How Late are Car Dealerships Open?

When it comes to buying a car, timing can be everything. Whether you’re looking to make a purchase after work or just want to browse the latest models on a weekend, knowing how late car dealerships stay open can make a big difference in your planning. Hours of operation for car dealerships can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, the location, and whether it’s a public holiday.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect when visiting car dealerships, how late they’re typically open, and why their hours of operation may differ.

General Car Dealership Hours

Car dealerships typically operate with a standard schedule, but this can vary based on location, type of dealership, and even the brand they represent. However, most follow a common pattern:

• Monday to Friday: Car dealerships are usually open between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Some may extend their hours until 8:00 or even 9:00 PM, especially in larger cities or metropolitan areas where traffic patterns may demand later hours.
• Saturday: Dealerships tend to have reduced hours on Saturdays, usually opening from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM.
• Sunday: Many car dealerships are closed on Sundays, although this isn’t universal. Some are open but may operate with reduced hours, typically from noon to 5:00 PM, depending on state laws and local customs.

Why Are Dealerships Closed on Sundays?

The most common day for dealerships to be closed is Sunday, but why is that? In many states, it’s due to “blue laws” that date back to colonial times, designed to encourage rest and religious observance. Texas, for example, is known for its laws prohibiting car sales on both Saturday and Sunday, although dealerships can choose one of those days to remain open.

Other states like Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota also have laws that restrict car sales on Sundays. There’s also a more practical reason. Sundays are often quieter for car sales, and many dealerships find that being closed on this day is simply good business sense, allowing employees to rest and dealerships to operate more efficiently during their busiest hours.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the general pattern is fairly consistent, some dealerships deviate from the norm. For example:

• Luxury car dealerships often have extended hours and might open later to accommodate high-end customers who may prefer late-night or weekend appointments.
• Online-first dealerships like Carvana and Vroom allow you to shop 24/7, with delivery schedules that might even offer more flexibility than traditional dealerships.
• Large dealership chains located in areas with high traffic volumes may choose to stay open later into the evening, sometimes up until 9:00 PM or even later.

Why Car Dealership Hours Matter

Knowing when car dealerships are open and how late they stay open is important for several reasons:

• Test driving and buying a car: If you’re planning a test drive or looking to finalize a deal, you want to make sure you have ample time. Test drives often take between 20 and 30 minutes, and if you’re serious about buying a car, expect to spend at least an hour or two at the dealership to handle paperwork, negotiations, and other details.
• Service and maintenance: Dealership service departments often have different hours than the sales floor. Many dealerships offer early morning or evening drop-offs for servicing, so if you’re looking to get your car repaired or maintained, check service department hours in advance.
• Avoiding peak times: If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s worth knowing that weekends, particularly Saturdays, tend to be the busiest times at car dealerships. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during late afternoons on weekdays might be a better option.

How to Check Dealership Hours

With varying schedules across different locations, the best way to find out how late a specific dealership stays open is to check ahead. Here are some tips for doing that:

• Visit their website: Most dealerships will list their hours of operation prominently on their homepage or “contact” page. Some may even provide different hours for different departments (e.g., sales, service, and parts).
• Call ahead: A quick phone call can save you time and confirm that a dealership is open when you plan to visit.
• Google it: A fast and easy way to find dealership hours is to search for the dealership on Google. The search results typically show the dealership’s hours, including a breakdown of opening and closing times for each day of the week.

Special Hours: Holidays/ Events

Car dealerships may adjust their operating hours during public holidays or for special events like sales. For example:

• Holiday closures: Major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day are typically times when dealerships are closed or have reduced hours. It’s a good idea to double-check before heading out during these periods.
• Holiday sales: On the flip side, car dealerships often hold significant sales events during holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July. During these times, you may find dealerships extending their hours to accommodate higher traffic from shoppers eager to take advantage of promotions.
• End-of-month/year deals: If you’re looking to snag a great deal, visiting a dealership near the end of the month or at the end of the calendar year might be your best bet. Sales teams are often trying to meet quotas during these times, and dealerships may be open later to close out deals.

Buying a Car Online: An Alternative

The rise of online car shopping platforms has given buyers more flexibility than ever before. Services like Carvana, Vroom, and even traditional dealerships with online buying options allow you to browse, select, and purchase cars from the comfort of your home—often 24/7. Many of these services offer extended customer support hours as well, meaning you don’t need to rely on the traditional dealership schedule to buy a car.

Final Thoughts

The hours of operation at car dealerships vary based on location, dealership type, and even local laws. Generally speaking, you can expect most dealerships to be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, with reduced hours on Saturdays and many closed on Sundays.

However, with the increasing availability of online car-buying options and flexible services, buying a car is more convenient than ever—no matter what time it is. So, the next time you’re planning a visit to the dealership, be sure to check their specific hours of operation and consider the best time to visit to get the most out of your experience.