Are Holiday Weekend Car Sales Really Worth It? Here's the Truth.

Holiday car shopping

Ah yes, the Big Holiday Sales Event — where dealerships roll out the inflatable eagles, crank up the patriotic music, and plaster everything with red, white, and blue “SALE!” banners like it’s the Fourth of July exploded in their showroom.

But is a holiday weekend actually the best time to buy a car? Or is it just another case of dealership smoke and mirrors?

Spoiler alert: sometimes, you can score a solid deal. But only if you do it right.

🎯 Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Most Holiday Sales Are Just Hype

Dealerships love a good spectacle. They want you to think that if you don’t rush down right now, someone else will snag the last car on Earth. But the truth?

“Most of these big holiday sales events are just hype,” I told Fox 46 Charlotte. “Sure, there are sometimes real incentives, especially on vehicles they’re trying to get rid of. But a lot of the time, the deals aren’t any better than what you could negotiate any other time of year.”

Translation: if you’re not prepared, you’ll end up with fireworks and fanfare... but not necessarily a great deal.

So if you’re shopping for a car over Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or any other holiday, here’s how to avoid the fluff and actually make the most of it.

1. Plan Ahead — Like, Way Ahead

Walking into a dealership cold on a holiday weekend is like showing up to a cookout without a side dish. You’ll be overwhelmed, underprepared, and someone’s going to take advantage of you.

🔍 Do your homework:

• Figure out what you want. Research the makes and models you're interested in ahead of time. Narrow down your top choices and take test drives before the holiday rush.

• Check inventory online. Just because a dealer’s website lists it doesn’t mean it’s actually on the lot. Call to confirm.

• Know that the “best” deals are often on the cars no one wants. If you’re aiming for a top-selling model in a popular trim or color, don’t expect deep discounts. But if you're flexible, you might find a sweet deal on the less-loved lot leftovers.

  
  

💰 Set a real budget:

• Know what you can actually afford — not just per month, but total. Include your down payment or trade-in, taxes, fees, and don’t forget insurance.

• Use tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to figure out a fair price for the cars you're considering.

• And yes, go get some insurance quotes ahead of time. That shiny new SUV won’t feel like such a great deal once you see the premium.

📅 Schedule appointments early:

Holiday weekends are insane at car dealerships. Don’t just wander in mid-afternoon and expect to get real attention. Call ahead. Book a morning appointment. Be that person who’s ready before the sales team finishes their coffee.

2. Get Preapproved Like a Boss

You wouldn’t walk into a pawn shop with no idea what your Rolex is worth. So why would you go car shopping without knowing your financing power?

Getting preapproved for a loan from your bank or credit union gives you leverage. It also protects you from some of the dealer finance department’s favorite tricks, like inflating your interest rate to pad their commission.

Why preapproval rocks:

• You know exactly what interest rate you qualify for

• You can take your financing anywhere

• You can challenge the dealership to beat your rate — and make them work for it

Trust me, when you walk in saying “I’m already preapproved at 5.2%, what can you do for me?” it changes the whole dynamic.

3. Double-Crunch the Numbers

Here’s where a lot of people get duped by the shiny sale tags. Just because there’s $1,000 off the sticker price doesn’t mean you’re getting a deal. Especially if they jack up the interest rate or stretch the loan to 84 months.

Here’s what to look for:

• Manufacturer incentives or rebates – Actual money off the car, not dealer smoke and mirrors

• Low-interest financing offers – Usually reserved for folks with strong credit

• Competing offers – Always shop around. ALWAYS. Multiple dealers. Multiple quotes. And yes, still negotiate.

“Don’t assume the ‘red tag’ price is the best price,” I told Fox 46. “You can almost always do better if you shop around and negotiate like crazy.”

4. Don't Fall for the “Buy It Now or Miss Out” Pressure

Yes, holiday weekends can offer good deals — if you’re already ready to buy. But if you’re just browsing or still unsure, don’t let a high-pressure sales pitch push you into a bad decision.

There are deals all the time. Sometimes better ones happen at the end of the month or quarter, when salespeople are trying to hit their numbers. So if the timing isn’t right, walk away. Seriously.

Your wallet (and your future self) will thank you.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Not Just on Sale

If you’re already in the market, a holiday weekend sale might save you some money — if you’ve done your homework, secured your financing, and know what you’re doing.

But don’t fall for the marketing hype. You’re not getting a deal just because the showroom is decked out in flags and balloons.

If you want help navigating the madness and making sure you don’t get hosed, that’s what I do. Contact The Car Chick and let’s get you the best deal — no gimmicks required.