Pickup trucks are hearty vehicles that can handle a tough workload and a range of driving situations. Is there ever really a bad time to buy a pickup truck? Not exactly. Still, there are seasons where it seems that people buy more pickup trucks – and other seasons when they buy less. While summer is often a favorite time for car buyers to shop, it’s the season where only pickup trucks don’t tend to sell well. So what gives? Why aren’t people truck shopping in the summer and what is the best month to buy a pickup truck?

When is the best month to buy a pickup truck?

Standard car buying advice suggests that the best time to buy a new pickup truck is October. This is because car dealers are starting to make room on their lots for the next year’s models. Spring can be a difficult time of year to find a new vehicle, because car dealers aren’t exactly motivated to move trucks and SUVs off the lot. And, according to CarMax, summer is the least popular time to buy a new truck. While most types of vehicles sell well in summer, trucks don’t.

However, according to CarMax, the most popular time to buy pickup trucks is the spring. What’s the reason for the difference? It’s possible that while people buy brand new pickup trucks in the late fall and winter months, people tend to buy used pickup trucks in the spring, before the weather gets hot.

Why don’t people buy trucks in summer?

It’s likely that people are buying pickup trucks in the summer, but not as many as in other months. Buyers in colder climates tend to do their vehicle shopping in the summer months, likely thanks to the more moderate temperatures. And while people in colder climates love pickup trucks as much as anybody, it’s possible they’re more inclined to buy them when they’ll need them, which may be right when the weather is about to get tough.

The Ram 1500 is the most popular truck purchased in summer months

Despite the finding that summer isn’t the time when most people buy pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 is still the most-purchased vehicle during this often sweltering time of year. This isn’t surprising, considering how popular the Ram 1500 is in general. In fact, it illustrates how much people love the Ram 1500, preferring it vastly to other pickup trucks in summer months.

Sometimes you can’t wait to purchase a new pickup truck. If your current ride is on its way out, it’s a good idea to at least start researching your next car before you find yourself in a situation where you really need it. Being aware of upcoming deals and sales in advance can also allow you to be able to somewhat plan for the best time to buy your next truck, even if you can’t wait for October.