Is This Really the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Terry D'Arcy, owner of three Joliet dealerships, gives you tips to shop for a new car.

Posted Sat, Nov 10, 2012 at 5:14 am CT|Updated Sun, Nov 11, 2012 at 3:48 am CT

Terry D'Arcy, who owns three car dealerships in Joliet, says that this time of the year is indeed the best to buy a car.

"It is a good time to buy a car the later part of the year, if you intend to keep it," he said.

That's because D'Arcy said he has seen a trend in more and more people leasing cars instead of buying them.

"There's probably 35 to 40 percent of people who like to trade in three or four years," D'Arcy said.

Years ago, D'Arcy said only about 5 to 7 percent of people chose to lease.

No matter whether you're going to buy a car or lease a car, here are some tips:

Know the value of your existing car if you are trading it in
Investigate the incentives that are available
Buy what you like - you will spend a great deal of time in the car, you should buy a vehicle in which you will be comfortable
Know what you can afford
Check the integrity of the dealership with whom you are doing business and read the fine print of offers.

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