Thinking of scoring a car deal this Black Friday? Black Friday car deals can be exciting, with promises of huge discounts, 0% APR financing, and cash-back incentives. Many buyers see this as the perfect time to purchase a new or used car. The hype is real: manufacturers often push rebates, dealerships clear year-end inventory, and special financing makes vehicles more affordable.

Not all deals are created equal—some may be genuine discounts, while others are marketing gimmicks. Learn more about avoiding Black Friday scams here.

The challenge is that not all deals are created equal. While some new cars come with substantial incentives, used cars may show modest discounts or even inflated prices. Shoppers need guidance to separate genuine opportunities from marketing tactics. This post breaks down the data, highlights potential pitfalls, and provides a checklist to make your Black Friday car purchase smart and stress-free.

Big Incentives on New Cars During Black Friday / Year-End Sales

Cash Back, 0% Financing, and Rebates: What’s Really On Offer

Many new cars in 2025 come with substantial incentives around Black Friday. Offers often include 0.0% financing for up to 36 months, manufacturer rebates, and lease bonuses. For example, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured 0% APR financing for 36 months, allowing buyers to save significantly on interest ([Kbb.com, Forbes]).

These offers typically appear because dealerships aim to clear out old inventory before the next model year arrives ([Team-BHP.com, CarEdge]). While these deals can save money, they are not universal. Not every model or trim qualifies, so buyers must research incentives for the specific car they want.

Takeaway: New car Black Friday deals can deliver real savings, but only with careful verification. Use official manufacturer sites and dealer listings to confirm the offers.

Used-Car Deals – Why Caution is Key

Black Friday Isn’t Always a Bargain for Used Cars

Data suggests that used-car discounts on Black Friday are often modest. A 2025 iSeeCars study found the average used car was priced just 4.6% below fair market value, while some new cars were listed 11.4% above MSRP ([iSeeCars, Yahoo Autos]).

Many advertised deals are more hype than savings. For instance, a buyer might see a “10% off” deal on a compact sedan, but a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) could reveal mechanical issues. This inspection not only protects the buyer but can also provide negotiation leverage or the option to walk away.

Checklist Tip: Always compare prices against fair-market value, arrange a PPI for used cars, and avoid rushing into deals.

End-of-Year Inventory Pressure – Timing Matters

When to Strike: Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Savings

Dealerships often offer discounts and incentives to move leftover inventory before new models arrive ([Forbes, Team-BHP.com, CarEdge]). Slow-selling cars or last year’s models tend to have better discounts, while popular, in-demand vehicles may see minimal reductions.

Checklist Tip: Identify whether the car you want is leftover inventory or a high-demand model. Being flexible on trim or options increases the likelihood of finding a better deal. Timing your purchase during the Black Friday window can maximize savings, but consider the broader year-end landscape for opportunities.

The Ultimate Pre-Purchase Checklist

Step-by-Step Actions Before You Buy

To make the most of Black Friday car deals, follow these steps:

  1. Homework: Research target cars, fair-market prices, and verify incentives ([iSeeCars, Forbes, CarEdge]).
  2. Inspection: Test-drive every vehicle, conduct a PPI for used cars, and verify VIN, trim, and options for new cars ([Consumer Advice, Edmunds]).
  3. Financing vs Cash: Calculate the total cost including interest, taxes, fees, and trade-in values ([Kbb.com, CarEdge]).
  4. Be Skeptical: Compare offers with historical pricing and other sale periods ([iSeeCars, Motor1.com]).
  5. Fine Print: Carefully review dealer add-ons, warranties, and “as-is” disclaimers ([Consumer Advice, Edmunds]).
  6. Fallback Plan: Consider post-Black Friday deals in December or early next year, when leftover inventory and better used-car discounts are more common ([iSeeCars, Team-BHP.com]).

Timing Strategy – Is Black Friday Really the Best Day?

While Black Friday offers some incentives, alternative periods may deliver similar or better deals. Early January, MLK Day, and other year-end clearance sales often provide higher-quality used cars at fair-market prices. Buyers should balance urgency with patience, avoiding pressure purchases on one day alone. Comparing deals across multiple periods ensures better decision-making.

Smart Negotiation & Buyer Mindset Tips

How to Negotiate Like a Pro

Negotiation is crucial for Black Friday car deals. Use inspection results or market-value data to strengthen your bargaining position. Avoid succumbing to “doorbuster” hype and never skip documenting trade-in, financing, or add-on discussions. For example, a buyer negotiating a used SUV successfully reduced the price after the PPI uncovered minor suspension issues.

Tip: A calm, data-driven approach often results in more savings than rushing toward flashy discounts.

Illustrative Examples & Case Studies

In 2025, some new vehicles offered 0% APR financing or substantial cash-back deals. Meanwhile, used cars averaged only modest discounts, emphasizing the need for inspection and careful comparison. A case study involving a used compact sedan highlighted how a PPI exposed issues that justified walking away, showing the value of diligence over impulse buying. Comparing post-Black Friday deals also revealed additional opportunities to save or negotiate better terms.

Conclusion

Black Friday can provide a genuine opportunity to save on new cars, particularly with financing and manufacturer incentives. Used cars require more caution, inspection, and market research. A structured checklist covering research, inspections, financing, negotiation, and paperwork ensures informed decisions.

Will you wait for the perfect black friday car deal, or act fast this Black Friday? The choice could determine whether you drive away with savings or missed opportunities.