Best Time to Sell Your Car Before Tet 2026: Maximize Your Price
Selling your car before Tet (Lunar New Year) is a great way to ensure you get the best possible price. Demand increases during the holiday season, but timing is crucial. If you sell too close to Tet, you risk being pressured to sell quickly, which might mean settling for a lower offer. This article will help you understand the best time to sell your car, how to set the right price, and how to avoid losing value after the New Year.
1) Why Selling Before Tet is Beneficial
During the final months of the year, many people want to purchase cars for family trips, business purposes, or to have a new vehicle for the upcoming year. This increased demand means that more buyers are looking for cars, giving you a better chance of selling your vehicle quickly and at a higher price. However, keep in mind that the car market can be competitive during this period, as many people are trying to sell their vehicles before the holidays.
But don’t wait too long — if the market gets saturated with cars for sale, the price might drop. Therefore, it's important to sell before demand peaks. If you leave it too late, you might also face difficulties with paperwork, inspections, and registration.
2) The Best Time to Sell Before Tet: 3 Key Windows
Window 1: 6 to 8 Weeks Before Tet
This is the ideal time to sell. Why?
• There’s enough demand to sell your car quickly without compromising on price.
• You have time to clean and repair your vehicle, ensuring it’s in top condition.
• You can negotiate the price and have the option to compare offers.
Window 2: 3 to 6 Weeks Before Tet
This is when the market starts heating up, but there’s still time to finalize the sale without rushing.
• Buyers are starting to shop for cars, but the pressure isn't too high yet.
• You can finalize your paperwork without stressing about Tet deadlines.
Window 3: 1 to 3 Weeks Before Tet
This is the most challenging window.
• The market is saturated with cars for sale, and buyers may be less willing to negotiate.
• You might face pressure to sell quickly, which could result in a lower sale price.
• It’s risky because you don’t have time to resolve any issues that come up during inspections or registration.
For Tet 2026, Tet falls on February 17, 2026. You should aim to sell your car by early February to avoid any last-minute pressure.
3) Demand and Price: Before and After Tet
Before Tet
• Demand tends to be higher as people prepare for family trips, New Year celebrations, and vacations.
• However, there’s also increased competition among sellers. If you don’t price your car right or keep it in good condition, you might struggle to stand out.
After Tet
• The market tends to slow down. People are less motivated to buy cars right after the holidays.
• While you can still sell, it may take longer, and the price might drop as the supply of cars for sale increases.
• Buyers tend to have the upper hand after Tet because the market is less competitive.
It’s clear that selling before Tet is the best option if you want to avoid losing value after the New Year.
4) How to Set the Right Price and Avoid Depreciation After Tet
Even though selling before Tet is beneficial, you also need to set a competitive price. Here’s how:
• Get a free car valuation using reliable sources to understand your car's market value.
• Factor in your car’s mileage, condition, and demand in your area.
• Keep in mind that after Tet, the price may drop slightly because the car is considered “older” on paper. Buyers often perceive cars as less valuable after the New Year.
• Don’t price too high. If your car is overpriced, it will take longer to sell, which could lead to losing potential buyers.
5) Checklist: Preparing to Sell Your Car Before Tet
To ensure you sell your car quickly and at a great price, here’s a handy checklist:
Clean your car – Make sure both the interior and exterior are spotless. Consider getting a professional car detailing service.
Fix minor issues – Repair any small dents, scratches, or other cosmetic issues that may lower your car's value.
Take high-quality photos – Include pictures of the car from different angles, the dashboard, and the interior.
Prepare your paperwork – Ensure your car’s registration, maintenance history, and insurance documents are up-to-date and easy to access.
Set a fair price – Use a car valuation tool to ensure you’re pricing your vehicle competitively.
Read more: How to Price a Used Car in Vietnam Accurately (Checklist Included)
6) Should You Sell Through a Dealer or On Your Own?
Selling through a platform or dealer can be quicker and more reliable. If you want a seamless transaction with minimal effort, consider selling through a reputable platform like Motorist.vn, where you can get multiple offers from dealers and buyers. This method saves time and reduces the risk of delays with paperwork and inspections.
If you choose to sell on your own, be prepared to handle negotiations, inspections, and paperwork by yourself. It can take more time, but you may have the chance to sell at a higher price if you negotiate well.
For more details on selling your car, visit Motorist.vn Sell Car.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the best time to sell my car before Tet 2026?
A: The best time is 6 to 8 weeks before Tet. This gives you enough time to prepare your car and find a good buyer without the rush. However, if you can’t make it by then, aim to sell at least 3 weeks before Tet.
Q2. Why does the price of my car drop after Tet?
A: After Tet, buyers tend to be more cautious, and the market becomes slower. Cars also appear “older” after the New Year due to the passage of time, causing their value to decrease slightly.
Q3. How do I know if the price of my car is competitive?
A: You can use free online tools to get an accurate car valuation and compare your car’s price with similar models. Motorist.vn Car Valuation offers an excellent service for pricing your car correctly.
Q4. Can I sell my car if it’s under a bank loan?
A: Yes, you can sell a car under a loan, but you’ll need to settle the outstanding loan balance with the bank first. Make sure you’ve completed this process before finalizing the sale.
Q5. Should I sell my car through a platform or privately?
A: Selling through a platform like Motorist.vn can save you time and hassle by offering multiple offers from dealers and buyers. If you prefer to sell privately, be prepared to handle negotiations and paperwork on your own.
Conclusion: Start the Process Today
If you want to maximize the sale price of your car before Tet 2026, make sure to sell early, get a professional car valuation, and prepare your car properly. Don’t wait until the last minute—take action now by visiting Motorist.vn
