Is April the Best Time to Sell My Car? (Spoiler: Yes, Here's Why)

If you're holding onto a car you no longer need, you want to get the best offer possible, avoid haggling, and move on with cash in hand. 

April might be your best shot at cashing in fast.

Many vehicle owners sit on depreciating assets for months, not realizing spring creates the perfect storm for car sales. This post will explain why April is often the best time for people searching “sell my car” to finally take action.

Why Does April Matter in the Used Car Market?

Used car sales always ebb and flow throughout the year, but April offers a strong upswing for sellers.  If you're trying to sell your working car, or even a salvage car, the season matters more than you might think.

Post-Tax Refund Spending Begins

Millions of Americans receive their tax refunds between February and April. According to the IRS, the average refund in 2024 was over $3,100. That means many people are flush with extra cash and more willing to purchase a vehicle.

This burst of liquidity gives buyers more flexibility, especially in the used car market, where financing isn’t always involved. If you want to reach motivated buyers, April is the window.

Weather Boosts Buyer Activity

In the Southeast, spring weather is warm and reliable. With clear skies and longer days, shoppers are more willing to meet, inspect, and purchase vehicles. Compare this to winter months, when cold or rain can delay showings or lower interest entirely.

Clean cars also photograph better and show better in person during spring, especially after pollen season fades later in April.

People Make Life Changes in Spring

April kicks off a season of big shifts: new jobs, relocations, graduations, and family planning. These moments often trigger the need for a different vehicle. People sell their sedans and buy SUVs. Parents trade in two-door cars for family-friendly models. Others ditch extra vehicles to simplify life.  This mindset shift drives up demand in the used car market.

If you’re wondering whether it makes sense to "sell my car near Buford," the answer is yes, especially during April, when demand peaks and local buyers are actively looking.

How Much Is Your Car Worth in April?

Used car values fluctuate just like home prices or stock investments. Timing matters.

Depending on location and inventory levels, used car values typically peak between March and May. As new car dealerships begin clearing last year's models in late spring and early summer, trade-in values start to drop.

Example:

A 2016 Toyota Camry with 85,000 miles might get a $9,000 offer in April, but just $7,800 in August due to seasonal depreciation and shifting dealer incentives.

Be Honest About Condition

Accurate descriptions lead to smoother deals. If there’s a cracked windshield or noisy brakes, mention it upfront. You’ll still get offers, especially from professional buyers who know how to fix issues.  Moreover, even if your vehicle doesn't run, you can still sell your broken car and get a fair cash offer without repairs.

Skip the Marketplaces

Private listings on Craigslist or Facebook can take weeks and come with no-shows, tire kickers, and lowball offers. Services like Atlanta Car Buying skip that hassle.

We offer:

• Free online appraisals in 90 seconds
• Guaranteed offers
• Free towing anywhere in North Georgia
• Instant payment, often by check at pickup

This is a better way to sell your car without wasting time.

Should You Sell Before Summer?

Yes. Summer seems like a hot time to sell, but prices often cool as inventory levels rise.

In June and July, more private sellers enter the market. Students are home, new grads are selling starter cars, and tax refunds are already spent. That means more competition, more waiting, and possibly lower offers.

April offers the sweet spot: high buyer interest, limited competition, and solid vehicle values.

Final Thoughts

If you're wondering when to sell your car for the best return, now is the answer. 

April brings together eager buyers, strong vehicle values, and perfect weather for quick sales. Whether your car is a daily driver, a weekend truck, or a backup family SUV, this month gives you the upper hand. 

Take the guesswork out of it. Atlanta Car Buying makes the process fast, easy, and risk-free. Get your offer in 90 seconds and turn your car into cash before May rolls around.