Copy-ready replies for CarGurus, Cars.com, Autotrader and Facebook Marketplace leads, plus booking visits and following up. Every one written in three languages.
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101 texts that turn car leads into visits. A 14-page PDF to print or keep on your phone.
The lot that answers first, with the car and the price, gets the conversation. Many don't: 62.8% of shoppers who sent a dealer an inquiry and came back to the site still hadn't heard from a salesperson 24 hours later.
Source: Foureyes 2026 Automotive Dealer Benchmarks.
Confirm the car is still there, give the price and the listing link, and ask one question, like finance or cash. Template 1 has it in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Say yes, add one real detail like the miles and the price, and ask when they'd like to come see it. Template 2 has the wording.
No. They're starting points. Keep the shape: one real detail, one question, and a real time when you offer a visit.
Fast, with the car and the price. Six templates for the first reply.
The first text, as soon as the lead comes in. Confirm the car, give the price and the link, then ask one question.
(A new lead from CarGurus)
Hi [Name], this is [Dealership]. The [Car] is still here, listed at [Price]: [Link]. Are you looking to finance or pay cash?
The most common first message there is. Answer it, add one detail, and move to a visit.
“Is this still available?”
Yes, it's still available! It has [Miles] miles and it's [Price]. When would you like to come see it?
First thing in the morning. Thank them, confirm the car, and ask about today.
(A lead that came in at 11:48 PM)
Good morning [Name], thanks for asking about the [Car] last night. It's still here at [Price]. Would you like to come see it today?
A text you start, so send it during the day. Short, and about the car.
(A missed call from a new number)
Hi, this is [Dealership]. Sorry we missed your call! Are you asking about a car on our lot?
Send the listing link, not twenty attachments, and ask what they want to see.
“Can you send more pics?”
Here are all the photos of the [Car]: [Link]. Anything you'd like a closer look at?
Say so plainly, once, and offer the closest car you really have.
“Is it still there?”
Sorry [Name], the [Car] just sold. We have a [Other car] at [Price]: [Link]. Would you like to see it?
Repeat their numbers and leave exact figures to your team. Three templates.
Repeat their number back so they know you heard it, leave the exact figures to the person who can stand behind them, and keep the conversation going.
“I want to be 22k out the door”
Got it, [Their price] out the door. Our team will go over the exact numbers with you. Do you have a trade-in?
Send your credit application link and ask about the down payment. Don't promise approval.
“Can I finance? My credit isn't great”
We help with financing. You can start the application here: [Credit app link]. How much are you thinking of putting down?
Get what your team needs to look at it, in one ask.
“Do you take trade-ins?”
We take trade-ins. What's the year, make and model, and about how many miles?
Offer two real times, then confirm. Four templates.
Two real times from your lot hours beat “when works for you?”
“When can I come see it?”
We're open [Day] from [Hours]. I have [Time 1] or [Time 2], which works better?
Day, time, address, and the car. Then tell them how to change it.
“Saturday at 11 works”
You're set for [Day] at [Time] at [Address]. The [Car] will be ready for you. Reply here if anything changes.
A text you start, so send it during the day (see the rules below).
(The day before their visit)
Hi [Name], a reminder from [Dealership]: you're coming to see the [Car] tomorrow at [Time], [Address]. Reply here if anything changes.
Don't make them call. Offer two new times and move it.
“Can I come Tuesday instead?”
No problem, let's move it. I have [Time 1] or [Time 2] on [Day], which works better?
One light check-in and an easy next step. Three templates.
A day or two later, one light check-in. Give them an easy next step.
(No reply for two days)
Hi [Name], it's [Dealership]. Still thinking about the [Car]? I can send more photos or set up a time to see it.
No guilt. Make it easy to pick a new time.
(They didn't come in)
Hi [Name], we missed you today. Want to pick another time to see the [Car]?
A day or two after delivery. One thank-you, one link.
(Two days after delivery)
Congrats on your [Car], [Name]! If we took good care of you, a quick review would mean a lot: [Review link]
Texts you start follow stricter rules. Here's what to follow.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check your state's rules.
STOP
“STOP”
You won't get any more texts from [Dealership]. Reply START to get them again.
Replying to a buyer who just texted you is part of a conversation they started. Texts you start, like a first text to a new lead or a follow-up, should go out between 9 AM and 8 PM in the buyer's time zone. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
LotOwl answers every lead in about a minute, 24/7, in English, Spanish or Portuguese, books the visit and tells your team. $699 a month, no setup fee.