Year-end vehicle buying: what actually changes in December

Seasonal · Buying

Year-end vehicle buying: what actually changes in December

Program deadlines, model-year changeover and tax timing, without the hype.

The short answer

Answer

Several manufacturer programs in their current form run through January 4, 2027, including Ford's First Responder and Farm Bureau recognition programs and Chevrolet's educator offer delivery deadline. If you qualify, get your authorization before you sign.

Our pricing doesn't change for December: new vehicles are priced at invoice with no dealer add-ons. What can change is the manufacturer's incentives, which we can only quote on the day.

Dates that matter

Manufacturer program pages, read Oct 12, 2026
WhatDateSource
Ford First Responder Recognition (PGM# 32898)Through Jan. 4, 2027fordrecognizesu.com
Ford Farm Bureau (PGM# 32900)Through Jan. 4, 2027fordrecognizesu.com
Chevrolet educator offerTake delivery by Jan. 4, 2027Chevrolet program disclosure
Section 179 (business buyers)Vehicle placed in service in the tax yearAsk your tax advisor

2026 vs 2027 models

Many 2027 trucks are arriving now. Compare before you choose a leftover 2026: 2027 truck changes, 2027 vs 2026 Super Duty.

Business buyers

Section 179 depends on when the vehicle is placed in service and how it's used. Our lease vs buy and Section 179 page has the basics; confirm with your tax advisor.

Checklist

Year-end buying checklist

6 items

Your ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.

Questions

Is December a good time to buy a car?

It depends on the manufacturer's incentives that month and what's in stock. Our new-vehicle pricing is at invoice with no dealer add-ons year-round.

When do Ford's recognition programs end?

Ford's First Responder and Farm Bureau programs list Jan. 4, 2027 as the end date for the current program.

Next steps at Swant Graber

Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.

Sources

  1. Ford, First Responder Recognition (PGM# 32898, Jan. 6, 2026–Jan. 4, 2027) — https://www.fordrecognizesu.com/firstresponder
  2. Ford, Farm Bureau Recognition (PGM# 32900, through Jan. 4, 2027) — https://www.fordrecognizesu.com/farmbureau
  3. Chevrolet, Special offers (educator, first responder and military offers) — https://www.chevrolet.com/special-offers

Manufacturer figures are "when properly equipped" and change by model year, configuration and equipment. Confirm the window sticker, the door-jamb labels and the owner's manual for the exact vehicle.

Swant Graber Auto Group · Barron, WI

3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.

Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.

Swant Graber Motors Chevrolet, Dodge and Ram dealership in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Motors

Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-5657

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

SwantGraberMotors.net (Dodge & Ram) · SwantGraberChevy.com

Swant Graber Ford dealership on Highway 8 in Barron, Wisconsin

Swant Graber Ford

Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)
Barron, WI 54812
Phone715-537-9500

Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

BarronFord.com