Presidents Day Car Sales 2026: Be Prepared Before You Shop

Traditionally in February, car dealerships across America roll out some of their biggest promotions of the year for Presidents Day weekend. If you've been thinking about buying a new car, this annual sales event-happening Monday, February 16-could be your opportunity to save thousands. But here's the thing: the buyers who walk away with the best deals aren't the ones who show up unprepared.

Presidents Day car sales typically feature 0% financing offers, holiday bonus cash worth up to $1,000 or more, and special lease incentives that you won't find during other times of the year. With over 800,000 leftover 2025 models still sitting on dealership lots, this year's promotions are expected to be particularly aggressive as manufacturers push to clear inventory.

The question isn't whether the deals will be good-it's whether you'll be ready to take advantage of them.

Want to shop with confidence? Get pre-approved through myAutoloan before Presidents Day weekend. One application, up to 4 loan offers, and you'll know exactly what you can afford before stepping onto the lot.

Why Presidents Day Deals Are Worth Your Attention

Presidents Day has become one of the marquee car-buying weekends for a reason. It falls at a strategic point in the calendar-after the holiday shopping season has ended and before spring buying picks up-when dealerships are motivated to move inventory and hit early-year sales targets.

This year, several manufacturers have already announced early incentives. Acura has a hidden $2,500 Flex Cash incentive on the 2026 MDX. Ford is promoting special pricing on Super Duty trucks in select markets. Last year, Hyundai offered up to $2,750 in bonus cash on the redesigned Santa Fe during the same period. These deals often stack with other offers, meaning savvy buyers can combine multiple discounts.

The catch? These promotions typically require approved financing, and dealership finance offices aren't always working in your best interest. That's where preparation becomes your greatest advantage.

The Pre-Approval Advantage

Walking into a dealership during a major sales event without financing lined up is like showing up to a negotiation with one hand tied behind your back. The dealer knows you need them to make the purchase happen, and that shifts the power dynamic in their favor.

Pre-approval changes everything. When you already know your interest rate, loan amount, and monthly payment range, you can focus entirely on negotiating the vehicle's price rather than getting caught up in confusing finance office tactics. You'll also be able to spot whether the dealer's financing offer is actually competitive or just dressed up to look that way.

Ready to level the playing field? myAutoloan connects you with up to 4 competing lenders in minutes. Compare your options, pick the best rate, and arrive at the dealership with real buying power.

What Documents Should I Gather Before Applying?

Getting pre-approved is straightforward, but having the right information ready speeds up the process. Most lenders will want to verify your identity and income. Gather your driver's license, proof of income such as recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of residence like a utility bill, and your Social Security number. If you have an existing auto loan you're looking to trade in, having that account information handy helps as well.

How Far in Advance Should I Get Pre-Approved?

Pre-approval letters typically remain valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on the lender. Applying one to two weeks before Presidents Day weekend gives you enough time to compare offers, ask questions, and still have a valid approval when you're ready to buy. This timing also allows you to address any issues that might come up during the application process without feeling rushed.

Making the Most of Presidents Day Weekend

Beyond financing, a few other preparation steps can help you maximize savings during the sales event. Research the specific vehicle you want beforehand and know its fair market price. Dealerships may advertise huge discounts, but those percentages mean little if the starting price was inflated. Check manufacturer websites for current incentives and understand which offers can be combined.

Timing within the weekend matters too. Salespeople working toward monthly quotas may be more flexible on the last day of the sale. However, inventory on popular models tends to thin out as the weekend progresses. If you have a specific vehicle in mind, arriving early gives you more selection; if you're flexible on trim levels or colors, waiting until Monday could yield better negotiation leverage.

Don't forget about your trade-in if you have one. Get an independent appraisal before visiting the dealership so you have a baseline for what your current vehicle is worth. This prevents the common tactic of giving you a great deal on the new car while undervaluing your trade.

Presidents Day car sales represent a genuine opportunity to save money on a new vehicle-but only if you're positioned to act. Dealers expect a surge of buyers that weekend, and the ones who come prepared with financing already secured will have the upper hand in every negotiation.

Don't wait until the last minute. Get pre-approved through myAutoloan today and know exactly where you stand before the sales event begins. One simple application, up to 4 loan offers, no obligation.