Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting—but what about car shopping? The simple answer is: most car dealerships are closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, there are exceptions, and understanding the nuances is key. This comprehensive guide will explore the typical operating hours of dealerships on Thanksgiving, answer frequently asked questions, and help you plan your car-buying strategy around this holiday.
Are All Car Dealerships Closed on Thanksgiving?
While the vast majority of car dealerships choose to close their doors on Thanksgiving, offering their employees a well-deserved day off, some may choose to remain open, often with reduced hours. This is less common and usually depends on factors such as dealership policy, location, and past sales performance. Smaller, independent dealerships are more likely to be closed than larger chains.
What are the Typical Thanksgiving Day Hours for Car Dealerships?
The vast majority of car dealerships that do open on Thanksgiving will operate with significantly reduced hours. You're unlikely to find a dealership open for their full regular business hours. Expect severely limited hours, perhaps just a few hours in the afternoon, if they open at all.
What About Black Friday?
While Thanksgiving Day itself typically sees limited car dealership activity, Black Friday is a completely different story. Many dealerships will be open, often with extended hours, to capitalize on the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy and attractive sales events. This is when you're more likely to find significant deals and promotions.
Do Car Dealerships Offer Thanksgiving Sales Events?
Some dealerships might offer special promotions or incentives leading up to Thanksgiving or during the Black Friday weekend. It's always a good idea to check with your local dealerships directly or browse their websites to see if any specific Thanksgiving or Black Friday sales are advertised.
When Should I Start Looking For a Thanksgiving Car Deal?
To maximize your chances of finding a good deal, starting your research well in advance of Thanksgiving is recommended. Begin browsing online, comparing models and prices, and pre-qualifying for financing several weeks before the holiday. This will allow you to make informed decisions when the sales events begin.
Will Service Departments Be Open on Thanksgiving?
Generally, car dealership service departments are also closed on Thanksgiving. Just like the sales departments, they will prioritize giving their employees the holiday off. If you require emergency service, you might need to find an alternative provider or wait until the following day.
How Can I Find Out If My Local Dealership Is Open on Thanksgiving?
The best way to determine if your preferred dealership is open on Thanksgiving is to:
- Check their website: Most dealerships will post their holiday hours on their website.
- Call them directly: A quick phone call is the most reliable method to confirm their operating hours.
- Check their social media: Some dealerships will announce their holiday hours on their social media channels.
By proactively researching and planning, you can successfully navigate the Thanksgiving car-buying landscape and potentially score a great deal. Remember that while deals might exist, your time and the dealership employees' time off should be respected. Happy Thanksgiving!
