President’s Day weekend is more than just a time to honor the nation’s leaders and enjoy a long weekend. For savvy car buyers, it’s one of the hottest times of the year to find incredible deals on vehicles. Over the years, President’s Day has become a prime opportunity for dealerships to offer significant savings, financing specials, and enticing incentives to get buyers onto their lots. Whether you’re dreaming of upgrading your current ride or snagging a reliable used car at a bargain, this is the weekend when real deals are waiting to be uncovered. But how do you make the most of President’s Day promotions? Keep reading to find out what makes this weekend special and how you can drive home with a great deal.

Why President’s Day Is a Shopping Hotspot

There’s a reason President’s Day weekend has become a key event on every car shopper’s calendar. For dealerships, this marks the first major sales push of the year. January tends to be one of the slowest months for car sales, so dealerships often hit February ready to ramp things up. This means savings for you.

President’s Day is also conveniently timed with new inventory rolling in. Many car manufacturers begin shipping next year’s models early in the year, creating a need for dealers to clear out older stock. This includes not just new cars but also used vehicles coming from trade-ins or lease returns. Overall, it’s a win-win situation for dealers and buyers alike.

And don’t forget, this weekend isn’t just for new car hunters. Used car buyers can still score fantastic offers, whether it’s price drops, extended warranties, or low-interest financing options on certified pre-owned vehicles. If you’ve had your eye on a well-maintained SUV, sedan, or even a hybrid, this is the moment to pounce.

What Types of Offers Are Typically Available?

President’s Day weekend is usually packed with various promotions designed to make buying a car more appealing. One of the most common is dealer discounts. These are straightforward reductions in the car’s sticker price, making it faster to save money without needing to haggle. For example, you might see discounts knocking off thousands of dollars on popular models, especially if they’re from the previous model year.

Special financing offers are another gem of the weekend. Low or even zero percent financing rates might be available for buyers with great credit. For used cars, dealerships may offer reduced rates on loans through their financing departments, which can help keep monthly payments manageable.

Trade-in bonuses are frequently part of the promotional mix during President’s Day sales events as well. If you’re bringing in your old vehicle as part of the deal, many dealerships are willing to offer extra cash beyond its assessed trade-in value. This bonus can significantly lower the out-of-pocket cost for your new (or new-to-you) car.

Lastly, certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles often get extra attention during President’s Day weekend. These vehicles have undergone rigorous inspections and often come with extended warranties, making them an attractive option for used car buyers. CPO specials might include discounted prices or additional perks like complimentary maintenance packages.

Planning Ahead for the Best Deals

Heading into President’s Day weekend prepared is crucial for making sure you actually walk away with a deal. Start by doing your homework on the vehicles you’re interested in. Look up their current market value on reputable websites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to have an idea of what’s fair. This will make it easier to recognize real savings when you see them advertised.

If you plan to finance, getting pre-approved for a loan from a bank or credit union before the weekend starts can give you an advantage. Pre-approval sets clear boundaries for your budget and ensures you’re not lured into a payment plan that’s less favorable than one you could’ve arranged independently.

It’s also smart to research any advertised deals ahead of time. Most dealerships will promote their President’s Day offers online, so take some time to scan their websites and sales flyers. Make a list of the dealerships with the most appealing deals and prioritize visiting them early in the weekend. Deals are often first-come, first-served, so being ready to act can make all the difference.

Timing Your Visit for Maximum Savings

While many shoppers flock to dealerships early on Saturday morning, you might find better opportunities for negotiating later in the weekend. By Sunday or Monday, salespeople and managers might be more willing to sweeten the deal if they haven’t hit their sales targets. If you’re flexible and patient, this timing could lead to additional discounts, free add-ons, or even lower financing terms.

Still, if you’re eyeing a particularly popular car, it’s usually worth acting quickly. Once the cars with the best offers are sold, they’re gone, and holiday weekends tend to attract plenty of eager buyers.

The Used Car Advantage During President’s Day Sales

Used cars are often overlooked during big sales weekends, with much of the spotlight going to shiny new models. But for budget-conscious buyers, used cars can be the real MVP of President’s Day deals.

Many dealerships stock up on used cars just before the holiday in anticipation of increased demand. This includes a mix of trade-ins, lease returns, and older vehicles from their inventory. Whatever your preference, you’ll likely find a wider selection and more promotions than usual during this weekend. Certified pre-owned programs often get highlighted for the holiday, offering a layer of protection and quality assurance.

Since used cars are already significantly less expensive than new ones, stacking a President’s Day discount or trade-in bonus could result in a deal that’s hard to beat any other time of year.

Navigating the Fine Print of President’s Day Deals

Holiday sales come with plenty of flashy banners and exciting ads, but it’s important to read the fine print on every offer you consider. Some discounts or financing deals might only apply to specific models or trim levels, and others could require larger down payments than you’re expecting.

Watch out for any extra fees that could sneak into the final price. It’s common for dealerships to advertise eye-catching discounts while tacking on document fees, delivery fees, or mandatory add-ons that increase the total cost. Be clear about what’s included in your deal before signing anything.

Lastly, consider how your trade-in plays into the equation. While trade-in bonuses can add value, make sure you’re also getting a fair and accurate trade-in value for your current car. A little negotiation here can add even more savings to your deal.

By prepping beforehand and staying focused during the sales process, you can maximize your savings and drive away knowing you got a true President’s Day victory.