Because so many people buy new cars during December sales, mid-January sees a massive peak in used car availability as those trade-ins are processed for resale.
Cold weather and holiday debt keep most shoppers home, leading to a typical 23.5% drop in sales volume compared to December. This gives you more room to negotiate and more individual attention from staff.
Is January a Good Time to Buy a Car | Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
Dealerships are often desperate to clear out any remaining previous-year models to make room for new arrivals. For example, in early 2026, many brands have a surplus of 2025 models they need to move.