How Late Are Car Dealerships Open on Saturday?

When you’re in the market for a new or used car, one of the biggest questions that can pop up is: When can I visit a dealership? For many people, Saturdays are the best time to car shop since weekdays can be packed with work, errands, and other commitments.

But how late are car dealerships open on Saturday? Let’s dive into what you need to know about weekend hours at dealerships, so you can plan your car shopping trip with confidence.

Typical Saturday Hours for Car Dealerships

Most car dealerships recognize that Saturdays are prime shopping days. In fact, they often see the heaviest foot traffic of the week on Saturdays. Generally, you can expect a dealership to open around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. However, hours can vary depending on the location, the dealership, and even the season.

Here’s a general look at dealership hours for Saturdays:

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

These hours are designed to accommodate shoppers who have the weekend off or need a few extra hours to explore cars, ask questions, and possibly finalize a deal. That said, dealerships in larger cities or those located near popular shopping centers might extend their hours to cater to high demand.

Why Do Dealership Hours Vary?

Dealership hours can differ due to several factors, including:

• Location: Dealerships in major metropolitan areas might stay open later on weekends compared to those in smaller towns. Urban locations often have higher traffic on weekends, so extending their hours makes good business sense.
• Brand and Dealership Size: Larger dealerships, particularly those selling luxury or high-demand vehicles, may offer extended weekend hours to cater to their clientele. On the flip side, smaller, family-owned dealerships may stick to more traditional hours and close earlier.
• Service Department vs. Sales Department: It’s important to note that the sales department and service department can have different hours. While the sales floor might be open until the evening, service centers (where you get repairs, maintenance, and checkups) often close earlier—sometimes as early as 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Before heading out, it’s a smart move to call ahead or check the dealership’s website to confirm their Saturday hours for both sales and service.

Are Dealerships Open Late During Special Events?

If you’re shopping for a car during a big sales event—think Labor Day, Memorial Day, or year-end clearance sales—dealerships often extend their hours to accommodate a larger number of customers. During these promotions, it’s not uncommon to see dealerships open later than usual, sometimes as late as 9 p.m. or even 10 p.m..

These extended hours are designed to maximize sales opportunities during high-traffic events, so if you’re shopping during one of these promotions, you might be able to squeeze in a late visit after dinner.

How to Find a Dealership’s Saturday Hours

So, how exactly do you find out when your local dealership is open on Saturdays? Here are a few foolproof methods:

1. Check the dealership’s website: Most car dealerships list their hours directly on their website, typically on the homepage or under the “Contact” or “About Us” sections. Some even have a convenient “hours today” feature that shows their current opening status.
2. Call the dealership: Want to be 100% sure about their hours? Give them a call. Not only can you confirm their closing time, but you can also ask any questions about specific car models or inventory they might have available.
3. Google search: Many dealerships have their hours listed directly in Google’s search results. A quick search for “[dealership name] Saturday hours” should show you their schedule right at the top of the page.
4. Yelp or other review sites: If you’re not having luck with the dealership’s website or phone line, review sites like Yelp or DealerRater often have basic information about hours, location, and customer reviews.

What if You Can’t Visit During Regular Hours?

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to visit a dealership during regular Saturday hours, there are a few alternatives:

1. Book a Private Appointment

Some dealerships offer private appointments, especially for customers who are serious about making a purchase. While not all dealerships advertise this service, it’s worth asking if you can set up an appointment outside of regular hours, particularly if you’re looking at higher-end or luxury vehicles.

Private appointments can be beneficial since you get one-on-one time with a sales consultant, allowing you to ask detailed questions and go over specifics without the usual weekend rush.

2. Online Car Shopping

In today’s digital age, many dealerships have robust online platforms that allow you to browse inventory, apply for financing, and even complete the purchase of a car—all from the comfort of your home.

You can explore options after hours and still make progress toward buying your new vehicle. Some dealerships even offer virtual appointments, where you can speak to a sales representative over video chat.

Are Dealerships Open on Sundays?

While Saturday hours are usually quite flexible, Sunday hours are a different story. In some states, car dealerships are legally prohibited from being open on Sundays due to local “blue laws.” States like Colorado and Texas restrict Sunday car sales, meaning dealerships are closed on this day.

However, in states where dealerships are allowed to open on Sundays, hours are usually much shorter. You can expect them to be open from around 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving customers a short window to shop or pick up a new car.

Planning Your Saturday Visit: What You Should Know

If Saturday is your designated car-shopping day, here are a few tips to maximize your visit:

1. Arrive Early: While dealerships stay open into the evening, arriving earlier in the day can give you more time to test drive vehicles, ask questions, and negotiate. By arriving in the morning, you’ll also avoid the last-minute rush of shoppers coming in just before closing time.
2. Know What You Want: The more prepared you are, the smoother your visit will be. Research the models you’re interested in beforehand and come ready with questions. Many dealerships allow you to schedule test drives in advance, which can save you time on a busy Saturday.
3. Be Prepared for a Busy Showroom: Saturdays are popular for car shopping, so expect a busier-than-usual showroom. If you’re hoping for more personal attention, you might want to consider scheduling an appointment.

Final Thoughts

Most car dealerships stay open until 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. on Saturdays, giving you plenty of time to shop for your next vehicle. Whether you’re visiting for a test drive, browsing options, or ready to make a purchase, knowing the hours in advance can help you plan your visit.

Don’t forget to confirm the specific hours of your local dealership, as they can vary based on location and special events. With a little bit of planning, your Saturday car shopping trip can be smooth, productive, and even enjoyable. Happy car hunting!