Timing is Everything: The Best and Worst Times to Buy or Sell a Used Car

CarGurus suggests that the best time to sell or trade in a used car is just after Labor Day, as prices tend to be 3.2% higher compared to the average week. This is a shift from the traditional best time to sell in April. The average listing prices for used vehicles have started to decline, so sellers looking to get top dollar should act quickly. When selling or trading in a car, it's important to have the necessary paperwork, including the car title, odometer reading, maintenance records, vehicle history, warranty (if applicable), emissions report (if required), and a bill of sale. On the other hand, the best time to buy a used car is mid-February, around Presidents' Day, where prices can be 2.8% lower compared to the average week.