Most dealerships are open on Sunday, but hours are shorter than weekdays
The majority of car dealerships in the United States open on Sunday, though not all do. Those that are open typically operate from late morning through early evening — often 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or noon to 5 p.m. — rather than the full hours they keep Monday through Friday. Some dealerships close on Sunday entirely, particularly smaller independent lots or those in certain regions where local custom or state law discourages Sunday sales.
Sunday hours vary widely by dealership, location, and brand. A Toyota dealership in one city might close all day Sunday while another Toyota lot 20 miles away opens until 7 p.m. The only way to know for certain is to call ahead or check the dealership's website before you go. This matters because if you're planning to test drive a car, negotiate a trade-in, or sign paperwork, showing up to a closed lot wastes your time.
Key Takeaways
- Most dealerships open on Sunday but with reduced hours, typically 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some close entirely.
- Hours differ by dealership, brand, and region, so checking ahead by phone or online prevents a wasted trip.
- Sunday is often less crowded than weekdays, which can mean shorter wait times for sales staff and test drives.
- Some states have no restrictions on Sunday car sales, while others limit the hours or days dealerships can operate.
Why dealership hours matter when you're buying
If you're planning to visit a dealership on Sunday, the shorter hours mean you have a narrower window to complete what you came for. A test drive, paperwork review, and financing discussion can easily take two to three hours. If the dealership closes at 5 p.m. and you arrive at 3:30 p.m., you may not have enough time to finish, and the sales staff may rush you through the process.
Sunday is also when many people shop for cars because they don't work that day. This can mean the lot is busier than you'd expect, even with reduced hours. Some dealerships staff up on Sunday to handle the traffic; others don't, which can mean longer waits to speak with a salesperson or to get paperwork processed.
How to learn about a specific dealership is open Sunday
The fastest way is to search the dealership's name plus "hours" on Google. Google Maps will show you the dealership's location, phone number, and posted hours for every day of the week, including Sunday. If the hours listed are outdated or unclear, call the dealership directly — the main number will connect you to someone who can confirm whether they're open and what time they close.
You can also visit the dealership's official website. Most brands (Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, etc.) have a dealer locator tool where you enter your zip code and see a list of nearby dealerships with their hours. Some dealership websites also let you schedule a test drive or appointment online, which can be useful if you want to may provide someone will be available when you arrive.
State laws and regional differences in Sunday sales
A handful of states have laws that restrict when car dealerships can operate. Some states prohibit dealerships from opening on Sunday at all, while others allow it but cap the hours. For example, certain states require dealerships to close by a specific time on Sunday, or they may require a full day off each week (which some dealerships choose to take on Sunday).
These rules vary by state and sometimes by county or city within a state. If you're in a state with restrictions, the dealership's posted hours will reflect those limits. If you're unsure whether your state has Sunday sales restrictions, the dealership itself can tell you — they know their local rules better than anyone.
Advantages of shopping on Sunday
Sunday can actually be a good time to visit a dealership, despite the shorter hours. Many people are off work, so the lot tends to be busier, which means sales staff are focused on moving customers through quickly rather than spending hours on a hard sell. You're also more likely to find other shoppers there, which can make the experience feel less pressured.
If you prefer a quieter experience, late Sunday afternoon — an hour or two before closing — can be a sweet spot. Fewer people are shopping that late, and sales staff may be more willing to take time with you since they're winding down for the day rather than juggling multiple customers.
What to bring and prepare before you go
Whether you visit on Sunday or any other day, bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a list of any trade-in vehicles' details (year, make, model, mileage, condition). If you're financing, bring recent pay stubs or tax returns so the dealership can start the paperwork if you find a car you want. Having these documents ready means you won't waste time hunting for them if the dealership is closing soon.
Before you leave home, know what you're looking for — the make, model, and features that matter to you. Check the dealership's inventory online if they post it. This way, if they're busy on Sunday, you can tell the sales staff exactly what you want to see, and they can pull it for you rather than spending time showing you cars that don't fit what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a car on Sunday?
Yes, you can complete a purchase on Sunday at dealerships that are open. However, if you need financing, some lenders may not process loans on Sunday, which could delay when you drive off the lot. Ask the dealership whether they can finalize everything the same day or if you'll need to return Monday to complete the transaction.
Are all dealerships open the same hours on Sunday?
No. Hours vary by dealership, brand, and location. One dealership might open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., while another closes at 4 p.m. or doesn't open at all. Always call or check online before you go to confirm the specific dealership's Sunday hours.
Is it harder to negotiate on Sunday?
Not necessarily. Sunday can actually be easier to negotiate because dealerships are busier and sales staff want to close deals quickly. However, if you arrive late in the day when the dealership is about to close, staff may be less willing to spend time negotiating. Arrive early enough to give yourself time to talk through pricing and terms.
What if the dealership I want to visit is closed on Sunday?
Plan your visit for a weekday or Saturday instead. You can also call the dealership and ask if they can schedule an appointment for you on a day they are open. Some dealerships will make special arrangements for serious buyers, especially if you call ahead.
Do I need an appointment to visit on Sunday?
Most dealerships don't require an appointment, but calling ahead to let them know you're coming can be helpful on busy days like Sunday. If you want to test drive a specific car or meet with a particular salesperson, an appointment ensures they'll have that vehicle ready and someone available to help you.