When is the best time to lease a car?

June 25, 2025 by

Want to lease a car but not sure if the timing’s right? Read on to find out when is the best and worst time to lease a car.

Leasing is a great way to get hold of a new car without worrying about depreciation or selling your car when you’re ready to move onto the next one. So, knowing when is the best time to lease a car could help you snag a great deal. Here’s how careful timing could help you find the best possible lease deal.

Best month to lease a car

There isn’t a definitive ‘best month’ to lease a car, per say – it merely comes down to your personal priorities and what you’re looking for. Here’s are some months to consider:

  • December: If you want a possible discount, it’ll be good to take advantage of end-of-year sales.
  • March and September: If you want a car with the newest registration plate.
  • July and October: This is if you’re looking for deals on current models as this is normally when the current model year winds down and manufacturers are motivated to clear out stock.

If leasing isn’t really your style, remember you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can also sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Best time of the month to lease a car

The best time of the month is at the end of it, when discounts are more common. This is because dealers are likely looking to meet their end-of-month sales targets.

Worst time to lease a car

Beginning of the month and year

Try and avoid leasing a car at the beginning of the month, quarter, financial or calendar year. Leasing companies, brokers, and dealers have new quotas to meet around then, and are therefore less inclined to offer discounts early on.

New model years released

Whenever manufacturers release new model years or range, those cars are typically priced at their highest, which means discounts are less likely. So, it’s best to steer clear of this to avoid disappointment.

How to get the best car lease deal

Here are some top tips on how to grab the best lease deal for you:

Be flexible

You might have a dream car in mind, but it pays to be open to different models. Some manufacturers may offer better incentives on certain models to boost sales for less popular cars. It’s definitely worth browsing similar models to find the one that suits your personal or business needs.

Make sure the contract is right for you

A lease is a financial commitment of at least two years, so you need to make sure that both the initial payment and your monthly payments are manageable. Also be sure to budget for any additional expenses such as insurance or maintenance costs that may not be included in your monthly payment.

Credit score

When you’re looking to start a lease, check your credit score, and if needed, take action to improve it so you can secure the most affordable and suitable lease contract for you.

Consider different leasing terms

You can often find better deals by considering different lease terms. For instance, most leasing companies offer 12-month, 24-month, and 48-month leases.

Best time to lease a car FAQs

Is December a good time to lease a car?

Yes, December is generally a good time to lease a car as car dealerships are often trying to meet end-of-year sales quotas and clear out inventory for new models, and this includes lease deals.

Is January a good time to lease a car?

January is also a good time to lease a car. Why? The post-Christmas period sees a slump in car sales, which leads to dealerships and manufacturers to offer incentives and discounts to boost demand. This means better lease deals for you.

When is the best time to buy a leased car?

Keep an eye out for lease deals over winter as the car market tends to slow down around this time as leasing providers and dealerships lower prices to boost demand. Late December is especially favourable as this is when dealers try to meet their monthly and yearly quotas.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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