is it better to buy a new car in December or wait until January

As someone who has negotiated over 7500 new vehicles over 18+ years, the answer is not clear cut. Here's why: Dealers have monthly and annual quotas to hit, so if you get lucky and time it so they're near their quota, a manager might cut you a deal they wouldn't normally give, similar to how the 100th caller to a radio station gets a prize. So there's that. Since 2008 when the recession started, and manufacturers had to offer big rebates to move vehicles at the end of the model year, the industry has learned to better match supply with demand and just build less vehicles. So in general, there are less vehicles less to move (with exceptions) at the end of the model year (and therefore less rebates/incentives). Note that I have been saying model year and not calendar year, because the model year ends at random times of the year these days, as opposed to the calendar year. So depending on the vehicle you're looking to buy, you may or may not find anything special being offered on the vehicle, no matter the time of the year or month. (especially now, when supply and demand are more evenly matched). Out of curiosity, what vehicle is it? If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at mrabkin@fromcartofinish.com, or 240-403-1069. Mike