Planning your Memorial Day weekend often involves barbecues, parades, and maybe… car shopping? If you’re eyeing a new ride, you might be wondering if dealerships even keep their doors open on this major holiday. It’s confusing navigating holiday hours and figuring out if those “Memorial Day Sales Event” emails signal genuine savings or just marketing hype.
Yes, most car dealership sales departments are open on Memorial Day. It’s a significant weekend for car sales, driven by consumer demand during the long weekend and strategic sales events designed to clear inventory before the summer rush and arrival of new model years.
You’ve likely seen the commercials and felt the buzz – Memorial Day is often touted as a prime time to buy a car. But is it really? This post dives deep into what you can expect. We’ll leverage insights from industry experts and recent data to explore dealership hours for both sales and service, the types of deals typically offered, and practical tips to navigate the potentially crowded showrooms. Read on to find out if this Memorial Day is the right time for your next car purchase.
Key Facts:
* High Inventory Levels: New vehicle inventory at dealerships is at its highest level since late 2020, creating a more favorable “buyer’s market” compared to recent years (Cox Automotive).
* Significant Discounts on Older Models: The average discount on a 2023 model year vehicle is around $4,127, significantly higher than discounts on leftover models in previous years (Edmunds).
* Domestic Brands Lead Deals: Detroit automakers like Dodge, Chrysler, and Buick had the highest share of remaining 2023 models leading into Memorial Day 2024, often translating to larger discounts (Edmunds/Bankrate). For instance, Dodge offered average discounts over $6,700 on remaining 2023 models.
* EV Incentives: Electric vehicles often see substantial discounts, with models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia Niro EV selling at average discounts exceeding 13% (Edmunds/CNN).
* Service Department Caveat: While sales are booming, most dealership service departments operate on limited hours or are closed entirely for Memorial Day.
Why is Memorial Day a Big Deal for Car Shoppers?
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and is a major US shopping holiday. For car dealerships, it’s a prime opportunity for sales events, attracting buyers with days off work who are looking to purchase vehicles before the summer season. The long weekend provides ample time for consumers to visit dealerships, test drive vehicles, and finalize purchases. This confluence of factors—a federal holiday, the beginning of warmer weather, and strategic marketing—makes Memorial Day a focal point in the automotive retail calendar.
Dealerships recognize this increased foot traffic potential and plan accordingly. It’s not just about having the doors open; it’s about creating an event. They often roll out special promotions, financing offers, and lease deals specifically tied to the holiday weekend. This period also frequently aligns with manufacturers’ goals to clear out lingering previous-model-year inventory before the new models arrive in full force, further incentivizing aggressive pricing and deals.
For consumers, this translates into a perceived window of opportunity. Many hold off on purchasing decisions, anticipating better deals during these widely advertised sales events. The timing, coinciding with the end of the month (May), can sometimes add extra motivation for dealerships to meet monthly sales targets, potentially offering slightly more flexibility in negotiations, as noted by some industry observers on forums like Reddit’s r/askcarsales.
Are Car Dealers Typically Open on Memorial Day?
Yes, most car dealerships are open on Memorial Day. It’s traditionally one of the busiest weekends for car sales, with many dealers offering special promotions and extended hours to attract customers taking advantage of the holiday. Unlike some federal holidays where businesses close, Memorial Day is widely recognized within the auto industry as a crucial sales period. Think of it as the retail equivalent of Black Friday for car dealerships.
The vast majority of new car franchise dealerships plan to be operational, specifically their sales departments. You’ll find showrooms bustling with activity, salespeople ready to assist, and finance departments working to process deals. The energy is typically high as dealerships aim to maximize sales during this concentrated period of consumer interest.
However, while openness is the norm, it’s not universal, and specific details can vary. Independent used car lots might have different policies, and even among franchise dealers, the exact hours can differ. Always double-check before heading out.
Why Do Dealerships Stay Open?
Dealerships stay open on Memorial Day primarily due to high consumer demand during the long weekend and the opportunity to host major seasonal sales events, often clearing out older inventory with attractive discounts. It’s a strategic business decision driven by several key factors:
- Peak Consumer Traffic: Many potential buyers have the day off work, giving them dedicated time to shop for a significant purchase like a car.
- Seasonal Sales Opportunity: Memorial Day kicks off the summer selling season, making it an ideal time for promotions designed to attract buyers planning summer road trips or needing a vehicle upgrade.
- Inventory Management: It’s a critical time to sell remaining previous-model-year vehicles (e.g., 2023 models in 2024) to make space for incoming new inventory. Data from sources like Edmunds and Bankrate consistently highlight significant discounts on these outgoing models during Memorial Day sales.
- Manufacturer Incentives: Automakers often support these sales events with their own incentives, such as low-APR financing or cash-back rebates, which dealerships leverage to attract customers.
- Meeting Sales Goals: The end of May timing often aligns with monthly and quarterly sales targets, adding extra motivation for dealerships to close deals.
What About Specific Dealership Hours?
While most dealers are open, specific hours can vary. Many offer extended hours, but it’s crucial to check with your local dealership directly for their exact Memorial Day operating schedule before visiting. Don’t assume standard weekday or even standard Saturday hours. Some dealerships might open earlier or stay open later than usual to accommodate the expected influx of shoppers.
- Check Online: The dealership’s website is usually the best first stop. Look for a “Hours & Directions” page or specific banners announcing Memorial Day hours and sales events.
- Call Ahead: A quick phone call is the most reliable way to confirm their exact operating hours for the sales department on Memorial Day itself.
- Consider Location: Hours might vary slightly based on regional norms or even specific dealership group policies. For example, a dealership in a major metropolitan area might have different hours than one in a smaller town.
- Sales vs. Service: Remember, announced holiday hours almost always refer to the sales department. Service department hours are typically different (more on that later).
Key Takeaway: Assume sales departments are open, but always verify the specific hours for your local dealership online or by phone before you visit on Memorial Day.
Is Memorial Day a Good Time to Buy a Car?
Yes, Memorial Day is often considered a good time to buy a car. Dealers and manufacturers typically offer significant discounts, low APR financing, and cash-back deals to clear out previous model-year inventory before summer. After several years of inventory shortages and minimal discounts, analysts noted a return to more aggressive deals for Memorial Day 2024, signaling a shift back towards a buyer’s market, as reported by outlets like CNN and Bankrate.
The deals are driven by the need to move metal, particularly older models. With dealership lots holding more inventory than in recent years (the highest since late 2020, according to Cox Automotive), there’s pressure to sell. This translates into tangible savings opportunities for savvy shoppers. Zero-percent financing deals, which were scarce, have also made a comeback for qualified buyers on certain models.
However, it’s not a universal guarantee of the absolute lowest price of the year. End-of-year sales can also be competitive. But Memorial Day consistently ranks as one of the better periods, especially if you’re interested in a model year that’s about to be replaced or a vehicle segment with higher inventory levels (like domestic brands or certain EVs in 2024).
What Kinds of Deals Can You Expect?
Expect deals like low or 0% APR financing for qualified buyers, cash-back rebates on specific models, attractive lease offers with lower monthly payments, and significant discounts on outgoing model-year vehicles. The specific offers vary greatly by manufacturer, model, region, and even individual dealership.
Here’s a breakdown of common Memorial Day deal types:
- Low/0% APR Financing: Manufacturers often offer special financing rates through their captive finance arms (e.g., Ford Credit, Toyota Financial Services). These can save you thousands in interest over the life of a loan but usually require excellent credit.
- Cash-Back Rebates: Get a specific amount of cash back on your purchase. Sometimes you have to choose between low APR and cash back – calculate which saves you more.
- Lease Deals: Look for advertised leases with low monthly payments or reduced amounts due at signing. These are often heavily promoted for specific, high-volume models.
- Discounted MSRP: Especially on outgoing model years (like 2023 models during the 2024 sale), dealerships offer direct price reductions off the sticker price. Edmunds reported average discounts nearing $4,127 for 2023 models around Memorial Day 2024.
- Combined Offers: Sometimes, you might find offers combining a discount with a special financing rate, though 0% APR often excludes other rebates.
Tip: Research specific manufacturer and dealership websites before the weekend to see advertised deals for the models you’re interested in. Sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book also compile holiday deal information.
Why Are Deals Offered Now?
Deals are common as dealers aim to clear out remaining previous-year models to make space for incoming new inventory. Memorial Day provides a high-traffic opportunity to boost sales figures significantly. The timing is strategic:
- Model Year Transition: Summer often sees the arrival of the next model year vehicles. Dealerships need to sell the “old” (but still new) models to make physical space on the lot and financial room for the incoming cars.
- Sales Targets: May marks the end of the month and often the end of a sales reporting period for manufacturers and dealerships. Strong Memorial Day sales can help them hit crucial volume targets.
- Kickstarting Summer: It sets a strong pace for the summer selling season, a historically busy period for car buying.
- Competitive Pressure: When one dealership or brand advertises a big sale, competitors often follow suit to avoid losing customers.
What Should You Know Before Visiting a Dealership on Memorial Day?
Before visiting a dealership on Memorial Day, research deals online, get pre-approved for financing, and check inventory. Be prepared for potential crowds and consider scheduling an appointment if possible for a smoother experience. Treat it like any major shopping event – preparation is key to navigating the busy environment and securing a good deal without feeling overwhelmed.
Think ahead to save time and stress. Knowing what models you’re interested in, what fair market value looks like, and having your financing potentially lined up puts you in a much stronger negotiating position. It also helps you focus when you arrive at what will likely be a bustling dealership.
Here are some specific things to keep in mind:
Expect Crowds and Extended Hours
Memorial Day weekend is popular for car shopping, so anticipate busier showrooms and potentially longer waits than usual. While many dealerships offer extended hours to manage the traffic, patience is still advisable.
- Go Early or Late: Visiting early in the day or perhaps later towards closing might help avoid peak crowds.
- Consider Weekday Before: If possible, doing preliminary research or even test drives before the holiday weekend can save significant time, as Bankrate suggests.
- Schedule an Appointment: Calling ahead to schedule time with a specific salesperson can sometimes streamline your visit, though availability might be limited.
Verify Sales vs. Service Department Hours
While dealership **sales departments are typically open on Memorial Day, service departments often have limited hours or may be closed entirely. Always call ahead to confirm service availability and hours for the specific dealership.** This is a critical distinction. The big push is for sales.
Don’t assume you can get an oil change or have a repair done just because the showroom is open. Most service technicians and support staff observe the federal holiday. If you need service, planning to visit on the preceding Friday or the following Tuesday is usually necessary.
Are Car Service Departments Typically Open on Memorial Day?
Most car dealership **service departments are NOT open on Memorial Day, or they operate on significantly reduced hours. Unlike sales, service often observes the holiday. Always call your specific dealer’s service center to confirm their schedule.** While the sales team is working hard to meet holiday demand, the service bays are generally quiet.
This is standard practice across the industry. If you require routine maintenance or repairs around the holiday, you’ll need to schedule it for a regular business day. For unexpected breakdowns on Memorial Day, you would typically need to rely on independent repair shops that might be open or utilize towing services and wait until the dealership service department reopens.
Key Takeaway: Do not count on getting your car serviced at a dealership on Memorial Day. Plan maintenance accordingly and confirm hours directly with the service department if you have any doubts.
What Other Holidays Are Car Dealerships Usually Closed?
Car dealerships are most commonly closed on major holidays like **Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Some may also close or have reduced hours on Thanksgiving Day or New Year’s Day, though policies can vary by dealership.** While Memorial Day is a big selling holiday, certain other holidays are typically observed as full closures.
- Christmas Day: Almost universally closed.
- Easter Sunday: Very commonly closed, especially in regions where it’s widely observed.
- Thanksgiving Day: Many close, though some may have limited hours, especially in the evening for early Black Friday sales.
- New Year’s Day: Policies vary; some close, some have reduced hours.
Holidays like Labor Day, Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Veterans Day often see dealerships open and running sales events, similar to Memorial Day. However, local customs and individual dealership group policies can always influence the decision, so checking ahead remains the best practice for any holiday.
FAQs About Car Dealers and Memorial Day
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about car dealerships and the Memorial Day holiday:
Are car dealers open on Memorial Day near me?
Yes, the vast majority of franchised new car dealerships across the US are open for sales on Memorial Day. However, the absolute best way to be certain about a specific dealership near you is to check their website or call them directly to confirm their holiday hours.
When do Memorial Day car sales typically start?
Memorial Day car sales often begin in the week leading up to the holiday weekend. You might see advertisements and initial offers starting around mid-May, intensifying as the actual weekend approaches. The main event and often the best deals are concentrated from the Friday before Memorial Day through the holiday itself.
Are the Memorial Day car deals better than other holiday sales?
Memorial Day sales are consistently among the best times of the year, particularly for clearing out previous model-year inventory. Whether they are the best depends on the specific year, manufacturer, and model. End-of-year sales (December) can also be very strong as dealers push to meet annual targets. However, Memorial Day offers a significant opportunity for savings.
Do dealership service departments get Memorial Day off?
Yes, in most cases, dealership service departments are closed or have severely limited hours on Memorial Day. Service technicians and advisors typically observe the federal holiday, unlike the sales staff who are present for the sales events.
What happens if I need emergency car service on Memorial Day?
You will likely need to find an independent repair shop that is open or use a towing service. Since most dealership service centers are closed, you’ll have to rely on other resources or wait until the dealership reopens after the holiday for non-critical issues.
Are used car lots also open on Memorial Day?
Many independent used car lots are also open on Memorial Day to capitalize on the shopping traffic, but policies can vary more widely than franchise dealers. It’s even more crucial to call ahead and confirm hours for smaller, independent dealerships.
Should I expect negotiation room during Memorial Day sales?
Yes, especially with higher inventory levels seen recently, there is generally room for negotiation beyond the advertised sale price. Do your research on fair market value (using tools like KBB or Edmunds) and be prepared to negotiate respectfully on the final out-the-door price.
Are luxury car dealerships open on Memorial Day?
Yes, luxury car dealerships (like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, etc.) generally follow the same practice and are open for sales on Memorial Day. They often have their own specific holiday incentives and promotions tailored to their clientele.
Besides sales, what else happens at dealerships on Memorial Day?
Some dealerships might host special events like barbecues, offer refreshments, or have family-friendly activities to attract visitors. While the primary focus is sales, they aim to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere during the busy holiday weekend.
Is it better to shop early or late during the Memorial Day weekend?
There are pros and cons to both. Shopping early (Friday or Saturday) might offer the best selection, while shopping later (Monday afternoon) could potentially yield slightly better deals if salespeople are pushing hard to meet last-minute goals. However, inventory on specific desired models might be depleted by Monday.
Summary: Key Takeaways for Memorial Day Car Shopping
Navigating the Memorial Day car sales landscape can feel complex, but understanding the key points makes it much easier. Here’s a quick recap:
- Sales Open: Most car dealership **sales departments are open and ready for business on Memorial Day.** It’s a major sales event.
- Service Closed: Conversely, expect dealership **service departments to be closed or operate on very limited hours.** Plan maintenance accordingly.
- Good Deals Likely: It’s generally a good time to find deals, especially on outgoing model-year vehicles, thanks to higher inventory levels and manufacturer incentives. 2024 saw a return to more significant discounts compared to recent years.
- Preparation Pays Off: Research deals online, check specific dealer hours, get pre-approved for financing, and know fair market value before you visit.
- Expect Crowds: Be prepared for busier showrooms than usual. Patience and perhaps scheduling an appointment can help.
Memorial Day presents a solid opportunity for many car buyers. By confirming hours, doing your homework, and understanding the difference between sales and service availability, you can approach the holiday weekend well-equipped to find the right vehicle at a competitive price.
Have you shopped for a car on Memorial Day before? Share your experiences or any additional tips in the comments below!
