Since being founded in 1925, Jeep has developed a cult following for their vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler, in particular, is one of their most popular models. If you're a fan of the vehicle or looking for a reliable and sporty new ride, you're probably wondering when the best time to buy a Jeep is. We've researched the best times to shop for a Wrangler to let you know when it's time to pull the trigger.
Similar to any other vehicle shopping, dealer sales such as 0% APR are a good time to buy. The end of the month and end of seasons are other good times to buy since dealers will be trying to meet quotas. However, the best time to buy is the end of the year when dealers are clearing old inventory to make room for the new. The end of the year and holidays also normally feature the best dealer sales.
Now that we know the best times to buy a Jeep Wrangler, you probably have some other questions. We encourage you to continue reading through the post, as we will answer other common questions and go more in-depth on times to buy.
When To Buy And When Not To Buy
While Jeeps hold a special place in many people's hearts, they are not special when it comes time to actually shop for one. Like any other vehicle, there are good times to buy and bad ones. That means you're likely to get better prices or financing at certain times and worse at others.
Best Times to Buy
It's rather rare that Jeeps will have a manufacturer sale. This is due to Jeep lovers normally being willing to pay their higher prices for the vehicles. On the rare occasion that there is a manufacturer deal, though, it's a great time to buy. Prices could be marked down, and buyers can get a 0% APR for a period of two years or simply get better payments. Before even shopping, check to see if there are any manufacturer deals or rebates.
Since it's rare to find deals like that, you'll likely need to find other times to shop. The end of the year is normally the best time to shop. Dealers will be trying to make space on their lots for the newest model year and will be more likely to cut better deals for their current inventory. October through December are the best months to shop, with deals getting better later into the year.
Holiday sales are another good time to shop. Many of them fall into the end of the year, such as Christmas or New Year's sales, but other holidays like Memorial Day are still a good time to look. Any time you go shopping for a holiday sale, try to avoid the actual holiday as it will be the busiest day. The end of the holiday sale will normally be the day after the holiday, so try to go on those days when it is less busy, and the salesperson will have more time to negotiate.
Speaking of the best days to buy, shop on weekdays. Weekends are generally busier, and salespeople will be less motivated to spend time negotiating. Going in on a Monday instead of a Saturday will likely save you more off of the MSRP of the vehicle.
Worst Times to Buy
One of the worst times to buy is at the beginning of the year. Right after the dealers have gotten rid of most of the previous year's inventory, they won't be motivated to negotiate on the new. It's likely you've missed the window; you could have gotten a pretty good deal.
Similarly, the end of the month is a great time to buy, but the beginning is not. This is due to the yearly, quarterly, and monthly sales figures the dealer is expected to meet. When it's time for them to turn in their numbers, you'll likely get better deals because they want to hit their quotas. Shopping at the beginning of those time periods will likely get you a worse deal than shopping at the end.
How Do You Get The Best Deal On A Jeep?
The best thing you can do to help your chances for a good deal is to do your research. Check on car sales websites and see what others in your area paid for their Jeep. Prices will vary with your region, so make sure to look at these prices locally. You likely won't get the same deals in New York and Idaho, so location is important to know the vehicle's value.
Checking Jeep forums is another good way to find what others have paid. There are plenty of forums thanks to Jeep's cult following and plenty of advice there. You'll likely want to get at least 9% off of MSRP.
Going shopping at the right times will help you get the best deal as well. Refer to the previous segments for the best times to shop. However, going at the right time can make a big difference in the overall price and payments you'll end up paying.
Another option for a great deal is to buy a used Jeep directly from a person. You won't have any sort of warranty on it, which is a risk, but you'll likely find the best prices this way. Make sure to have proper inspections done before purchasing.
What Is The Best Jeep Wrangler Model To Buy?
You might want to purchase a used Jeep to try to save some money. If you decide to go this route, you want to make sure you're getting a reliable vehicle, not just a classic or a money saver. Luckily, there are a few model years that, while older, are plenty reliable because of their build quality.
The YJ and TJ models from the '80s and '90s are usually some of the cheaper options. The YJ was manufactured from 1987 to 1995, and the JT from 1996 to 2006. Thankfully these have been upgraded since their inception. Roll bars, suspension upgrades, and motor replacements have made these models safer and better performing.
JK Jeeps made between 2007 and 2010 are some of the other most sought-after models. These will have fewer miles on them than the YT and TJ models but are still quality build years. The JK models also released quite a few different options, from luxury to sports models. This means the prices can vary a bit, but you can find the trims and styles you want. There is an argument to be made that these are the best model years to buy because you can find unique options without over-paying.
How Much Should You Pay For A New Jeep Wrangler?
The newest models of Jeep Wrangler are the second most expensive in their vehicle class. They fall only behind the Grand Cherokee in terms of base MSRP. A base trim two-door Jeep Wrangler starts at a base MSRP of $28,295. The four-door, or unlimited model, has a base MSRP of $31,795. Remember that these are brand new vehicles, and the base MSRP doesn't factor in any features that don't come standard. Many of the models you look at will have a different trim or other features that increase that price.
What Should You Not Say To A Car Salesman?
There's plenty of things you don't want to say to a salesperson. You want to try to avoid telling them how much you want the vehicle. Obviously, you do, or you wouldn't be shopping for it, but try to act like you're ready to walk out at any time. Avoid phrases like:
- This is my dream car.
- This is exactly what I've been looking for.
- This price looks great!
- I don't know much about cars.
- I want a good deal.
- I don't usually like car salespeople.
- I'm a (insert high paying job here).
You'll also want to avoid discussing your credit if you're paying with cash, what payments you want, or asking small questions like where are cupholders until later in the process. Make sure to act like you mean business and that you're ready to walk away if the deal isn't right. And the best thing you can do is to just continue shopping around if you aren't happy at that dealer.
Is It Better To Buy A New Or Used Jeep Wrangler?
It isn't necessarily better, either way, to buy new or used. You'll likely find better prices on older used Jeep Wranglers, and you can find reliable ones, as we discussed earlier. However, any used car won't come with a warranty, so repair and part costs will be on you completely. You also can sus out the perfect Jeep model and trim for shopping used cars online a lot easier than going to dealerships. A new Jeep Wrangler will likely cost more, but you will have more financing options and a manufacturer and dealer warranty.
Whether new or used is better for you depends on your financial situation and what exactly you're looking for. Classic collectors will likely have better luck with used vehicles, of course. People looking for an everyday driver may find better options with a new Wrangler. Your own wants and needs are what determines if a new or used Wrangler is right for you.
Best Time To Buy A Jeep Wrangler
The best time of year to buy a Jeep Wrangler will be the later months of the year. Shopping at the end of the year will help you get the best prices from dealers. One important note is that buying a used car from a person instead of a dealer can happen at any time of year. After reading through this article, you should have a good idea of what to do when shopping for a Jeep Wrangler.
For more information on Jeep Wranglers, check out these articles:
How Long Does Jeep Wrangler Last?