PPSR check before you pay a deposit.
- Want help timing the purchase and negotiating from Rockhampton, Mackay or Gladstone? Talk to a Central Queensland car broker.
The Best Months to Buy
End of Financial Year (May-June)
This is traditionally the best time to buy:
- Dealers push hard to meet annual targets
- Manufacturer bonuses kick in for dealers
- Fleet discounts become more negotiable
- Finance deals often improve
Typical savings: $1,000-$5,000 off new vehicles; negotiation power increases on used.
End of Calendar Year (November-December)
The second-best window:
- "Run-out" models heavily discounted before new year models arrive
- Dealers clearing stock for tax purposes
- Bonus Christmas incentives
- Demo vehicles priced to move
Typical savings: $2,000-$8,000 on run-out new models; strong used car discounts.
Model Changeover Periods
When a new model is announced:
- Previous generation immediately becomes "old stock"
- Dealers desperate to clear inventory
- Minimal actual differences between most year updates
- Smart buyers get nearly-new specs at used prices
Typical savings: 10-20% on outgoing model.
CQ timing tip: when transport costs change the maths
If you're buying from Brisbane (or interstate), a "cheaper" car can become expensive once you add transport and downtime. Before you lock anything in:
- Get a written transport quote (open vs enclosed carrier, depot-to-depot vs door-to-door).
- Compare the true all-in total, not the sticker price.
- If you're travelling to buy, factor your time, accommodation, and the risk of walking away.
The Best Day of the Month/Week
End of Month
Dealers and salespeople often have monthly targets:
- Visit on the 28th-31st for maximum pressure
- Ask about "any flexibility to get this done this month"
- Morning visits mean more urgency
Weekdays vs Weekends
Best: Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Fewer customers means more attention
- Sales staff have time to negotiate
- Finance teams aren't rushed
Avoid: Saturday afternoons
- Busiest time = least negotiation flexibility
- Staff overwhelmed = mistakes and rushed deals
Market Conditions That Favour Buyers
High Stock Levels
When dealership lots are full:
- Vehicles cost dealers money sitting there (floor plan finance)
- Aged stock (90+ days) is a liability
- Buyers have leverage
Check for: Rows of similar vehicles, long delivery times shortened, "immediate delivery" promotions.
Economic Uncertainty
When interest rates rise or confidence dips:
- Discretionary purchases slow
- Trade-ins stack up
- Dealers become flexible
We're seeing this now (late 2024): Interest rate effects are creating buyer opportunities.
End of Month + End of Quarter = Peak Timing
When month-end and quarter-end align (March, June, September, December 31):
- Triple pressure on sales targets
- Maximum dealer motivation
- Best negotiation window of the year
When NOT to Buy
January-February
Post-holiday spending freeze:
- Many people just made Christmas purchases
- New stock arriving at full price
- Limited negotiation room
Immediately After New Model Launch
- Dealers have no motivation to discount
- Wait 6-12 months for reality to set in
- Let early-adopter premium fade
When You're Desperate
If your current car just died:
- Dealers sense urgency
- You accept first reasonable offer
- You skip due diligence
Better approach: Use rideshare/rental for a week while you negotiate properly.
Special Circumstances in Regional QLD
Wet Season Considerations (Dec-Feb)
Flooding affects the used car market:
- Damaged vehicles enter the system
- Transport becomes harder/more expensive
- Dealers in flood-prone areas clear stock early
Be extra careful with pre-purchase inspections during this period.
Mining Industry Cycles
In CQ specifically:
- Mining downturns = workers selling utes
- Mining upturns = fierce competition for vehicles
- Watch iron ore and coal prices for trends
End of Dry Season (October-November)
Many regional buyers upgrade before wet season travel:
- More trade-ins available
- 4WD and ute prices can soften
- Good time for buyers
How We Use This Timing
At CQ Car Brokers, we factor timing into every search:
- We know when dealers are under pressure
- We track aged stock across Australia
- We time offers for maximum leverage
- We advise when to wait vs. when to act
Your Timing Checklist
Best time to buy:
- May-June (EOFY) or November-December (EOCY)
- End of month (28th-31st)
- Weekday morning
- When stock levels are high
- During model changeover
Red flags to avoid:
- January-February post-Christmas
- Weekend afternoons
- When you're desperate
- Immediately after new model launch
Ready to Time Your Purchase Right?
We monitor the market daily and know exactly when to make our move. Get in touch and we'll advise on the best timing for your specific vehicle.
Next steps (free help)
- Tell us what you're trying to buy
- We can buy the car for you
- Need finance first?
- Selling your current car?
- Rockhampton car broker
- Mackay car broker
- Gladstone car broker
- Buying interstate? Read this
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Buying Timing
What is the best month to buy a car in Australia?
The two best periods are May-June (end of financial year) and November-December (end of calendar year/run-out season). During EOFY, dealers push to meet annual targets and manufacturer bonuses kick in. In November-December, dealers clear run-out models before new year stock arrives and finalise accounts for tax purposes. Both periods offer significantly better negotiation leverage.
Should I wait for EOFY sales or buy now?
It depends on timing and urgency. If EOFY is 2-3 months away and you can wait, the potential savings ($1,000-$5,000 on new vehicles) usually justify patience. However, if EOFY is 6+ months away, or you need a car urgently, don't wait—there are other ways to negotiate well. End-of-month deals are available year-round and can achieve good results.
Is it better to buy a car on a weekday or weekend?
Weekday mornings (Tuesday to Thursday) are typically best. Fewer customers mean more sales staff attention, less pressure, and more willingness to negotiate. Saturday afternoons are the worst—dealerships are packed, staff are stretched, and you become just another number. If weekends are your only option, try early Saturday morning.
Why is January a bad time to buy a car?
January and early February see reduced dealer flexibility because: (1) holiday spending has just occurred and demand is low; (2) new stock has arrived at full price with no urgency to discount; (3) sales targets reset for the year; (4) fewer trade-ins create less used car inventory. Wait until late February or March when pressure begins building again.
Do end-of-month deals really work?
Yes. Most salespeople and dealerships have monthly targets with bonuses attached. Visiting on the 28th-31st of any month means they're under pressure to close deals. Ask directly: "Is there any flexibility to get this done before month-end?" The combination of end-of-month with end-of-quarter (March, June, September, December) creates even more leverage.
