Buying a car typically takes 3-5 hours at the dealership for most buyers, though prepared shoppers can complete the process in 30-60 minutes while unprepared buyers may spend an entire day[1]. The total end-to-end timeline—from initial research to driving away—ranges from same-day completion to 2-6 weeks for average buyers, or 4-16 weeks for factory-ordered vehicles[2]. Pre-approval for financing, completing research beforehand, and arriving with all necessary documents are the biggest time-savers.
The car-buying experience varies dramatically based on preparation level. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum helps set realistic expectations.
| Buyer Scenario | Time at Dealership | End-to-End Time | Who Achieves This |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro buyer (pre-approved, cash, no trade) | 30-60 minutes | Same day | 5-10% of buyers[2] |
| Prepared with pre-approval + in-stock vehicle | 1-2 hours | Same day | Growing majority |
| Average buyer (some research) | 3-5 hours | 1-7 days | Most people[1] |
| Trade-in + dealer financing | 4-8+ hours | 1-14 days | Common scenario |
| Factory order or special configuration | N/A | 4-16 weeks | Custom builds |
According to Cox Automotive research, the average car buyer spent 14 hours and 39 minutes total researching, shopping, and purchasing their vehicle in 2022—an 18% increase from the prior year[3]. This included roughly an extra hour of online research plus 20 additional minutes at the dealership compared to 2021[3].
Dealership veteran Mark McDonald explains that the customer often doesn't perceive their own activities—like multiple test drives or indecision—as consuming time, only what the salesperson does[4]. Understanding each phase helps identify where delays occur.
Selecting the right vehicle can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how decisively you've narrowed options beforehand[5]. Customers who want to drive multiple configurations—different colors, trims, or competing models—add 20-30 minutes per additional test drive. One salesperson recounted a customer who drove four variations of the same model before settling, consuming nearly two hours on test drives alone[4].
Negotiating purchase price, trade-in value, and payment terms typically consumes 30-60 minutes for straightforward deals[5]. Each component affects the others: pushing for a lower purchase price may result in reduced trade-in value or higher monthly payments. Edmunds recommends coming with an appraisal report and fair market price in mind to streamline this phase[5]. If you're considering a vehicle's MSRP, understanding the difference between sticker price and invoice price provides negotiating leverage.
The finance department typically requires 20-60 minutes to print, review, and execute paperwork[6]. This phase includes credit applications, loan document signing, and presentations of extended warranties and add-on products. If dealer financing requires bank verification or multiple lender submissions, add 30-60 additional minutes[7].
One Reddit user shared that even after wiring payment ahead of time and arriving on a slow Tuesday afternoon, the finance process still consumed three hours—including a 90-minute wait for the finance manager[2].
Financing approval timelines vary significantly by lender type and borrower profile:
| Financing Method | Approval Time | Funding Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-approval from bank/credit union | Minutes to 1 day | Same day (ready to use) |
| Dealer financing (good credit) | 15-30 minutes | Immediate |
| Dealer financing (challenged credit) | 1-3 hours | Same day to 3 days |
| Private lender | 1-5 business days | 1-3 business days[8] |
A high credit score and low debt-to-income ratio generally lead to faster approval and better interest rates[8]. Completing finance applications usually takes 15-30 minutes, though processing varies based on lender workload and complexity[9].
For used car purchases, allow an additional 4-6 weeks after leaving the dealership for your new registration to arrive and the loan account to be fully established at the financing bank[10].
The most efficient buyers execute five key strategies:
Secure financing from your bank or credit union before visiting the dealership. This eliminates the finance department's approval process and provides leverage if the dealer offers competitive rates. Pre-approval converts a 30-60 minute uncertainty into a 10-minute paperwork signing.
Use manufacturer inventory searches to identify specific vehicles with your preferred trim, color, and options before arriving. Knowing the stock number and having a fair price range eliminates the selection phase almost entirely[5]. If you're evaluating different Audi sedans or comparing the Audi Q5 vs BMW X3, complete this research online.
Weekday lunchtimes or Tuesday/Wednesday afternoons typically see lower traffic[5]. Saturdays are consistently the busiest and slowest days for completing transactions.
Arrive with your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration (if trading), loan payoff statement (if applicable), and pre-approval letter. Missing documents create delays that add 30+ minutes to the process[11].
Know whether you want extended warranties, paint protection, or service packages before entering the finance office. Being prepared to decline unnecessary add-ons reduces finance office time significantly[5].
| Purchase Type | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| New car in stock | 2-4 hours (average); same day (prepared) |
| Used car from dealer lot | Same day or faster[2] |
| Private party sale | 30 minutes to 2 hours (cash deal)[2] |
| Factory order | 4-16 weeks |
Used car purchases often move faster since there's no factory wait and less paperwork around warranties and factory incentives[2]. However, thorough used car buyers should budget time for a mileage evaluation and potentially a pre-purchase inspection.
Services like CarMax allow completing the entire used car purchase online—selecting the vehicle, securing financing, and arranging delivery—without requiring an in-person dealership visit[5].
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