I want a new Ranger, when is the best time to buy? And is there any advantage to buying online. I fit matters 2002 Ranger XLT ex cab fully loaded 4x4 4.0L.

 

My father-in-law was a car salesman for 20 odd years and has told me that the best time of the month to buy is the end of the month because dealers have to pay the bank for the trucks on their lot. If they think you're interested (go in and then come back a week later and make them wait until the end of the month) they'll work with you then rather than make another months payment on the vehicle if they think you'll buy it.

The best month to buy is July. Dealers and the manufacturers offer the best incentives that month because they want to reduce their inventory before the next model year comes out, but be careful. If you wait until after the dealer has taken stock of the next model year, they will raise the prices of the old model year above what they were offering in July, because to you, $17,000 for a truck that lists for $20,000 looks pretty good in September, but in July you might have gotten it for less than $17,000.;-)

Watch the papers and the TV ads and you'll see. They're already advertising incentives such as low APR's and cash back. I got lucky in 1994 and found the last 1994 on the lot in October. Three hours later I got it at dealer invoice. Good luck!!

Mike W.

 

Thanks alot for the valuable info, that helps me out alot.

 

If you have cash and know their silly reindeer games, any time is a good time to buy...

But rainy days, towards the end of the month, and around the holidays are good, too. "Don't get taken everytime" (your library should have it, or can get you a copy through interlibrary loan) is a good read on how they operate.

 

As mentioned the best time to buy is near the last of each month. You can also save a bundle buy ordering your vehicle. Many advantages but mainly the cost savings for you and the dealership and you get exactly the vehicle you desire. Here is a great wb site to find vehicle pricing games...www.carbuyingtips.com. I used this and it was quite helpful in finding a fair price to pay for a car/truck. Godd luck and remember its your money, if you don't like the deal get up and leave. Never put cash down, use a credit card if you MUST.

 

I used the carbuying tips web site talked about earlier. I liked it alot, especially the excel spreadsheet that lets you put in the numbers. Used it to price out my new 2002 Explorer. Agree on the time go in is at the end of the month, but avoid the weekends if possible. I did all my homework before I went in, got some quotes from a few internet managers, found what I wanted using the ford dealers inventory database, then visited on a Tuesday night around dinner time. It was only me, the sales mgr. and one sales guy. I also made the deal as turn-key as possible. Had my money lined up and no trade. Because I had the quotes I knew I had a good deal. Good Luck.