1. How to score big discounts on dealer lot cars that have been sitting for months?

2. Understanding car inventory and scarcity

3. Identifying the best deals

4. How to use this information to Your advantage

5. What about markets with low discounts?

6. Strong markets: Where deals are hard to find

7. Key takeaways

How to score big discounts on dealer lot cars that have been sitting for months?

If you’re in the market for a new ride and want to save a significant amount of money, looking for cars that have been sitting on dealer lots for months might be your best bet. These vehicles often come with hefty discounts, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. This strategy is particularly effective for high-value sports cars and supercars, where the savings can offset the first year’s depreciation. But how can you identify these deeply discounted cars? Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding car inventory and scarcity

The length of time a car remains for sale can tell you a lot about its demand. Dealers aim to move inventory quickly, and when certain models remain unsold, they often reduce prices to attract buyers. Conversely, if demand exceeds supply, dealers may add markups. A prime example is the C8 Corvette, which sold so quickly upon release that dealers added significant premiums.

To spot cars with potential discounts, we can look at the “carried over inventory” metric, which measures the percentage of cars remaining unsold for three months or longer. On average, about 30% of cars tracked last year weren’t sold within that timeframe, but this varies greatly by model. Some cars sell instantly, while others linger on lots for months.

Identifying the best deals

Some vehicles struggle to sell, with over 70% of their market supply remaining unsold after three months. These cars often present the best opportunities for buyers. However, discounts aren’t guaranteed—it depends on the dealer, car type, and time of year.

Breaking down inventory by brand, sports cars from Mazda and Lexus sell relatively fast, with carryover rates between 17% and 20%. Meanwhile, Ferrari and Maserati models linger at rates of 40% to 50%. While it might seem logical that slow-selling Ferraris would have the best discounts, that’s not always the case. Luxury cars typically take longer to sell, and high-end dealers often have different financing structures or consignment agreements, reducing their urgency to offer discounts.

To refine our analysis, we look at the discount rate—the percentage by which a car’s price is reduced if it remains unsold for three months. Interestingly, cars with a lower carried-over inventory percentage tend to have slightly higher discounts. But how can you, as a buyer, leverage this data?

How to use this information to Your advantage

There are two main strategies to find the best deals:

1. Targeting Slow-Selling Cars with High Discounts

If a car isn’t selling and is subject to significant price cuts, you could land a fantastic deal. Examples include:

• Maserati MC20

• Aston Martin Vantage (especially the 4.7L model)

• Nissan 400Z

The MC20 market has seen dramatic depreciation, and Vantage prices are down nearly 11% compared to last year. The Nissan 400Z initially carried high markups above MSRP, but prices have since dropped substantially. If a car in this category interests you, negotiating aggressively or simply waiting for further price drops can be a winning strategy.

2. Finding Fast-Selling Cars with High Discounts

Certain cars sell quickly but still get notable discounts. This creates an opportunity to secure a great deal before prices drop further. Some key examples include:

• Mazda MX-5 Miata

• BMW M4

• Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

• Jaguar F-Type

If you’re eyeing one of these models and notice it has been sitting for an unusually long time (e.g., five months), there’s likely room to negotiate. Instead of waiting for an official price drop, initiating a conversation with the dealer could result in an immediate discount.

What about markets with low discounts?

Some cars remain on lots for extended periods but aren’t discounted much. A prime example is the Acura NSX, which maintains low discount rates despite slow sales. This could indicate:

• Dealers are confident they’ll sell the car at a high price.
• Actual transaction prices are significantly lower than listed prices.

This scenario is trickier to navigate. If demand is stabilizing, prices might hold steady, meaning you won’t get a bargain. However, if the market weakens, patience could pay off.

Strong markets: Where deals are hard to find

In hot markets, inventory moves quickly, and discounts are minimal. The Lexus LC 500 is a prime example—historically, it sells quickly with few price reductions. However, seasonality can play a role. For instance, the Porsche Boxster market sees discounts increase in winter, sometimes reaching 6%—a substantial savings if timed correctly.

Key takeaways

• Not all unsold cars come with big discounts – Factors like brand, price point, and dealer strategy affect pricing.

• The best deals are often found on slow-selling cars with high markdowns – Think Maserati MC20, Aston Martin Vantage, and Nissan 400Z.
• If a fast-selling car has a high discount, act quickly – BMW M4, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, and Jaguar F-Type are prime examples.
• Slow-selling cars with low discounts require more research – Acura NSX and certain Ferrari models fit this category.
• Timing matters – Seasonal price drops, like those seen in the Porsche Boxster market, can offer additional savings.

By understanding these trends and using data-driven strategies, you can secure the best possible deal on your next car purchase. Happy hunting!

Inspired by the analysis of our friend @fourwheeltrader. Make sure you check his other videos https://www.youtube.com/@fourwheeltrader/featured.

Are you already a proud owner of a C8 Corvette, Mazda MX-5, Jaguar F-Type, Lexus and Porsche Boxster? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/chevrolet/corvette

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/mazda/mx5

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/jaguar/f-type

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/lexus

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/porsche/boxster

Photos sources: autocar.co.uk, benchmarkconst.net, Car, ar.inspiredpencil.com, abzlocal.mx, hagerty.com, autoevolution.com, autogaleria.pl