What is the hardest month to sell a car?

Asked by: Hilario Vandervort DVM  |  Last update: July 6, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (3 votes)

December is generally considered the hardest month to sell a car, followed closely by January and October.

What month do cars sell the least?

January is generally the slowest month for car sales, often described as a "post-holiday hangover" for the industry. High consumer debt from December, cold weather, and the start of a new year lead to significantly lower foot traffic at dealerships.

How much commission does a car salesman make on a $30,000 car?

If a dealership owns a vehicle for $28,000 and sells it for $30,000, the gross profit is $2,000. If the salesperson earns 25 percent commission on gross profit, they would make $500 on that sale. It is important to remember that not every sale has large profit margins.

What should you never reveal to the dealer when negotiating?

To get the best deal, never reveal your maximum monthly payment budget, that you are paying cash, or that you have an urgent need to buy immediately. Focus only on the total "out-the-door" price, keep trade-ins and financing separate until the end, and never act too enthusiastic about a specific car.

What color makes a car look expensive?

Black, white, and metallic silver are the top colors that make a car look expensive by conveying luxury, sophistication, and timelessness. Deep metallic blues and charcoal grays offer a mature, premium appearance, while niche, rare colors like gold or orange can make high-end sports cars look more valuable and customized.

Why selling cars is a TERRIBLE job!! (from a car salesman)

42 related questions found

What color is replacing gray in 2026?

In 2026, cool gray is being replaced by warmer, organic, and "nature-inspired" neutrals, with mushroom taupes, soft earthy greens, creamy off-whites, and warm khakis dominating interior design. These colors, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki and Valspar's Sage Slate, offer a calming, "soulful" alternative to the previously popular sterile grays.

How to beat a car salesman at his own game?

To beat a car salesman, come prepared with research, secure financing beforehand, focus only on the out-the-door price (not monthly payments), and be prepared to walk away. Avoid emotional attachment, ignore high-pressure tactics, and force dealers to compete by getting quotes via email before stepping foot in the dealership.

What is the crappiest car of all time?

The 1986 Yugo GV, widely roasted as the ultimate automotive disaster, holds the crown. Shipped from the former Yugoslavia, it combined catastrophic build quality, electrical fires, and an engine that frequently blew its timing belt. At highway speeds, the trim was notorious for just falling off.

What color car gets stolen the least?

Bright, uncommon colors like yellow, orange, green, and pink are stolen the least, as they are easier to identify, harder to hide, and more difficult to resell. Conversely, common, neutral-colored vehicles—such as black, silver, gray, and white—are stolen most often because they blend in easily and are in higher demand.

Do car salesmen get paid if they don't sell?

Most salespeople do not sell 25 cars per month, and holding gross on a new cars is virtually impossible these days. So at every dealership there's what's known as a minimum commission, or "mini deal." That's the minimum the dealership will pay you when a car deal makes no money.

What is the biggest mistake that first time car buyers make?

Biggest Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make

  • Neglecting Proper Research. ...
  • Falling in Love Too Quickly. ...
  • Ignoring Long-Term Costs. ...
  • Shopping Without a Clear Budget. ...
  • Choosing the Wrong Dealership. ...
  • Overlooking the Used Car Market. ...
  • Don't Focus Solely on Monthly Payments. ...
  • Avoid Revealing Your Budget or Trade-In Details Too Early.

How much does a Lamborghini salesman make a year?

As of Apr 27, 2026, the average annual pay for a Lamborghini Salesman in California is $53,905 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $25.92 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,036/week or $4,492/month.

What car is hardest to steal?

Tesla Models 3 and Y are among the hardest cars to steal due to advanced security features like PIN-to-Drive, Sentry Mode cameras, and built-in GPS tracking. Other vehicles with extremely low theft rates include the Volvo XC90, Subaru Ascent, and various EVs, which are 50-100 times less likely to be stolen than the average car.

What months not to buy a car?

When it comes to month of the year, April through October are the worst times to buy according to researchers, while November through March offer far more good deals. Those months also include the two best-ranked holidays for finding used car deals: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

How many cars do salesmen usually sell a month?

The average car salesperson sells between 10 and 12 vehicles per month. However, this number varies drastically depending on the dealership model, sales experience, and inventory.

Which car is called the poor man's Porsche?

The title "poor man's Porsche" most commonly refers to entry-level or vintage front-engine Porsche models—specifically the Porsche 924, 944, and 912.

What car has the most complaints?

Based on data from 2015–2024, the Ford Fusion is the model with the highest total complaints filed with the NHTSA (16,335), followed closely by the Ford F-150 and Ford Escape. However, the Chrysler 300 has the highest rate of complaints (66.7 per 10,000 sold), while Ford leads in total manufacturer complaints.

What is the most feared car?

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cars to Drive

  1. Ford Pinto. The Ford Pinto has gone down in history for all the wrong reasons. ...
  2. Ford Bronco II. Image: Ford Bronco II by Julien-brim, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. ...
  3. Chevrolet Corvair. ...
  4. Suzuki Samurai. ...
  5. Yugo GV. ...
  6. Audi 5000. ...
  7. Pontiac Fiero. ...
  8. Toyota Yaris (2005-2010)

What not to tell a car salesperson?

"I Have a Trade-In"

Telling a salesperson up front that you have a trade-in adds another ingredient to the car-buying stew they'll cook up for you. For example, they can lowball your trade-in value and then lower the price of your new car to make it look more attractive.

Why do car salesmen talk to managers?

Car salespeople talk to a manager to get approval for final pricing, strategize how to maximize profit, and use a "turnover" (T.O.) tactic to keep you from leaving. This choreographed move breaks deadlocks, keeps you emotionally invested, and allows the salesperson to remain your "ally" while the manager acts as the strict authority.

What are the 5 basic selling techniques?

Which sales methods should I use?

  • SPIN selling. SPIN selling is about asking the right questions. ...
  • SNAP selling. Before modern buyers make a purchase decision, they're overloaded with information urging them to buy solution X or Y. ...
  • Challenger Sale. ...
  • Sandler Sale method. ...
  • Consultative or solution selling.

Which color never goes out of style?

Choosing a color palette that won't go out of style helps you get long-term value out of your painting project. Gray, white, navy, and deep greens work well in almost every home.

What colors make a house look expensive?

Colors that make a house look expensive in 2026 often lean towards rich neutrals, deep jewel tones, and sophisticated, high-contrast combinations. Top choices include creamy whites, deep navy, rich taupe, charcoal gray, and emerald green. These colors create a sense of timeless elegance, depth, and luxury, making spaces appear more intentional and polished.

What color makes a person calm?

Blue: calmness, serenity, peace

Blue has the opposite effects of red and is the most soothing color. Primary blue is used in therapeutic settings for meditation and relaxation because it helps you unwind, find peace, and become more comfortable expressing your inner feelings.