News: When is the Best Time to Buy a Car in Cambodia? Tips For Maximum Savings

Purchasing a car is a big decision, and choosing the right time can save you a significant amount of money. In Cambodia, understanding the best times to buy a car can give you an advantage, whether you're eyeing a new or used model.

This guide breaks down the ideal times of year, month, and week to make your purchase, along with practical tips on maximizing savings, including how Liberty Carz can make finding a great deal easier than ever.

Why Timing is the Key When Buying a Car?

The car market is influenced by trends in demand, inventory, and dealership targets. Timing your purchase strategically means you’re more likely to find discounts and incentives. By knowing when the best time to buy a car is, you’ll avoid paying a premium and benefit from deals that dealerships offer at certain times of the year.

Best Times of the Year to Buy a Car

Identifying the best time of year to buy a car can save you from paying higher prices. Here are the key times in Cambodia when the market typically favors buyers:

• End of the Year (November-December)

The end of the year is traditionally one of the best opportunities for purchasing a vehicle. Salespeople usually strive to achieve annual target sales which leads to discounts on both new and used cars. Year-end clearance events make December especially attractive for shoppers looking to purchase outgoing models at reduced prices.

If you’re looking for the best time to buy a car in 2024, keep in mind that dealerships may offer these discounts to make room for new inventory, creating substantial savings on both new and previous-year models.

• New Model Releases (Typically Q1-Q2)

Early in the year, usually between March and April, new models hit the showroom floor. This is often a good time to buy a car from the previous year’s lineup, as brands and dealerships reduce prices to clear out older inventory. If you’re flexible with the model year, you could save a considerable amount on a car that’s still new but from the prior year.

• Cambodia-Specific Holidays and Promotions

In Cambodia, national and cultural holidays are good times to find promotional discounts on cars. Dealerships frequently offer special deals during these festive periods, making them a great opportunity to purchase a car at a reduced price. Here are some main holidays that you can look for to have a better price:

Khmer New Year (Mid-April)

Khmer New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Cambodia, and it’s a popular time for car sellers to launch promotions. Expect to see discounts, add-ons like free servicing, and other perks as dealerships aim to attract holiday shoppers.

Pchum Ben (September or October)

Pchum Ben is a major Cambodian holiday typically held in September or October. Around this time, dealerships often run promotions to attract buyers. It’s a good opportunity to find deals on both new and used vehicles as dealerships encourage purchases during this festive period.

International New Year (January 1st)

Many car brands in Cambodia participate in New Year sales, offering discounts on both the previous year's models and the latest arrivals. The New Year holiday season is known for promotions, especially as dealers aim to start the year with strong sales figures, making it an ideal time to get a discount.

Chinese New Year (Usually January or February)

Celebrated by a significant portion of Cambodia's population, Chinese New Year is another key holiday when car showrooms often roll out attractive promotions. This holiday marks a fresh start, and many people take the opportunity to make big purchases like cars. They typically respond with special discounts, free services, or add-on giftings to appeal to new customers.

These holidays, in addition to Khmer New Year, are excellent times to keep an eye out for special deals and incentives on cars in Cambodia.

• Low Seasons of the Year 

During low seasons of the auto market in Cambodia, for example, during the rainy season or periods without many festivals, there tends to be a noticeable decline in consumer demand for vehicles. Manufacturers and dealerships often lower their prices to boost sales during these slow periods. Consequently, this decrease in demand can create an opportunity for buyers to buy the car at a preferential price.

By taking advantage of these off-peak seasons, customers can not only save money but also have a broader selection of available models.

Best Month to Buy a Used Car

For those specifically interested in used cars, certain months stand out as better for buying:

• January and February: After the holiday season, dealerships may offer discounts on used cars to refresh their inventory. This makes the beginning of the year an ideal time for buyers seeking leftover promotions.
• September: As new models arrive later in the year, September becomes the best month to buy a used car. Brands often discount older used models to accommodate incoming trade-ins, making this a great time to get a deal on a reliable pre-owned vehicle.

Best Days of the Week and Month to Buy a Car

The timing of your visit to a dealership also matters. Certain days and times in the month can offer an added advantage:

• End of the Month: Sales teams aim to meet monthly targets, so visiting in the final days of the month could yield better offers as they look to close deals. Dealers are often more flexible on price when motivated to hit sales quotas.
• Weekdays, Especially Mid-Week: Shopping on a weekday, ideally in the middle of the week, may allow you more one-on-one time with sales staff and a less crowded environment, giving you an edge in negotiations. Weekends tend to be busier, making it harder to negotiate favorable terms.

Factors Influencing the Best Time to Purchase a Car in Cambodia

Several factors specific to Cambodia’s market also influence the best time to make a purchase:

• Market Supply and Demand: Certain seasons, like the harvest season or peak tourist times, can affect car prices in response to increased demand.
• Currency Exchange Rates: Since Cambodia imports many of its vehicles, fluctuations in currency rates can impact the overall price. If the exchange rate becomes favorable, it can translate into better deals for imported cars.
• Economic Conditions: Broader economic trends and international market shifts can influence vehicle prices. In times of slower demand or a favorable market, dealerships may offer incentives to maintain sales.

Cambodia is an imported car market so car prices may be affected by foreign exchange rates or import tax regulations. As these elements fluctuate, they can lead to variability in car prices. It's important to keep track of these changes to know when car prices stabilize, which helps the buyer make an informed decision about their purchase. By understanding how currency values and tax regulations affect prices, you can better navigate the automotive market in Cambodia.

Tips for Saving Money When Buying a Car Anytime

Timing isn’t everything, knowing how to shop smartly can help you get a great deal year-round. Here are some proven strategies to maximize savings:

• Negotiate with Confidence

Do your research on the car model you’re interested in, so you’re prepared to negotiate confidently. Knowing the market value of a car gives you leverage to ask for discounts or additional benefits, such as reduced insurance or free servicing.

• Compare Multiple Dealerships

Researching around is essential for uncovering the best deals on vehicles. It's important to understand that prices can differ significantly among various dealerships, which is why visiting and searching multiple locations or places can be beneficial. 

By doing so, you not only increase your chances of discovering the most competitive pricing but also gain the opportunity to compare any additional incentives that individual dealerships might offer, such as special financing rates, trade-in bonuses, or promotional discounts.

• Browse Liberty Carz’s App and Website for Easy Access to Deals

Liberty Carz makes it easier than ever to find the best car deals in Cambodia. Through our app and website, you can explore thousands of car deals, comparing prices and features across a vast selection. Liberty Carz connects you directly with sellers, saving you the hassle of visiting multiple dealerships in person.

With our live chat support, you can get immediate assistance with questions on vehicle details, financing options, and negotiation tips. Liberty Carz offers access to great deals year-round, allowing you to purchase at the best time without waiting for seasonal promotions or events.

Besides, Liberty Carz offers flexible car loan packages with various financing options and easy loan application process. Now your dream car is within reach with affordable monthly payments. Get in touch with Liberty Carz for more information about our attractive Loan Package.

• Watch for Seasonal Offers

Keep an eye out for major holiday promotions and end-of-year deals, where discounts are often greater than at any time of the year. Pairing these seasonal offers with Liberty Carz’s selection can ensure you’re getting both a fair price and a car that fits your needs.

If you’re on low budget and looking for deals, check out Liberty Picks to find many good options for used cars under $10,000 

Conclusion

For car buyers in Cambodia, finding the best time to buy a car can lead to substantial savings. The end of the year, around new model releases, and during national holidays are often the best times to buy. However, with platforms like Liberty Carz, you can access the best deals anytime without waiting for the “right” season.

By carefully planning your purchase and using smart strategies, you can make the most of your car-buying experience, saving money and driving away with confidence in your new vehicle.