How Long Does It Take to Buy a Used Car from a Dealership? A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a used car from a dealership can be an exciting process, but many people wonder how long it actually takes from start to finish. While it can vary depending on several factors, having a general understanding of the timeline can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical steps, what to expect at each stage, and how to speed up the process so you can drive off the lot as quickly as possible.

Factors That Impact How Long It Takes to Buy a Used Car

Several factors influence the time it takes to buy a used car from a dealership. Understanding these can help you prepare and minimise delays.

Dealership Stock Availability

One of the biggest factors that impacts your buying timeline is the availability of the car you’re interested in. If the dealership has a wide variety of used cars on the lot, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. However, if they’re low on stock or if you’re after a specific model, it might take longer to find the perfect car.

If you’re worried about purchasing a car with potential issues, it’s worth knowing what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car. Check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK.

Financing Options and Pre-Approval

If you’re financing the car, how you go about this will significantly affect the time it takes to complete the purchase. Getting pre-approved for a loan before heading to the dealership can save you a lot of time. Without pre-approval, the dealership will need to work with lenders to secure financing for you, which can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on your financial situation.

For those paying in cash, check out our page on how to pay cash for a car at a dealership for a detailed guide on how to manage the process efficiently.

Trade-Ins and Negotiations

If you’re trading in your current vehicle, this can add some time to the process. The dealership will need to appraise your car, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Then there’s the negotiation process. This can be quick if you’re happy with the dealer’s first offer, or it can stretch on if there’s a bit of back-and-forth over price.

If you’re curious about negotiating prices, you might be interested in learning how much a dealership might come down on price when buying a car in the UK.

Paperwork and Documentation

Once you’ve agreed on a price and secured your financing, there’s the paperwork to finalise the deal. This includes things like registration, tax, and any warranties you might be adding on. The good news is that most dealerships are efficient at handling paperwork, but you should still allow for 30 minutes to an hour to complete this step.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Buying Process

Here’s a more detailed look at the steps involved in buying a used car from a dealership and how long each part typically takes.

Step 1: Researching and Choosing the Right Car

Before you even set foot in a dealership, it’s important to do your research. This can take a few days or weeks, depending on how specific your requirements are. Many buyers start by searching online, comparing different models, reading reviews, and checking out dealer websites. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, visiting the dealership for a test drive should only take an hour or two.

Step 2: Securing Financing

If you’ve already secured pre-approval from a lender, this step will be relatively quick. You’ll simply need to provide the dealership with your approval details, and they’ll handle the rest. If you’re applying for financing through the dealership, it could take a few hours or even up to a day or two, depending on how quickly the lender processes applications.

Step 3: Negotiating Price and Final Terms

The length of the negotiation process depends on how willing you and the dealer are to compromise. In some cases, this can take as little as 30 minutes, especially if the dealership is offering a great deal. In other cases, it can take longer, particularly if you’re negotiating a trade-in or trying to work out a better financing rate.

Step 4: Completing the Paperwork

The paperwork stage is usually the most straightforward but still requires a bit of time. You’ll need to review and sign several documents, such as the sales contract, registration forms, and any warranty paperwork. On average, this step takes 30-60 minutes, but it can vary depending on the dealership’s efficiency.

Step 5: Final Vehicle Inspection and Handover

Before you drive off the lot, the dealership may want to give the car one last inspection to ensure it’s ready for the road. They’ll also give you a run-through of the car’s features and hand over the keys. This process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.

For more on what happens at the dealership service centre, check out our page on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

How to Speed Up the Process

If you’re eager to get your new-to-you car as quickly as possible, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.

Prepare Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to cut down on time at the dealership is to get pre-approved for financing. This way, you won’t have to wait for the dealership to shop around for loans on your behalf. Bring all necessary documents with you, such as your driving licence, proof of insurance, and any information needed for trade-ins or financing.

Research the Car in Advance

By doing your research online, you can walk into the dealership knowing exactly what you want. This cuts down on the time you’ll spend browsing and test-driving multiple vehicles. Many dealerships offer online inventories, so you can even call ahead to ensure the car you’re interested in is still available.

Schedule Test Drives and Appointments

Rather than showing up at the dealership unannounced, consider scheduling a test drive in advance. This ensures that the car will be ready for you to take out for a spin, and the salesperson will be prepared for your visit. This also gives you the chance to avoid busy times at the dealership.

Average Time It Takes to Buy a Used Car

The time it takes to buy a used car can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a rough idea of how long the process generally takes.

Same-Day Purchases

In some cases, you can buy a used car in just one day, particularly if you’ve done your research, secured pre-approval for financing, and are prepared to make a quick decision. This usually happens when the dealership has the car you want in stock and the financing is already sorted.

Typical Time Frame: 1 to 3 Days

Most used car purchases are completed within 1 to 3 days. This allows enough time to test drive, negotiate, finalise financing, and complete the paperwork. If you’re not in a rush, taking a few days can also give you more room for negotiation and ensure you’re making the best decision.

Longer Purchases: Up to a Week

If you encounter any delays, such as waiting for financing approval or if the car you want needs to be transferred from another dealership, the process could take up to a week. This also applies if there are issues with paperwork or if you’re trading in a vehicle that needs to be thoroughly inspected.

FAQs About Buying a Used Car from a Dealership

Can I drive the car home the same day I buy it?

Yes, in many cases, you can drive home your used car on the same day if all the paperwork and financing are sorted. Just be sure to check with the dealership in advance.

How long does financing approval usually take?

If you’re financing through the dealership, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on your financial profile and the lender.

What paperwork is required when buying a used car?

You’ll need to sign a sales contract, registration forms, and possibly documents for any warranties or additional services like GAP insurance. Make sure you bring a valid driving licence, proof of insurance, and any other required documents.

Is it possible to negotiate the purchase price quickly?

Yes, if you’ve done your research and are prepared to make a reasonable offer, negotiations can be relatively quick. However, it can take longer if there are multiple points to discuss, such as trade-ins or add-ons.

Conclusion

Buying a used car from a dealership doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. By preparing ahead of time, researching your options, and staying organised, you can typically complete the purchase within a day or two. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to drive off the lot the same day!

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!