Exploring Sunday Car Dealership Hours: What to Expect

This guide will show car shoppers exactly what to expect when visiting dealerships on Sundays.

Readers will learn about operating hours, staff availability, and the best times to stop by for a smooth shopping experience.

The insights shared here come from experienced car sales professionals who have helped thousands of customers make informed decisions during Sunday visits. Their real-world knowledge offers valuable perspective on making weekend car shopping effective and efficient.

Let’s explore what makes Sunday dealership visits unique.

Why Are Car Dealership Hours Different on Sundays?

Car dealerships across the United States follow different schedules on Sundays based on local laws and business factors.

These variations mean some locations stay closed while others offer limited hours to serve their customers.

State Regulations and Blue Laws

Several states maintain specific laws that affect car sales on Sundays. These regulations, known as Blue Laws, date back to religious and cultural traditions.

For example, states like Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota restrict car sales on Sundays completely.

Other states allow dealerships to operate but with shorter hours compared to weekdays.

This patchwork of rules creates a varied landscape for Sunday car shopping across the country.

Dealer Preferences and Market Trends

Beyond legal requirements, dealers often adjust their Sunday hours based on practical business considerations.

Many notice fewer visitors on Sundays, which affects their operating decisions. Staff scheduling plays a key role too – dealerships need to balance employee work-life needs with customer service. Some dealers choose to open for fewer hours or operate with smaller teams on Sundays.

This helps them stay available for customers while managing their resources wisely.

Are All Car Dealerships Open on Sundays?

No, not all car dealerships open their doors on Sundays. The decision to open varies based on several key factors:

Location Matters: Car dealerships in states like Texas and California often stay open on Sundays, while those in Maine and Oklahoma remain closed due to state laws.

Some states allow specific hours of operation, such as from noon until 5 PM.

Franchise vs. Independent: Independent used car lots often set their own schedules and may choose to open on Sundays. Large franchise dealerships, however, must follow both state regulations and manufacturer policies about Sunday operations.

Urban vs. Suburban Areas: Dealerships in busy city areas tend to stay open more often on Sundays to serve working professionals. Those in smaller towns or suburban regions might close, following local shopping patterns and community preferences.

Seasonal Changes: Some dealerships adjust their Sunday hours based on the time of year. They might extend hours during peak car-buying seasons, like spring and early summer, while reducing hours during slower winter months.

Sunday Car Dealership Operations by State

Notes:

• “Regular hours” typically means normal business hours
• “Limited hours” often means reduced hours, commonly 12 PM – 5 PM
• Local regulations may affect specific cities or counties differently
• This information is current but laws can change

How to Confirm If a Dealership Is Open on Sunday?

Before heading out to look at cars on Sunday, it’s smart to verify that the dealership will be open. This simple step can save time and prevent a wasted trip.

Here are quick and reliable ways to check a dealership’s Sunday hours:

• Phone the dealership directly – a quick call saves time and confirms current hours.
• Look up the hours posted on the dealership’s website under “Contact” or “Hours.”
• Check Google Maps or Yelp for updated business hours and recent customer visits.
• Visit the dealership’s Facebook or Instagram pages for current operating schedules.
• Send a quick message through their website’s contact form.
• Look for Sunday hours signs posted on the dealership’s front entrance or window.
• Ask current customers about Sunday visits through online review sections.
• Browse local car-buying forums where people share dealership experiences.

Alternative Options If Dealerships Are Closed

Finding a closed dealership on Sunday doesn’t mean your car search needs to stop. Let’s look at some useful options that keep your car-buying process moving forward.

Option 1: Explore Online Dealership Portals

Modern car shopping offers plenty of digital options when physical locations are closed. Here’s what you can do online:

• Browse full vehicle listings with detailed photos and features
• Compare prices across different dealerships in your area
• Calculate monthly payments using online finance tools
• Read vehicle history reports and specifications
• Save your favorite cars to review later
• Submit questions about specific vehicles for next-day response

Option 2: Plan for a Weekday Visit

Visiting during weekdays often provides better advantages:

• Meet with more staff members who can answer specific questions
• Schedule test drives without long wait times
• Access full services like financing and trade-in appraisals
• Receive more personal attention from sales teams
• Complete paperwork with all departments open
• Talk to service department staff about maintenance plans
• Get faster responses to price negotiations

For example, scheduling a Tuesday morning visit means you’ll likely find shorter wait times and more available staff to help with your purchase.

Option 3: Use Virtual Tours and Video Walkthroughs

Many dealerships now offer digital viewing options:

• Take 360-degree tours of vehicles from your home
• Watch detailed video presentations of specific cars
• Book video chat sessions with sales staff
• Request custom video tours of cars you’re interested in
• View multiple vehicles in one sitting
• Take notes and screenshots for later comparison
• Share videos with family members for their input

The Bottom Line

Car dealership visits on Sundays require a bit more planning than weekday trips.

By checking state laws, confirming operating hours, and using online tools, you can make informed decisions about when and where to shop for your next vehicle.

Remember, if your local dealership isn’t open on Sunday, you have several ways to continue your car search. From virtual tours to online research, these tools help you prepare for your next dealership visit. Plus, planning a weekday visit might give you better access to services and staff.

Want to start your car-buying journey right now? Use the tips above to check which dealerships are open in your area, or explore their online portals to get a head start on finding your perfect car.