The commencement of a fresh year signifies the arrival of a new model year for vehicle manufacturers: the latest cars are making their way onto dealership premises, and buyers interested in new cars are encountering thrilling new options. If you are presently in the market for a vehicle, there is nothing quite as captivating as the prospect of driving off in the most recent model.

While the allure of brand new 2018 models is undeniable, consider not dismissing a 2017 vehicle. Even though 2017 has passed, many dealers still possess a substantial inventory of cars from that year.

Automobile manufacturers are compelled to market their 2017 models while simultaneously pushing their 2018 lineups. When the transition from one model year to another occurs, car buyers face a critical decision: opt for a 2017 model at a reduced price, or go for a freshly introduced 2018 model equipped with the latest features? This choice significantly influences various aspects, including the cost and the design of the car.

How can you determine the correct choice to make?

Should You Buy a 2018 Car?

Acquiring a new vehicle represents a significant investment. It's costly, demands thorough investigation, and is a decision you'll be stuck with for a considerable time. The last thing you want is to shell out over $20,000 only to discover that it was a misguided decision.

What sets a 2018 car apart from a brand new vehicle that was introduced just a couple of months back?

2018 Models Might Be Better

Both the 2017 and 2018 model-year vehicles could appear as new — however, for several specific models, "new" can imply a complete redesign. Periodically, car manufacturers must thoroughly revamp specific vehicles. This might be due to the vehicles being outdated, badly designed, or not selling well.

When you opt to buy a car redesigned for 2018, it's advisable to avoid models from the previous year. These older versions not only appear outdated but could also be plagued with significant mechanical problems. Always conduct thorough research to ensure you don't end up regretting your decision.

Both Model Years are Brand New

Even though 2017 might feel like old news and 2018 appears fresher, take a trip to your nearest car dealership to find that each vehicle available is brand new.

The 2017 vehicles that you can find at dealerships are comparable to the brand-new 2018 models: they have only accrued a few miles from test drives or being shuffled across the dealership grounds and are well-kept by the dealership staff. These vehicles are, in all aspects, new cars— they were just manufactured in a prior year. Any variations between the 2017 and 2018 versions are likely to be negligible or non-existent, perhaps only minor adjustments in the features offered.

How to Get The Best New Car Deal

For the majority of new car purchasers, the primary consideration is financial: can they find a bargain when purchasing a vehicle? Can they shave off thousands from the cost and yet acquire a brand-new car that meets all their desires?

The key to securing the most favorable deal and the cheapest cost on a new car involves contrasting the options available in 2017 with those in 2018.

2017 Models are Cheaper

Dealerships are eager to sell off their 2017 vehicle models as soon as they can to make room for the 2018 vehicles, which manufacturers desire to have prominently displayed on the lots. These newer models can then be sold at their original retail price.

Dealerships begin reducing prices to clear out "old" 2017 car models. Expect the overall cost to decrease by several thousand dollars, and there could be special offers available at your local dealer. Offers might include lower finance rates, improved leasing options, or cash rebates to facilitate a purchase.

Consider Depreciation

The greatest loss in a car's value occurs within its initial year. However, purchasing a model from the previous year can mitigate this rapid depreciation. Once a new model year is launched, the cars from last year decrease in worth, but this decrease is significantly less drastic compared to that of a brand-new vehicle. Opting for a 2017 model, for instance, spares you from an instant 11% loss in value the moment you drive away from the dealership. Moreover, the depreciation rate further declines the more extended the period you keep the vehicle.

What amount might you conserve throughout the duration of your vehicle by simply opting for a model from one year prior? Should you intend to sell your car later on, you might receive extra trade-in funds amounting to several thousand dollars.

How to Find These Deals

Are you prepared to start looking for your upcoming new vehicle? It begins with choosing whether to buy a 2017 model or a 2018 model. Evaluate the advantages of acquiring last year's latest or this year's newest models, and decide which suits your financial constraints and driving requirements better.

Entering the new year, it's crucial to be equipped with the latest information on current new car promotions. With diminishing stocks of 2017 models on dealer lots—and as certain dealers find it challenging to offload these older cars—expect fluctuations in pricing and discount offers.