When New Model Years Arrive
The difference between a 2024 and 2025 model year vehicle of the same car can be $1,500-$4,000 at the dealership -- and that gap shifts the depreciation math significantly. Understanding when new model years arrive, how redesigns affect values, and when to buy at the model year transition can save thousands of dollars on any vehicle purchase.
Model year timing and depreciation impact
| Timing | Typical Discount Available | Depreciation Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy July-September (model year outgoing) | 5-10% off MSRP on outgoing | Less first-year depreciation due to lower start price | Value buyers on current model |
| Buy August-October (new model arrives) | 10-15% off outgoing; new at MSRP | Best outgoing value + new at full depreciation | Choose outgoing model at deep discount |
| Buy November-January (quiet period) | Minimal — little incentive | Normal depreciation | Less favorable timing |
| Buy first year of redesign | Minimal — new design sells at MSRP+ | Higher depreciation risk if bugs discovered | Higher risk; wait for reviews |
| Buy second+ year of redesign | Normal discounts return | Normal depreciation -- redesign bugs worked out | Best for new model |
When a vehicle undergoes a major redesign, the first model year often has unknown quality issues, limited reviews, and dealer enthusiasm at full MSRP. The previous generation often drops 15-20% in value within months. Both the first-year redesign at full price AND the suddenly-discounted previous generation are poor choices -- wait one year for actual redesign quality data.
Buying End-of-Year vs New Model Year
- New model years typically arrive in showrooms August-October for most manufacturers
- When new model year arrives, outgoing model dealers discount aggressively to clear inventory
- A discounted outgoing model year has less first-year depreciation because the starting price is lower
- Redesign years carry extra risk: unknown reliability, potential recalls, enthusiast premium then crash
- For used buying: current and 1-year-old models command similar prices despite 12-month age difference
Redesign Years: Higher Risk for Buyers
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