New model years begin appearing at dealerships in the fall, making September an ideal time to snatch up the previous year's model at a discount. By the end of the year, inventory dwindles, so acting earlier assures a determined buyer of the best selection. Tip: "Monitor the number of days that a truck or car sits on a lot. Anytime a car or truck isn't selling well you can get a good deal," says Phillip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com and co-author of "Strategies for Smart Car Buyers." Tip: Shop on a weekday to get the undivided attention of the sales staff, and go at the end of the month when they're trying to make quotas. Reed also recommends using the Internet to broker the deal. You'll save $$ & skip the negotiations.