when do black friday car deals start

[Franklin]

Black Friday car deals typically start in early November, with the most significant discounts and promotions running throughout the week leading up to and including Black Friday itself. However, the exact timing can vary by manufacturer and dealership. The core strategy is to begin your research in early November, as many dealers launch "Black Friday Month" sales to get a head start. The week of Thanksgiving is when the intensity peaks, with the actual day after Thanksgiving often featuring doorbuster-style deals on specific in-stock models.

The sales period doesn't always end on Friday. Many dealerships extend their offers through the following Monday, known as Cyber Monday, which now frequently includes online car-buying incentives. To maximize your chances, contact dealerships the week before Thanksgiving to inquire about their announced deals and upcoming inventory promotions.

Here’s a breakdown of common incentives you might find during this period:

Incentive Type	Typical Discount Range	Common Models/Targets
Customer Cash Rebates	$500 - $3,000+	Previous model-year clearance, slow-selling sedans
Special APR Financing	0% - 2.9% for qualified buyers	Popular SUVs and trucks
Lease Deals	Reduced monthly payments, low due at signing	Luxury brands, electric vehicles
Bonus Trade-In Value	$500 - $1,500 above appraisal	All customers with a trade-in
Dealer Discounts	Varies significantly; can be 5-15% off MSRP	Overstocked inventory

Your preparation is key. Get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union before you shop. This gives you a baseline to compare any "special financing" the dealer offers. Also, use online tools to research the invoice price (what the dealer paid) for the specific model and trim you want, not just the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This knowledge puts you in a stronger position to negotiate a true Black Friday price, rather than just accepting an advertised discount that might be inflated.

[SanCassidy]

From my experience, the "official" start is fuzzy. The best deals often pop up online around November 10th. Dealers are competing for attention, so they'll quietly post their Black Friday specials on their websites well before the holiday. I'd set up price alerts on a couple of car-buying apps and start checking dealer sites mid-month. The actual week of Thanksgiving is when everything goes live, but the early bird often gets the best selection without the weekend rush.

[ColtonAnn]

Don't wait for the Friday after Thanksgiving. The real starting gun fires about two weeks prior. That's when manufacturers release their national incentive programs for November, which dealers combine with their own discounts. Your first step shouldn't be visiting a lot; it should be researching. Identify two or three models you're serious about, then check their official brand websites in early November. You'll see the rebates and low-APR offers that form the foundation of the Black Friday deal. This prep work turns you from a browser into a ready buyer.

[Adriana]

They start when you decide they do! Seriously, the pressure is on the dealerships to hit quarterly sales goals. By mid-November, they're already motivated. I call my local dealership's sales manager the Monday of Thanksgiving week. I ask directly: "When do your Black Friday prices take effect? Can I come in Wednesday to avoid the crowd?" More often than not, they'll honor the sale price early to secure a sure sale. The advertised "start date" is for the general public, but a serious buyer can often get a head start.

[DelAliyah]

The short answer is the entire month of November, with the best selection of specific vehicles available if you act before the Thanksgiving weekend rush. While the deepest discounts are advertised for Black Friday itself, the inventory for popular trims and colors can sell out quickly. I've found that the sweet spot is the week before the holiday. You get the early bird sales prices and a much better chance of finding the exact car you want without having to settle for whatever is left on the lot after the weekend shopping frenzy. It’s a balance between the biggest discount and the best choice.