If you’re planning to shop for a vehicle over the long weekend, you’re likely asking, are car dealerships open on Memorial Day? Memorial Day is a popular time for sales events, but dealerships may have modified hours to observe the holiday. This guide will give you a clear answer and help you plan your visit effectively.
Understanding dealership hours can save you a wasted trip. It also helps you time your purchase to potentially get the best deal. We’ll cover how to check hours, what to expect, and tips for shopping on this holiday.
Are Car Dealerships Open On Memorial Day
The simple answer is: it depends. Memorial Day is a federal holiday, which means many businesses are closed. However, car dealerships operate on a different model. While some locations choose to close in observance, many others remain open, often with special sales events.
Historically, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and is a major retail period. Dealerships capitalize on this by hosting “Memorial Day Sales” with significant discounts and promotions to clear out inventory before the new model year arrives. Therefore, being open is often in their commercial interest, even if hours are shortened.
Why Some Dealerships Close
Despite the sales potential, some dealerships close. The reasons are usually based on ownership philosophy, local community standards, or state laws. Some states have “blue laws” that restrict Sunday sales, which can affect holiday weekend operations if Memorial Day falls on a Monday after a restricted Sunday.
Family-owned dealerships are more likely to close to give their employees the day off. They view it as a day of remembrance and respect for military service members. For these businesses, observing the holiday takes precedence over sales.
Why Many Dealerships Stay Open
For larger dealership groups and public auto retailers, the holiday is a prime sales opportunity. They often run limited-time offers that are only valid over the weekend. Being open allows them to attract customers who have the day off from work and are ready to make a major purchase.
The competition also plays a role. If one dealership in an auto mall is open, others often feel compelled to open as well to avoid losing customers. This creates a situation where being open is the norm in many high-traffic sales areas.
Typical Memorial Day Dealership Hours
If a dealership is open, you should not expect normal business hours. The most common modified schedule is to open later and close earlier than usual. For example, a dealership that normally operates from 9 AM to 9 PM might be open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Memorial Day.
Here is a general guideline of what you might encounter:
- Closed: Some dealerships, especially in smaller towns.
- Reduced Hours (e.g., 10 AM – 4 PM): A very common compromise for open dealerships.
- Normal Hours: Less common, but possible in highly competitive markets.
- Service Department Closed: Often, even if sales is open, the service and parts departments are fully closed for the holiday.
How To Confirm A Dealership’s Memorial Day Hours
Never assume a dealership is open or closed. Always verify the hours for the specific location you plan to visit. Relying on guesswork can lead to frustration.
Check The Dealership Website
The dealership’s official website is your most reliable source. Look for a “Hours” or “Contact Us” page. Many dealerships will post holiday hour announcements on their homepage or in a news banner in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend.
Some sites have a dedicated holiday hours section. If you don’t see an announcement, the posted hours may still reflect the regular schedule, so a phone call is wise.
Use Google Business Profile
Google Maps and the dealership’s Google Business Profile are excellent tools. Search for the dealership name. The profile will usually show “Holiday Hours” if they have been updated. You can also see if the dealership has marked itself as “Temporarily Closed” for the holiday.
Sometimes user-contributed updates appear here, but they are not always accurate. Use this as a preliminary check, not your final confirmation.
Call The Dealership Directly
This is the most definitive method. Call the dealership a few days before the holiday. Speak to a sales representative or the front desk. Ask directly: “What are your hours for Memorial Day, Monday, [Date]?”
Calling also lets you ask other helpful questions, like whether specific salespeople will be working or if special financing offers require an appointment.
Check Social Media Channels
Dealerships actively use social media to promote holiday sales. Their Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter) accounts often have posts announcing hours and special events. This can be a quick way to get the information and see what promotions they are running.
What To Expect When Visiting On Memorial Day
If you decide to visit an open dealership, being prepared will make the experience smoother. The atmosphere can be different from a typical weekday visit.
Potential For Larger Crowds
Since many people have the day off, dealerships can be busier than usual. This means salespeople may be stretched thin. You might have to wait for assistance, and the finance office could have a backlog.
To manage this, consider making an appointment with a specific salesperson, even on the holiday. This can guarantee you get dedicated attention and streamline your process.
Special Holiday Promotions
Memorial Day sales are known for incentives. These can include:
- Cash-back offers or customer rebates.
- Special APR financing rates, sometimes as low as 0% for qualified buyers.
- Bonus discounts for military members, veterans, or first responders.
- Lease specials with reduced down payments.
- Clearance deals on previous model-year inventory.
Always read the fine print. Some offers may require financing through the manufacturer’s bank or may not be combinable with other discounts.
Limited Staffing In Certain Departments
While the sales floor is staffed, other departments likely are not. Do not expect to get a vehicle serviced or detailed on Memorial Day. The business office (for handling paperwork) is usually open, but the parts department and body shop are typically closed.
If your deal depends on a trade-in appraisal, that can still be done. But any follow-up service work will need to be scheduled for another day.
Steps For A Successful Memorial Day Car Purchase
Follow this plan to navigate the holiday shopping experience effectively and secure a good deal.
Step 1: Research And Shortlist Before The Weekend
Do not start from scratch on the holiday. Use the weeks before to:
- Decide on the make, model, and trim you want.
- Get pre-approved for financing from your bank or credit union. This gives you a baseline to compare dealer financing.
- Research fair market prices using tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
- Identify 2-3 dealerships in your area that have the vehicle in stock.
Step 2: Confirm Hours And Inventory
On the Thursday or Friday before the holiday, call your shortlisted dealerships. Confirm their Memorial Day hours and ask if they have the specific vehicle you want in stock. You can also inquire if they are offering any holiday-specific discounts on that model.
This call can save you hours of driving around. If a dealership doesn’t have the car, you can cross them off your list immediately.
Step 3: Plan Your Visit And Test Drive
If you’re going on Memorial Day itself, aim to arrive early in the day. This gives you more time to negotiate and complete paperwork before closing. Bring all necessary documents with you:
- Driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Your pre-approval letter (if applicable)
- Information on your current vehicle if trading it in
Insist on a test drive, even if the dealership is busy. You need to ensure the car is right for you before discussing numbers.
Step 4: Negotiate The Final Out-The-Door Price
Focus on the total “out-the-door” price, not just the monthly payment. This includes all taxes, fees, and add-ons. Use your pre-researched fair market price as your target.
Mention that you are comparing offers from other dealerships that are open. The time-limited nature of holiday sales can work in your favor, but stay firm on a reasonable price. Be prepared to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
Step 5: Finalize Paperwork And Delivery
Once you agree on a price, the finance manager will handle the contract. Review every line item carefully. Ensure any promised discounts or rebates are applied. Understand the terms of your loan or lease before signing.
Since it’s a holiday, immediate vehicle delivery might be delayed if the detail shop is closed. Clarify when you can physically take possession of the car.
Memorial Day Car Shopping FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about car shopping on Memorial Day.
Are Car Dealerships Open On Memorial Day Weekend?
Yes, most dealerships are open on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, often with standard weekend hours. The main question mark is Monday, the actual holiday. Saturday and Sunday are typically the busiest sales days of the long weekend.
Is Memorial Day A Good Day To Buy A Car?
It can be. Dealerships often have strong incentives to meet end-of-month and end-of-spring sales goals. The combination of holiday promotions and this timing can create genuine savings. However, you must still do your research to ensure the “sale” price is actually a good deal compared to regular market prices.
What If The Dealership Is Closed On Memorial Day?
If your preferred dealership is closed, your shopping isn’t ruined. Many of their holiday sales offers are valid over the entire weekend, not just Monday. You can visit on Saturday or Sunday to make your purchase and still qualify for the promotions. Alternatively, sales offers often extend through the following Tuesday.
Do Memorial Day Sales Include Used Cars?
Often, yes. While manufacturer incentives typically apply to new cars, dealerships frequently include their used car inventory in holiday sales events. You might see “Red Tag Specials” on certified pre-owned vehicles or discounts on used car pricing. It’s always worth asking about used car promotions.
Are There Special Deals For Military On Memorial Day?
Many manufacturers have ongoing military appreciation programs that provide bonus cash offers (usually $500-$1,000) to active duty, reserves, veterans, and sometimes their spouses. These offers are usually available year-round but are heavily promoted during Memorial Day. You will need to provide proof of service, such as a DD Form 214.
Final Checklist Before You Go
To summarize, here is a quick list to review before heading out on Memorial Day.
- Confirmed the dealership’s specific holiday hours via phone or website.
- Researched target vehicle pricing and obtained external financing pre-approval.
- Called to verify the exact car is in stock.
- Gathered all necessary documents (license, insurance, etc.).
- Prepared for potential crowds and possible shorter hours.
- Decided on your maximum out-the-door budget and are ready to negotiate from that number.
Memorial Day can be an excellent opportunity to purchase a vehicle if you plan ahead. By confirming hours, doing your homework, and navigating the process strategically, you can take advantage of holiday promotions while avoiding any surprises. Remember, the best deal is one that fits your budget and needs, regardless of the calendar date.