Can someone buy a car and leave it there at the dealership?

It depends on the specific dealership's policies and procedures, but generally speaking, it is uncommon and generally not allowed to purchase a car and then leave it indefinitely at the dealership. However, there may be short-term accommodations available, such as leaving the vehicle for a few days for necessary add-ons or temporary storage while completing financial arrangements.

When buying a car, individuals are typically expected to take possession of the vehicle and drive it away. Dealerships typically have designated areas for customers to park their new cars, and while buyers have ownership of their vehicles, leaving them at the dealership might not be practical for an extended period.

Dealerships allocate parking space for inventory and customer convenience, and long-term storage could take up space needed for operational purposes. Moreover, dealerships usually prefer to keep turnover high and cars moving to maintain their business flow. Additionally, insurance coverage policies may differ for a car left at the dealership, and there could be additional costs for parking, handling fees, or potential risks of damage or theft.

Therefore, it's important to discuss any potential arrangements and seek permission from the dealership if one wishes to leave a purchased vehicle on their premises and clearly understand any associated terms, fees, and responsibilities.