When's the Best Time to Buy a Car in Australia?
Month-end, EOFY, plate clearance and run-out sales — the real deal cycles that actually save you money on a car in Australia.
Timing matters. Car dealerships operate on sales targets — monthly, quarterly, and annually. When targets are on the line, prices drop. Here's the calendar of when Australian dealers are most motivated to deal, and how to use it to your advantage.
1. End of the Month
Salespeople have monthly targets. Hit them and they earn bonuses; miss them and they feel it in the pay packet. The last 3–5 days of any month are when they're most flexible on price.
Visit the dealership on the 25th–28th of the month. Make an offer. If they say no, leave your number and walk out. There's a decent chance they'll call you on the 30th or 31st to close the deal.
2. End of Quarter (March, June, September, December)
Quarterly targets are even more powerful than monthly ones. The dealership as a whole has volume bonuses from the manufacturer that kick in at quarter-end. If they're 2–3 cars short of a bonus tier, your single purchase could be worth tens of thousands to them in manufacturer incentives.
- March 28–31 — first quarter close, decent but not the strongest
- June 28–30 — EOFY, the single best time of year (more below)
- September 28–30 — third quarter, often overlooked = less competition
- December 28–31 — year-end double target (monthly + annual), excellent deals
3. End of Financial Year (June)
EOFY is the holy grail of car buying in Australia. Here's why:
- Dealerships clear stock to hit financial year targets
- Manufacturers offer factory bonuses and cashback on remaining stock
- Finance companies offer rate subsidies to move metal before June 30
- Business buyers are spending pre-tax dollars, increasing demand — but also increasing dealer volume, which means they're more willing to deal on price
The best EOFY deals are on cars that have been in stock for 90+ days. Ask the dealer which cars have been on the lot the longest — they're the most motivated to clear them.
4. Plate Clearance (October–December)
When a new model year arrives, the previous year's build plate stock has to go. These cars are brand new with full warranty, but the dealer discounts them heavily because no one wants 'last year's model.'
| What You Get | What You Save | The Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new car, full warranty | $3,000–$8,000 off RRP | Older build plate (e.g. built 2024, sold 2025) |
| Same features as current model | Often bonus accessories thrown in | Slightly lower resale value when you sell |
| Full manufacturer warranty | Lower drive-away price | Less colour choice (clearing what's left) |
The resale impact is usually minor — a 2024-plated car vs a 2025-plated car of the same model will typically differ by $1,000–$2,000 at trade-in time, far less than the discount you got upfront.
5. Model Run-Out (When a New Generation Launches)
When a car is about to be replaced by an all-new generation (not just a model year update), dealers go into fire-sale mode on the outgoing model. These are the biggest discounts in the car industry — sometimes 15–25% off RRP.
Outgoing-generation cars depreciate faster and may have fewer tech features than the new model. But if you're planning to keep the car for 5+ years, the savings far outweigh the depreciation difference.
6. December / Christmas Period
December is quiet. Most Australians are thinking about Christmas, not car buying. That means dealers are hungry. Combined with year-end and monthly targets, the last two weeks of December can produce excellent deals — especially on plate clearance stock.
The Worst Time to Buy
- January / early February — dealers know tax refunds are landing, prices are firm
- When a new model has just launched — the new car is at full RRP with no discounts
- During a shortage (supply chain issues, natural disasters) — demand outstrips supply, discounts disappear
- Any time you're in a rush — urgency is the enemy of a good deal
The Timing Playbook
- Best: Last week of June (EOFY) or last week of December (plate clearance + year-end targets)
- Good: Last week of any month, especially March/September quarter-ends
- Avoid: January–February, and whenever a brand-new model has just launched
Found a deal at the right time? Run it through our Fair Deal Checker to make sure it's actually fair.
Quick Answers
What is the single best month to buy a car in Australia?
June (EOFY) is the best for dealer discounts as they chase sales targets and clear stock before the financial year ends. December is also strong for run-out and plate-clearance deals before the new year's models arrive.
Is it better to buy at the end of the month or the end of the quarter?
End of quarter (March, June, September, December) is generally better than a plain month-end, because both the salesperson and the dealership have quarterly targets to hit. The last 3–5 days of a quarter are the most motivated.
What are plate clearance deals?
When a new model year arrives (often late in the calendar year), dealers need to clear the previous year's plated stock. These cars are brand new but have an older build plate, so dealers discount them heavily — often $3,000–$8,000 off.
Should I wait for a sale event like Black Friday to buy a car?
Black Friday and Boxing Day can offer genuine deals, but they're not always the best. EOFY and end-of-quarter are more reliable because the pressure is structural (targets), not just marketing.
General information only. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and speak with a licensed financial adviser before making loan decisions.