JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you're looking for a good deal on a new car -- and you're not too picky about getting the latest model -- September is the time to buy.
Most dealerships are trying to clear out the 2015 models by offering good deals as they're beginning to get 2016 models in.
In Jacksonville, the owner of Jerry Hamm Chevrolet off Philips Highway just North of Emerson Street, agrees that September is a great month to buy a car for anyone looking for a good deal. He said they can offer discounts on many models but that you're really going to be in luck if you go for a 2015 model.
"It's usually good," Hamm said. "You've got model year end clearance. The '15s are kind of going away as the '16s are beginning to trickle in."
He said his lot may look a little bare right now, but it's because the 2015 models are selling like crazy, to make room for the 2016 models. Hamm said September is the time to take advantage of the changeover in model years for anyone looking to buy a new car.
"August was kind of a surprise to the industry and they expect that to carry into September," Hamm said. "Interest rates are low, Gas prices are low. The stock market has had a few hiccups but it's normal. So people are positive about buying cars and there's a lot of pent-up demand from the last several years of people holding off that pent-up demand is coming forth."
At least 31 models are being redesigned for 2016, so dealers are cutting thousands of dollars off the cost of 2015 models to clear them off their lots.
Hamm said anyone interested in a new car will sit down with their finance time to figure out what the best option will be for their family.
"It's definitely the time, like I said," Hamm said. "The availability is good, particularly if you can look at some incoming. If you want the latest greatest '16s, we've got a lot of stuff on the way. But if you're that real deal sticker, we've got some '15s and maybe even a couple of leftover '14s that we can really make a heck of a deal on."
Experts say the only downfall to getting a 2015 car is you may not have the latest features. But big savings on a good car might be too good to pass up depending on your budget and your lifestyle.