President's Day and Labor Day car sales are one of the most anticipated times of the year for savvy shoppers looking to save big on new or used vehicles. This holiday marks the year's first major sales event, and nationwide dealerships often offer deep discounts, enticing incentives, and flexible financing options. Remember that not all car deals are created equal, and knowing where to find the best offers can make the difference between a good purchase and a great one. We will explore the top locations to consider during President's Day sales to ensure you drive away with the car you want at a price that fits your budget.

Local Dealerships

Local dealerships are some of the most popular destinations for President's Day car shoppers. Why? These dealerships often have competitive sales events designed to attract holiday customers. Many advertise special perks, such as bonus trade-in values, price reductions on last year's models, and zero-interest financing for well-qualified buyers.

Tips for Shopping at Local Dealerships:

  • Compare multiple dealerships in your area to find the best price.
  • Negotiate with confidence by using offers from one dealership to leverage a better deal at another.
  • Look out for extra perks, like free maintenance packages or low down payments.

Visiting nearby dealerships allows you to test-drive vehicles, speak directly with sales professionals, and negotiate on the spot. Local dealers also offer President's Day events where promotions span multiple brands.

Manufacturer Certified Dealerships

Manufacturer Certified Dealerships (MCDs) are an excellent place to look during President's Day sales if you've got your heart set on a specific brand or model. These dealerships specialize in vehicles from a particular automaker and often feature discounts directly supported by the brand.

Benefits of Manufacturer Certified Dealerships:

  1. Access to factory rebates and exclusive incentives from automakers.
  2. A wide range of inventory includes certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles with warranties and inspections.
  3. Promotions tailored to specific brands, like Honda offering cashback deals or Toyota providing reduced financing rates.

Before heading to the lot, visit the manufacturer's website for details about ongoing deals. This helps you identify which dealerships are participating in specific promotions.

Multi-Brand Superstores

Multi-brand superstores like CarMax or AutoNation are ideal for those who want a wide selection. These large-scale dealerships carry cars from various manufacturers, offering you hundreds of options in one location.

Why Shop at Multi-Brand Superstores:

  • No-haggle pricing simplifies the buying process, ensuring you pay a fair price.
  • Many superstores offer President's Day rebates or incentives, such as bonus warranties.
  • They save you time by consolidating vehicles from multiple manufacturers under one roof.

Use the store’s online tools to create a list of vehicles that fit your needs before visiting. These dealerships can offer something to suit every budget, whether you're buying new or used.

Online Marketplaces

Shopping for cars online has become increasingly popular, and there’s no better time to take advantage of online deals than during President's Day. Websites such as Carvana, Vroom, and TrueCar specialize in connecting buyers with amazing deals.

Tips for Online Shopping on President's Day:

  • Use filters to refine your search by price, brand, or special offers.
  • Look for platforms offering holiday rebates or free delivery services.
  • Compare prices across locations to ensure you’re securing the best deal available.

Online marketplaces are particularly convenient for busy buyers and often offer seamless purchasing experiences, with delivery included. Since they operate nationwide, you can access promotions that are not available locally.

Regional Sales Events

Regional auto sales events are often hidden gems for holiday buyers. Hosted by auto dealer associations, these events bring together multiple dealerships under one roof, creating a highly competitive environment.

What to Expect at Regional Sales Events:

  • Show-only pricing, where dealers offer discounts exclusive to event attendees.
  • Perks like bonus trade-in values, zero-interest financing, or add-ons like extended warranties.
  • The ability to compare deals from multiple dealerships in one location saves time and effort.

Look for local advertising or community boards to see if there’s an event happening near you. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get first dibs on the best deals.

Warehouse Clubs

Unconventional but worthwhile, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club can offer outstanding car deals through their auto-buying programs.

Advantages of Warehouse Club Programs:

  • Access to pre-negotiated prices on new and used cars.
  • Members-only offers, such as free accessories or discounted maintenance packages.
  • No-hassle pricing that can compete with dealership holiday events.

Inventory may be limited to specific brands or models, these programs are worth exploring if you’re already a member of these clubs.

Rental Car Companies

Rental car companies like Enterprise and Hertz often sell their retired fleet vehicles at lower prices than dealerships. President’s Day is a great time to check these options.

Why Consider Rental Car Companies:

  • Affordable pricing makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Vehicles are typically well-maintained and come with detailed service histories.
  • They often increase inventory clearance sales around holiday events like President's Day.

Be aware that these vehicles may have higher mileage, which could affect their long-term value. Always request a test drive and a full vehicle history report.

Luxury and Specialty Dealerships

Luxury car brands like BMW, Audi, and Lexus often join the President's Day sales frenzy with deals aimed at high-end buyers.

Highlights of Shopping at Luxury Dealerships:

  • Flexible financing offers, such as reduced interest rates or deferred payments.
  • High-value trade-in offers that can reduce the cost of upgrading to a new vehicle.
  • Holiday promotions on specialty models, including hybrids and electric vehicles.

Even if a new luxury car isn’t in your budget, consider checking pre-owned options available through certified programs.

Independent Used Car Dealers

Independent dealerships can sometimes offer surprising deals on President’s Day. These smaller shops often compete with larger chains by offering personalized discounts or unique financing options.

What to Ask at Independent Dealerships:

  • Are warranties included in the purchase?
  • What’s the history of the vehicle? Request a Carfax report.
  • Are holiday-specific offers available, like additional discounts or bundled services?

Take the time to inspect vehicles carefully and test drive them to ensure a wise investment. You might even take it to your own mechanic to check over.