May I Purchase a New Car During the Three Weeks?

OU Kosher

Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l discusses this question in Igros Moshe OC 3:80. He distinguishes between three types of vehicles:

  1. A car bought for personal use requires a Shehecheyanu and may therefore not be purchased during the Three Weeks. As discussed in yesterday’s Halacha Yomis, a Shehecheyanu should not be said during the Three Weeks.
  2. A car bought for family use requires the bracha of HaTov VeHametiv, since Hashem has shown kindness to the family. This beracha may be recited during the Three Weeks (Shaarei Teshuva OC 551:18). A car may be purchased under such circumstances during the Three Weeks until Rosh Chodesh Av. It may not be purchased during the Nine Days, because it is similar to new construction, which is prohibited during the Nine Days because it brings joy.
  3. A truck or a small car designated for business use may be purchased during the entire Three Weeks, since it is needed for work. The bracha of Shehecheyanu should be postponed until after the conclusion of the Three Weeks.

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