Buying a Car at the End of the Year: Myths, Benefits and What Really Matters

For decades, shoppers have heard that the best time to buy a car is at the end of the year, especially around Christmas. But is that true? Does the calendar really matter as much as people think?

At Liberty Buick GMC, located right here in Matthews, NC, we believe the real answer is a bit more nuanced. While the holiday season can be a great time to purchase, it is not for the reasons most people expect, and it is not the only factor that leads to a great deal.

Here are the myths, the realities, and the factors that help you decide whether a Christmas-time purchase is right for you.

Myth #1: End-of-Year Means Automatically Better Prices
Truth: Prices are shaped more by the market than by the date.

While the end of the year can bring extra incentives from manufacturers, most pricing changes happen because of real-world factors such as:

Changes in interest rates
Supply and inventory fluctuations
Model updates and discontinuations
Manufacturer rebates or special holiday programs

These factors do not follow the calendar. A great deal can appear just as easily on December 12th as on December 31st.

Myth #2: Dealers Are Desperate to Hit Year-End Quotas
Truth: At Liberty Buick GMC, relationships matter more than quotas.

We are not a big-city mega-store. Our team is rooted in this community: your neighbors, friends, and longtime local experts who have served Liberty for decades. Our success is not defined by cramming in last-minute deals. It is built on earning trust and helping families return again and again.

That means:
No high-pressure end-of-year push
No gimmicky price games
No rushing customers through a major purchase

Your timeline, not the dealership’s, is what matters.

Myth #3: Discounts Only Happen in December
Truth: Today’s pricing is more transparent and stable.

Automakers now provide tighter pricing guidelines to help protect long-term vehicle values. As a result:
There is less variation from month to month
Discounts tend to be structured, not unpredictable
Shoppers can trust they are getting a fair price regardless of the date

Yes, December can bring holiday incentives, but those are not guaranteed and they are not the only time to save.

Myth #4: Shoppers Save Most at the End of the Year
Truth: Modern buyers know that total ownership cost matters more.

Today’s consumers consider far more than the sticker price. Other factors such as interest rates, fuel efficiency, and expected maintenance costs often have a greater impact than a small price drop.

Real savings often come from:
Securing the right interest rate
Choosing a model with strong long-term reliability
Finding a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and mileage needs

The best time to buy is when you have found the right vehicle, with the right financing, at a dealership you trust.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Vehicle at Christmas?

Yes, if you have found the right car and the numbers make sense for your situation.

For some, year-end incentives and the excitement of a Christmas car make December the perfect moment. For others, the right deal might appear in March, June, or September.

At Liberty Buick GMC, we offer honest guidance instead of pushing you toward a specific date on the calendar.

If you have made the decision to buy a Christmas Vehicle, should you spend those end-of-year savings on an Extended Warranty?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and our Car Sales Manager, Greg Mongelli, has a straightforward answer: it depends.

Extended warranties, officially called Vehicle Protection Plans, can be extremely valuable for some buyers and unnecessary for others. Greg shares a personal example to illustrate the point.

When an Extended Warranty Makes Sense

 

On a personal note:  Greg purchased an extended warranty for his son’s vehicle for several reasons:

1. His son lived out of town and he wanted him to have dependable, certified dealership service whenever he needed it.
2. He didn’t want his son to spend his own money on an unexpected repair.

For families like Greg’s where kids are far from home, or away at college, peace of mind plays a major role.

Extended warranties also make sense if:

• You drive a lot of miles – More miles increase wear and tear. High-mileage drivers often see the most value from extended coverage.
• You drive long distances regularly – Long commutes or frequent travel naturally increase the chances of mechanical issues.
• You drive aggressively or in challenging conditions – City traffic, mountain roads, hot climates, and towing can all accelerate wear on major components.
• You want predictable ownership costs – An unexpected repair can be expensive. A protection plan helps avoid financial surprises.

When You Might Not Need an Extended Warranty

• Your annual mileage is low
• You trade vehicles frequently
• You are comfortable paying for occasional repairs
• You prefer using an independent mechanic you already trust

In these cases, the cost of a plan may not deliver enough value.

Final Word: Should You Get One?

Ask yourself the following:

• Will this car be driven long distances or under heavy use?
• Is the driver young, away from home, or not mechanically experienced?
• Do I prefer predictable monthly expenses instead of unexpected repair bills?
• Do I plan to keep this vehicle for many years?

If most of your answers are yes, an extended warranty may be a smart investment, especially if you saved money by purchasing during the holiday season.

At Liberty Buick GMC, our team can walk you through real numbers, real coverage options, and real scenarios based on how you drive. No pressure, no gimmicks, just honest guidance.

 

 

Tags: 2025 Black Friday Sale, End of Year Specials 2025, Should You Buy The Extended Warranty
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