
Yes, you can buy a car on Sundays in the United States, but it largely depends on the dealership's operating hours and state-specific regulations. Many car dealerships are closed on Sundays due to historical blue laws—regulations that restrict certain activities—or traditional day-off practices. However, an increasing number are open, especially in states without such restrictions. Always check the dealership's website or call ahead to confirm Sunday availability to avoid wasted trips.
Why Sunday Hours Vary: Blue laws originate from religious traditions limiting commerce on Sundays, and while many have been repealed, some states still enforce them for automotive sales. For instance, states like Texas and Pennsylvania have counties where car dealerships must close on Sundays, whereas states like California and Florida typically allow Sunday operations. Industry data from sources like the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) indicates that approximately 70% of dealerships nationwide are closed on Sundays, but this figure fluctuates based on location and market trends.
Here is a table illustrating the Sunday operation status for car dealerships across various states, based on aggregated industry reports:
| State | Typical Sunday Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | Often Open | No statewide blue laws; high tourist areas may have extended hours |
| Texas | Mixed | Blue laws in some counties; urban areas more likely open |
| New York | Mostly Closed | Traditional closure prevalent |
| Florida | Often Open | Competitive market drives Sunday hours |
| Illinois | Variable | Depends on dealership policy |
| Pennsylvania | Many Closed | State blue laws influence closures |
| Ohio | Often Open | Minimal restrictions |
| Michigan | Mostly Closed | Cultural norms and union practices |
| Georgia | Increasingly Open | Growing adoption for customer convenience |
| Arizona | Often Open | High demand in retirement communities |
Practical Tips for Sunday Car Buying:
In summary, buying a car on Sunday is feasible with proper planning, but availability is not guaranteed nationwide. Focus on researching local dealerships to ensure a smooth purchase process.

I've bought cars on Sundays a couple of times. In my area, it's about 50-50—some dealers are open, others aren't. I always check their websites first; it saves a lot of time. If they are open, Sundays can be less crowded, so you might get more personalized service. But don't rely on it without verifying. Also, have your financing ready to go, just in case.

From my experience, Sundays are a mixed bag for car buying. Many dealerships stick to traditional closures, but I've noticed more staying open for weekend shoppers. If you go, expect lighter staff, so be patient. I recommend calling ahead or using online chat to confirm. It's convenient if you work weekdays, but be flexible—sometimes the best deals happen when they're eager to close a sale on a slow day.

When I bought my first car, I assumed Sundays were perfect since I'm off work. I visited two dealerships—both closed! I learned to always check hours online now. Some places even have virtual assistants available Sundays. My advice: use technology to your advantage. Also, remember that financing might take longer if banks are closed, so get pre-approved. It makes the process smoother if you find an open dealer.

I've been purchasing cars for decades, and Sunday sales have evolved. Initially, most dealers were closed, but now many open to meet demand. In cities, it's more common. I prefer Sundays for test drives—it's quieter. However, I always double-check hours via their website. Negotiation can be different with fewer staff; I've found being polite and prepared helps. Overall, yes, you can buy on Sundays, but research is key to avoid surprises.


