What is the best time to buy a car in Quebec?

Buying a car is a major expense. Between the vehicle’s price, sales taxes, financing, insurance, and maintenance, a difference of a few thousand dollars can have a significant impact on your budget.

But is there really a best time to buy a car in Quebec?

An analysis of Canadian automotive prices between 2021 and 2026 shows that certain periods can be more favourable. For a new vehicle, the best opportunities generally appear between late summer and the end of December. For a used vehicle, the period from late November through January is often more advantageous.

However, timing alone is not enough. Inventory levels, model year, financing rates, and government incentives may have an even greater impact on the final cost.

Quick Answer

Here are the periods to consider depending on the type of vehicle you want:

These periods represent general trends. They do not guarantee that every vehicle will be cheaper at the same time.

How Have Vehicle Prices Changed Since 2021?

The Canadian automotive market experienced an exceptional period between 2021 and 2023. Semiconductor shortages, production delays, and a lack of new vehicles significantly reduced available inventory.

This situation also disrupted the used-car market. As consumers struggled to find new vehicles, many turned to used models. Demand rose quickly, causing unusually sharp price increases.

In December 2022, the average advertised price in Canada reached approximately:

• $58,895 for a new vehicle;

• $36,240 for a used vehicle.

New-vehicle prices continued rising in 2023. By December, the average price had reached $67,259. The average used-vehicle price stood at $36,863.

The market then began to normalize gradually. By December 2024, Canadian averages had declined to $65,219 for new vehicles and $34,445 for used vehicles.

At the end of 2025, the average new-vehicle price had fallen again to $63,439. The used market remained more volatile because of the limited supply of recent vehicles produced during the years of lower new-vehicle sales.

These figures demonstrate an important reality: when inventory is extremely limited, the season matters less. When inventories recover, dealerships have more room to offer discounts and promotional financing.

What Is the Best Month to Buy a New Car?

For a new gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicle, the most favourable period is generally between September and December.

September and October: New Models Begin Arriving

New model-year vehicles often begin arriving at dealerships in late summer or during the fall. Dealers must then make room for the incoming inventory.

Outgoing models may qualify for:

• Manufacturer rebates;

• Reduced-rate financing;

• Cash purchase credits;

• Loyalty bonuses;

• Included accessories;

• Greater negotiating flexibility.

For example, when a 2027 model arrives at a dealership, a 2026 vehicle that remains in stock may become more negotiable. It is still a new vehicle, but it will soon be considered a previous model-year unit.

The trade-off is that buyers may have fewer choices in colours, trims, and options.

November: Black Friday Promotions

Black Friday has become an important promotional period in the Canadian automotive industry. Manufacturers may advertise discounts, additional credits, or special financing rates.

However, a promotion carrying the “Black Friday” label does not automatically guarantee the lowest price of the year.

Some offers may be limited to:

• A specific model;

• Vehicles already in stock;

• A particular financing term;

• Existing customers of the brand;

• Cash purchases;

• Certain Canadian regions.

Always request a written quote and compare the total cost with offers from other dealerships.

December: An Excellent Time to Negotiate

December is often one of the best months to buy a new car in Quebec.

Dealerships may be trying to:

• Clear out previous model-year vehicles;

• Reach monthly sales targets;

• Complete quarterly objectives;

• Meet annual sales goals;

• Reduce the number of vehicles held in inventory.

The final week of December may provide additional negotiating power. However, the most desirable vehicles may have already been sold.

The best compromise is usually to begin your research in September or October and negotiate seriously in November or December.

Can You Really Get a Better Deal at the End of the Month?

The end of the month can improve your negotiating position, particularly when a dealership is trying to reach a sales target.

The final three business days of a month or quarter may therefore be useful. Quarter-end periods normally occur in March, June, September, and December.

However, no publicly available Canadian data guarantees an automatic discount during these days. The effectiveness of this strategy depends on:

• The dealership’s sales targets;

• The number of vehicles already sold;

• The model’s popularity;

• How long the vehicle has been in inventory;

• Current manufacturer promotions.

The end of the month should be treated as an additional negotiating tool—not an absolute rule.

What Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?

For used vehicles, the period from late November through January appears to be one of the most favourable.

In 2022, the average used-vehicle price peaked around June before declining for six consecutive months. A similar pattern occurred in 2023, when prices fell for six months through December.

In 2025, prices once again reached a high around June before declining during the second half of the year.

Several factors may help explain this trend:

• Lower consumer demand as winter approaches;

• Increased inventory for certain vehicle categories;

• Consumers focusing on holiday expenses;

• Year-end sales objectives;

• More trade-in vehicles entering dealership inventories.

Why Can January Be a Good Time to Buy?

Dealership traffic may be lower in January. Vehicles that have remained unsold since November or December may therefore become easier to negotiate.

Waiting until January still involves a risk: the selection may be more limited. A reliable, well-maintained vehicle offered at a fair price can sell quickly, especially in popular categories.

These include:

• Affordable vehicles;

• All-wheel-drive SUVs;

• Pickup trucks;

• Reliable Japanese models;

• Recent used vehicles;

• Low-mileage vehicles.

When buying used, mechanical condition is usually more important than a small seasonal discount.

Why Does the Vehicle’s Time in Inventory Matter?

A vehicle advertised for 60 or 90 days may offer more negotiating potential than an identical vehicle that arrived yesterday.

To monitor an advertisement, record:

• The vehicle identification number, or VIN;

• The advertised price;

• The date you first saw the listing;

• The mileage;

• The dealership’s name;

• Any price changes.

The VIN allows you to recognize the same vehicle if the advertisement is removed and later reposted.

A vehicle that remains in inventory costs the seller money. As a result, the dealership may be more willing to reduce the price or include additional benefits.

Is Spring a Good Time to Buy a Car?

Spring generally provides more selection, but not necessarily the lowest prices.

Demand often increases as the weather improves. Consumers return to dealerships, and many people want to replace their vehicle before the summer travel season.

Spring may be a good time if you care more about:

• A wider selection of colours;

• Trim and option availability;

• Faster delivery;

• The ability to test-drive several vehicles.

If your main priority is obtaining the lowest possible price, fall and early winter are generally more promising.

Car Financing: Beware of False Savings

The lowest advertised price does not always represent the best offer.

Consider a $40,000 vehicle financed over 60 months:

A $3,000 discount may therefore be less valuable than 0% financing, depending on the rate of the alternative loan.

Before signing, always ask for:

• The annual percentage rate;

• The total borrowing cost;

• The total amount of all payments;

• Mandatory fees;

• The conditions attached to the discount;

• A list of promotions that can be combined.

Do not make your decision based only on the monthly payment. A loan lasting 84 or 96 months lowers the monthly payment but can substantially increase the total cost. It also increases the risk of owing more than the vehicle is worth.

What Is the Best Time to Buy an Electric Vehicle?

For an electric vehicle, the government incentive calendar may be more important than seasonal dealership promotions.

In 2026, Canada’s Electric Vehicle Affordability Program provides an incentive of up to:

• $5,000 for certain battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles;

• $2,500 for certain plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Conditions related to the price, origin, and type of vehicle apply. Program funding is also limited.

In Quebec, the maximum incentive for a new electric vehicle has gradually declined in recent years. In 2026, a provincial incentive of up to $2,000 may apply to certain eligible vehicles.

Quebec assistance for an eligible used electric vehicle may reach $1,000.

Waiting until December for a dealership promotion is therefore not always the best strategy. The loss or reduction of a government incentive could exceed the discount offered by the dealer.

Always verify official eligibility lists and available program funding before completing the purchase.

Annual Car-Buying Calendar for Quebec

How to Negotiate the Best Car Price

A structured approach can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a good deal.

1. Define the Exact Vehicle You Want

Choose the model, trim, powertrain, and essential options. For a used vehicle, also establish a minimum model year and maximum mileage.

2. Request at Least Three Written Quotes

Compare identical or highly similar vehicles. Each offer should include the price before taxes, mandatory fees, accessories, financing rate, borrowing cost, and total payments.

3. Negotiate the Vehicle and Trade-In Separately

Do not allow the dealer to combine the vehicle discount with the value of your current car.

First negotiate the purchase price. Then discuss the trade-in and financing separately.

4. Compare Cash Rebates with Reduced Financing Rates

Some promotions cannot be combined. A manufacturer may offer either a cash credit or low-interest financing.

Ask for complete calculations under both scenarios before deciding.

5. Review the Contract Carefully

In Quebec, the advertised price from a dealer must generally include the mandatory charges required to purchase the vehicle. Watch for optional accessories or additional fees that appear only when it is time to sign.

Should You Wait Before Buying?

Consider waiting if:

• Your current vehicle remains reliable;

• You want a new vehicle from the outgoing model year;

• You can shop between September and December;

• You plan to buy a used vehicle near the end of the year;

• Several dealerships have the vehicle you want.

It may be better to buy sooner if:

• Your current vehicle requires expensive repairs;

• You find a used vehicle in excellent condition;

• The model you want is difficult to find;

• A government incentive will soon be reduced;

• The cost of waiting exceeds the potential savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest month to buy a car in Canada?

There is no single cheapest month for every vehicle. December is generally one of the strongest months for new-car promotions, while December and January can be favourable for used vehicles.

Is Black Friday a good time to buy a car?

Black Friday can bring valuable manufacturer incentives, but the promotional label does not guarantee the lowest annual price. Compare the total purchase and financing costs with offers available before and after the event.

Is it better to buy a car at the end of the month?

It can be. A dealership approaching a monthly or quarterly target may be more willing to negotiate. However, inventory age, model popularity, and manufacturer incentives usually matter more than the exact day.

Should I buy the current model year or wait for the next one?

The outgoing model year generally provides better discounts. The incoming model year may offer newer technology, a wider selection, and potentially better resale value.

Is December or January better for buying a car?

December is generally better for new vehicles because dealerships may be clearing inventory and pursuing annual objectives. January can be particularly attractive for remaining previous-year models and used vehicles that did not sell before the holidays.

Conclusion

There is no magical day when every vehicle suddenly becomes cheaper.

For most Quebec buyers, September through December is the strongest period for purchasing a new vehicle, especially an outgoing model-year unit already in stock.

For a used vehicle, late November through January often provides good opportunities, although the selection may be more limited.

The real best time to buy occurs when four conditions come together: a vehicle that has been in inventory for some time, a favourable seasonal period, competing written offers, and reasonable financing.

Before signing, always compare the vehicle’s total cost—not only its advertised price or monthly payment.

Sources

• AutoTrader – December 2023 Price Index

• TRADER Corporation – December 2024 Price Index

• TRADER Corporation – Fourth Quarter 2025 Price Index

• AutoTrader – Second Quarter 2026 Price Index

• Bank of Canada – Policy Interest Rate

• Transport Canada – Electric Vehicle Affordability Program

• Government of Quebec – Financial Assistance for a Used Electric Vehicle

• Office de la protection du consommateur – All-Inclusive Advertised Pricing