Can I Go To a Car Dealership and Just Look Around? Answered

There is nothing wrong with doing this, and many people do.

 Of course, be prepared to have a salesperson approach you and try to sell you a car. It’s their job, after all.

Going to a car dealership is just like going to any other store. Sure they will want you to buy something, but you are not required to. 

There’s really no need to feel intimidated – although if you do, you’re not alone – If you are intimidated, though, you can look at a car dealership during an auto show held by the dealership. 

Here you can go look at cars without interacting with a salesperson at all. It’s more of a public relations day than a hard sell day.

Plenty of people go to dealerships to simply look at cars. While you are there, feel free to ask questions, request brochures, or even test drive a model. You are never required to buy a car because you chose to visit a car dealership. 

You’re in control; never forget that. If you are worried, you might lose your inhibitions and buy a car, take a friend or family member with you. You can even give them your ID and bank card if you feel that temptation may get the better of you.

Another way to deal with a salesperson at a car dealership is to simply let them know you are looking at car options for when you are ready to buy a car. 

Let them know that it won’t be for a while, maybe six months to a year. This will allow you to look at the dealership without feeling like you need to leave with a new car. 

Any time you go to a car dealership, remember you can leave at any time. Whether or not you just walked in, if you are talking to a salesperson, if you have test driven a car, or if you have requested information about a car’s price.

At any time, you can leave the dealership and come back another time! 

Can I look at a dealership when it is closed?

It’s usually okay to browse the cars in the lot but not always. You can go and walk around the parking lot of a car dealership while it is closed but look out for signs forbidding it. This is rare though.

You will not be able to go into the car dealership or see any inventory that is inside. But you are welcome to walk through the outside of the car dealership.

This is a great way to look at the cars available and see if there are any cars you are interested in. If you see something you like, you can revisit the dealership once it is open. 

Can you walk into a car dealership without an appointment? 

You are always welcome to visit a car dealership to see their inventory. Many people will visit multiple dealerships before making their final decisions. 

An appointment is not necessary to view cars at a car dealership. If you have a specific car that you are interested in, you can look up the car, model, and pricing on other websites before going to the dealership. 

You can also call the dealership beforehand to make sure the car is in stock. 

Can I test drive a car without purchasing it? 

The test drive is designed to let you know IF you like driving the car. Test driving a car does not mean that you need to buy a specific car or any car at the dealership. 

You do not need to create an appointment ahead of time or buy a car to test drive a car at a dealership. If you see a car you are interested in at the dealership; you can simply ask to drive it! 

Test driving a car without making an appointment will take more time. 

The salesperson will need to locate the car, retrieve it, and possibly wash it before taking you on your test drive. If you are in a rush, having an appointment is useful. 

If you choose to create an appointment, this can save you time. It is recommended to drive 3-5 cars before making your final decision. If you do these test drives back to back, it will easily compare the cars you are driving. 

When is the best time to visit a car dealership? 

This depends on what you are looking for. 

If you are trying to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit the dealership during the week. This can allow you more time and space to look at the cars. If you want to buy a car, it allows the salesperson to spend more time with you. However, if you just want to look at a car, going to a car dealership during the week means receiving more attention from the salesperson. 

If you visit the dealership on the weekend, be prepared for larger crowds. This may make it harder and more time-consuming actually to purchase your car. However, crowds mean that the salespeople will be busy, and you will have more space to walk around the lot and see what inventory the dealership has available. 

During the week: Slower and you will receive more personal attention

On the weekend: The dealership will be busier, you will not receive as much attention

How do I know what to look for in my next car?

You already do!

Think about the gas mileage you want, how often you will drive it, and what features you are looking for! Think about all the practical reasons you want a car and what you will be using your car for. You can ask yourself these simple questions:

– What terrain do I drive in? Are you driving on city streets, off-roading, making long-distance drives, or a short commute? 

• What color car do I want?

– What are the most important features to me? Think about if you want a backup camera, blind-spot monitors, leather seats, etc.

– How many people will need to fit in my car? How many people are regularly in your car?

– How much storage space do I need? Will this car need to fit luggage, outdoor gear, or groceries?

– Do I need car seats?

Next, you can think about upkeep; how much will it cost you to maintain your car? Does this fit into your budget? These questions can help you confidently walk into a dealership!