Are Car Dealerships Open on Saturday?

Are car dealerships open on Saturday? If you’re like most people, the weekdays are packed with work, errands, and other responsibilities, leaving little time to handle major purchases like buying a car. That’s why Saturdays are often the perfect day for car shopping.

But you may be wondering: Are car dealerships open on Saturday? And if so, what are their hours, and what should you expect during a weekend visit?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about car dealerships’ weekend hours and how to make the most of your time.

Are Car Dealerships Open on Saturday?

In short, yes—most car dealerships are open on Saturdays. In fact, for many dealerships, Saturday is one of the busiest days of the week. Dealerships understand that weekends are often the most convenient time for customers to shop, so they typically stay open to accommodate people who can’t make it in during regular weekday hours.

Typical Saturday Hours for Car Dealerships

While exact hours can vary by dealership, most are open on Saturdays from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some may stay open as late as 8 p.m. This gives you a large window of time to browse cars, test drive a few options, and even negotiate a deal.

Here’s what you can typically expect for Saturday hours at most dealerships:

• Opening time: Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
• Closing time: Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

However, if you plan to visit a dealership on Saturday, it’s a good idea to check the specific location’s website or give them a quick call. Some dealerships, particularly in smaller towns or more rural areas, may close earlier than those in larger cities.

Why Do Dealership Hours Vary?

There are a few reasons why car dealership hours can differ, especially on weekends:

• Location: Dealerships in large cities often have extended weekend hours to accommodate higher traffic, while those in smaller areas may have shorter hours.
• Type of dealership: Larger, franchised dealerships (those that sell new cars from brands like Toyota, Ford, or Honda) typically stay open later, while smaller, independent used car lots may close earlier on weekends.
• Seasonality and promotions: Dealerships may adjust their hours based on the time of year. For example, during big sales events like Memorial Day or Black Friday weekend, dealerships are likely to extend their hours on Saturdays to accommodate the higher number of shoppers. Conversely, some may shorten their hours during slower times of the year.

What to Expect During a Saturday Visit

Shopping for a car on a Saturday can be a different experience than visiting during the week. For starters, it’s usually busier. Because many people prefer to shop for cars on the weekend, you’ll likely encounter more foot traffic, which can make the process take a little longer.

Here’s what you can expect on a typical Saturday visit:

1. A Busy Showroom

Saturdays are the busiest day of the week for most dealerships. Salespeople are often juggling multiple customers, which means you might have to wait longer for a test drive or to get detailed information about the vehicles you’re interested in. However, dealerships also tend to have more staff on hand during busy times to help keep things moving smoothly.

2. Limited Service Department Hours

While the sales department will likely be open all day on Saturday, the service department—where you get repairs and maintenance done—often has more limited hours. Many service departments close around 2 p.m., so if you’re planning on getting an oil change or another maintenance service, it’s best to arrive earlier in the day.

3. Potential Promotions and Sales Events

Dealerships often run special promotions on Saturdays to attract more weekend shoppers. These can include discounts on certain models, special financing deals, or trade-in bonuses. If you’re flexible about what kind of car you want to buy, these sales events can be a great opportunity to save some money. It’s worth checking the dealership’s website or calling ahead to see if any promotions are running.

Should You Buy a Car on a Saturday?

Shopping for a car on a Saturday can be convenient, but is it the best day to make a purchase? Let’s break down the pros and cons of buying a car on a Saturday:

Pros:

• Convenient timing: For many people, Saturdays are the easiest day to set aside time for car shopping without having to take off work or rearrange their schedules.
• More staff available: Because dealerships are busiest on Saturdays, they tend to have more staff available. This means you’re less likely to run into issues with getting help, even if the dealership is crowded.
• Promotions and events: Dealerships often run special promotions on Saturdays, which can mean better deals on financing, trade-ins, or specific vehicle models.

Cons:

• Crowds and wait times: The downside to shopping on a busy day is that you might encounter more delays. Whether you’re waiting for a salesperson or trying to get time for a test drive, things can move a little slower on Saturdays.
• Less flexibility for negotiations: If the dealership is busy, the sales team might have less time to spend negotiating on price, since they’re dealing with more customers. You might find it harder to get the best deal compared to visiting on a less busy day.

Planning Your Visit: Tips for Saturday Car Shopping

If you’ve decided that Saturday is the best time for you to visit a dealership, here are a few tips to make the most of your time:

1. Arrive Early

While dealerships are open until the evening, showing up earlier in the day can help you avoid the late-afternoon rush. Arriving when the dealership opens at 9 or 10 a.m. means you’ll likely get more personal attention from the sales staff and have more time to browse without feeling rushed.

2. Schedule a Test Drive in Advance

To save time, many dealerships allow you to schedule a test drive in advance. This way, the car you’re interested in will be ready and waiting when you arrive, and you won’t have to wait in line behind other shoppers.

3. Do Your Research Beforehand

Before you head to the dealership, do some research on the models you’re interested in, what kind of pricing you can expect, and any special deals or incentives that might be available. This can help you make more informed decisions once you’re there, and potentially save you time if you already know what you want.

4. Be Prepared to Negotiate

Even if the dealership is busy, don’t be afraid to negotiate on price, trade-in value, or financing terms. Doing your research beforehand will give you a better idea of what a fair deal looks like, and can help you feel more confident during the negotiation process.

What About Sundays? Are Dealerships Open Then?

While Saturdays are a great day for car shopping, Sundays are another story. In many states, car dealerships are closed on Sundays due to local blue laws, which restrict certain businesses from operating on that day. States like Colorado and Texas, for example, have laws that prohibit car sales on Sundays.

However, in states where dealerships are allowed to be open on Sundays, the hours are often more limited. You can expect dealerships that are open on Sundays to have hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving you a shorter window of time to shop.

Final Thoughts

Yes, car dealerships are open on Saturdays, and for many people, it’s the most convenient day to visit. Most dealerships open around 9 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m. or later, giving you plenty of time to explore your options. While Saturdays can be busy, with a little preparation and planning, you can make the most of your visit and find the car that’s right for you. Happy car shopping!