Sonic Automotive (SAH) 10-Q 29 Oct 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 28, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001043509
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SAH
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
City Area Code	(704)
Entity Address, Address Line One	4401 Colwick Road
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28211
Entity Tax Identification Number	56-2010790
Local Phone Number	566-2400
Entity File Number	1-13395
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Document Quarterly Report	true
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,020,591
Class B common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,029,375

Details

Details	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Document Transition Report	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,548,545,000	$ 2,702,720,000	$ 6,968,487,000	$ 7,705,939,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(2,171,978,000)	(2,315,909,000)	(5,933,959,000)	(6,578,806,000)
Gross profit	376,567,000	386,811,000	1,034,528,000	1,127,133,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(257,174,000)	(296,826,000)	(769,688,000)	(838,453,000)
Impairment charges	(26,000)	(1,124,000)	(268,859,000)	(3,076,000)
Depreciation and amortization	(22,934,000)	(23,665,000)	(67,879,000)	(70,120,000)
Operating income (loss)	96,433,000	65,196,000	(71,898,000)	215,484,000
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, floor plan	(4,999,000)	(11,638,000)	(21,821,000)	(37,382,000)
Interest expense, other, net	(10,762,000)	(13,013,000)	(31,523,000)	(39,494,000)
Other income (expense), net	1,000	(5,000)	100,000	90,000
Total other income (expense)	(15,760,000)	(24,656,000)	(53,244,000)	(76,786,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	80,673,000	40,540,000	(125,142,000)	138,698,000
Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense)	(20,685,000)	(11,372,000)	16,995,000	(40,430,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	59,988,000	29,168,000	(108,147,000)	98,268,000
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes	(234,000)	(223,000)	(808,000)	(616,000)
Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense)	64,000	65,000	231,000	179,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(170,000)	(158,000)	(577,000)	(437,000)
Net income (loss)	$ 59,818,000	$ 29,010,000	$ (108,724,000)	$ 97,831,000
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 1.41	$ 0.68	$ (2.53)	$ 2.28
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 1.41	$ 0.67	$ (2.55)	$ 2.27
Weighted average common shares outstanding	42,510	43,078	42,687	42,995
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 1.35	$ 0.66	$ (2.53)	$ 2.26
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.01)	0	(0.02)	(0.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 1.34	$ 0.66	$ (2.55)	$ 2.25
Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,577	44,203	42,687	43,456
Total vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,100,832,000	$ 2,223,832,000	$ 5,700,972,000	$ 6,305,721,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(2,007,575,000)	(2,132,802,000)	(5,457,995,000)	(6,032,739,000)
New vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	1,098,302,000	1,258,018,000	2,957,794,000	3,529,106,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(1,035,624,000)	(1,202,710,000)	(2,804,314,000)	(3,363,603,000)
Used vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	946,028,000	914,272,000	2,604,957,000	2,620,264,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(917,993,000)	(877,444,000)	(2,517,421,000)	(2,509,699,000)
Wholesale vehicles
Revenues:
Revenues	56,502,000	51,542,000	138,221,000	156,351,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(53,958,000)	(52,648,000)	(136,260,000)	(159,437,000)
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Revenues	320,929,000	352,047,000	914,667,000	1,048,789,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(164,403,000)	(183,107,000)	(475,964,000)	(546,067,000)
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 126,784,000	$ 126,841,000	$ 352,848,000	$ 351,429,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 59,818	$ 29,010	$ (108,724)	$ 97,831
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements	296	(223)	1,076	(3,971)
Amortization of terminated interest rate swap agreements	(280)	(786)	(1,912)	(1,707)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes	16	(1,009)	(836)	(5,678)
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	9	330	334	1,726
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25	(679)	(502)	(3,952)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 59,843	$ 28,331	$ (109,226)	$ 93,879

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 125,739	$ 29,103
Receivables, net	286,938	432,742
Inventories	1,137,852	1,517,875
Other current assets	101,601	37,890
Total current assets	1,652,130	2,017,610
Property and Equipment, net	1,110,609	1,097,247
Goodwill	207,297	475,791
Other Intangible Assets, net	64,300	64,300
Right-of-use asset	337,774	337,842
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	39,463	34,691
Other Assets	92,344	43,554
Total Assets	3,503,917	4,071,035
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	543,126	860,871
Notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	628,978	678,223
Trade accounts payable	92,624	135,217
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	43,900	43,332
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	3,167	1,564
Accrued interest	6,352	10,830
Other accrued liabilities	246,958	266,211
Current maturities of long-term debt	63,913	69,908
Total current liabilities	1,629,018	2,066,156
Long-Term Debt	669,684	636,978
Other Long-Term Liabilities	86,728	73,746
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	304,596	304,151
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	39,789	36,313
Deferred Income Taxes	0	8,927
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A convertible preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	764,446	755,904
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	668,540	790,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,564)	(2,062)
Treasury stock, at cost; 33,476,159 Class A common stock shares held at September 30, 2018 and 32,290,493 Class A common stock shares held at December 31, 2017	(657,097)	(600,004)
Total Stockholders' Equity	774,102	944,764
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	3,503,917	4,071,035
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	656	647
Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, value	$ 121	$ 121

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Convertible preferred stock issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	65,607,628	64,733,667
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,185,830	31,105,000
Treasury stock, shares	35,421,798	33,628,667
Class B common stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,029,375

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Class A Common Stock	Class A Common StockCommon Stock	Class A Common StockTreasury Stock	Class A Common StockRetained Earnings	Class B Common Stock	Class B Common StockCommon Stock	Class B Common StockRetained Earnings
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 823,116	$ 745,052	$ 670,691	$ 4,233		$ 642	$ (597,623)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018						64,197	33,476			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	60	55				$ 5
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						537
Purchase of treasury stock	(2,381)						$ (2,381)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(153)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(3,952)			(3,952)
Restricted stock amortization		8,107
Net income (loss)	97,831		97,831
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 9,319			$ 9,319	$ 3,609		$ 3,609
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	902,425	753,214	748,166	281		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2019						64,734	33,629			12,029
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019	875,725	750,532	723,469	960		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2019						64,728	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	0	0				$ 0
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						6
Purchase of treasury stock	0						$ 0
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							0
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(679)			(679)
Restricted stock amortization	2,682	2,682
Net income (loss)	29,010		29,010
Dividends, Common Stock					3,110			3,110	1,203		1,203
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	902,425	753,214	748,166	281		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2019						64,734	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle	(7,428)		(7,428)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	790,158
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	944,764	755,904	790,158	(2,062)		$ 647	$ (600,004)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019						64,734	33,629			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	0	(9)				$ 9
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						874
Purchase of treasury stock	(57,093)						$ (57,093)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(1,793)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	(502)			(502)
Restricted stock amortization		8,551
Net income (loss)	(108,724)		(108,724)
Dividends, Common Stock					9,285			9,285	3,609		3,609
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	774,102	764,446	668,540	(2,564)		$ 656	$ (657,097)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2020						65,608	35,422			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		8,551
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2020	744,702	761,293	613,033	(2,589)		$ 656	$ (627,812)			$ 121
Beginning balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2020						65,604	34,638			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan	(1)	(1)				$ 0
Shares awarded under stock compensation plan (shares)						4
Purchase of treasury stock	(29,285)						$ (29,285)
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)							(784)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements, net of tax expense of $1,563	25			25
Restricted stock amortization	3,154
Net income (loss)	59,818		59,818
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 3,108			$ 3,108	$ 1,203		$ 1,203
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	774,102	764,446	$ 668,540	$ (2,564)		$ 656	$ (657,097)			$ 121
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2020						65,608	35,422			12,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		$ 3,154
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ 668,540

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ (108,724)	$ 97,831
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	65,474	67,674
Provision for bad debt expense	525	277
Debt issuance cost amortization	2,016	1,789
Stock-based compensation expense	8,551	8,107
Deferred income taxes	(62,950)	(8,337)
Net distributions from equity investee	314	50
Asset impairment charges	268,859	3,076
Loss (gain) on disposal of dealerships and property and equipment	(1,354)	(46,024)
Loss (gain) on exit of leased dealerships	0	(170)
Changes in assets and liabilities that relate to operations:
Receivables	145,280	83,609
Inventories	374,651	(47,692)
Other assets	(21,485)	(65,078)
Notes payable - floor plan - trade	(317,745)	(78,554)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	(80,416)	(42,204)
Total adjustments	381,720	(123,477)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	272,996	(25,646)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of land, property and equipment	(92,056)	(74,549)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	21,488	10,796
Proceeds from sales of dealerships	8,806	130,086
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(61,762)	66,333
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings on notes payable - floor plan - non-trade	49,245	(8,728)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	460,916	359,362
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(460,916)	(359,362)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	53,135	0
Debt issuance costs	2,115	23
Principal payments and repurchase of long-term debt	(26,328)	(17,229)
Purchases of treasury stock	(57,093)	(2,381)
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	20,058	4,706
Issuance of shares under stock compensation plans	0	60
Dividends paid	(12,894)	(11,179)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(114,598)	(44,140)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	96,636	(3,453)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	29,103	5,854
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	125,739	2,401
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in fair value of interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements (net of tax expense of $1,563 and $1,099 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively)	(502)	(3,952)
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, including amount capitalized	56,912	78,518
Income taxes	$ 51,455	$ 56,629

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Tax effect on fair value of interest rate swap and rate cap agreements	$ 334	$ 1,726

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist of the following: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) New vehicles $ 596,785 $ 983,123 Used vehicles 362,434 319,791 Service loaners 127,526 152,278 Parts, accessories and other 51,107 62,683 Net inventories $ 1,137,852 $ 1,517,875

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Pursuant to the applicable accounting pronouncements, we were required to evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets during the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and market value. Based on this evaluation, we determined the carrying value of the goodwill related to our franchised dealership reporting unit was greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $268.0 million and a corresponding income tax benefit of $55.8 million to reduce the carrying value to fair value as of March 31, 2020. We utilized the Discounted Cash Flows ( “ DCF ” ) method, using unobservable inputs (Level 3) to estimate Sonic’s enterprise value as of March 31, 2020 and reconciled the discounted cash flows to Sonic’s market capitalization, using quoted market price inputs (Level 1). The significant assumptions in our DCF model include projected earnings, a discount rate (and estimates in the discount rate inputs), control premium factors and residual growth rates. Based on the improvement in our business operations and market value during the second and third quarters of 2020, as well as our future forecast expectations, no further impairment assessment was required.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal and Other Proceedings Sonic is involved, and expects to continue to be involved, in various legal and administrative proceedings arising out of the management and conduct of its business, including regulatory investigations and private civil actions brought by plaintiffs purporting to represent a potential class or for which a class has been certified. Although Sonic vigorously defends itself in all legal and administrative proceedings, the outcomes of pending and future proceedings arising out of the management and conduct of Sonic’s business, including litigation with customers, employment-related lawsuits, contractual disputes, class actions, purported class actions and actions brought by governmental authorities, cannot be predicted with certainty. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on Sonic’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in reserves that Sonic was holding for pending proceedings. Included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 was approximately $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for such reserves. Except as reflected in such reserves, Sonic is currently unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss, or a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, for pending proceedings. Guarantees and Indemnification Obligations In accordance with the terms of Sonic’s operating lease agreements, Sonic’s dealership subsidiaries, acting as lessees, generally agree to indemnify the lessor from certain exposure arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental exposure and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease. In addition, Sonic has generally agreed to indemnify the lessor in the event of a breach of the lease by the lessee. In connection with dealership dispositions and facility relocations, certain of Sonic’s subsidiaries have assigned or sublet to the buyer their interests in real property leases associated with such dealerships or facilities. In general, the subsidiaries retain responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases, including rent payments and repairs to leased property upon termination of the lease, to the extent that the assignee or sublessee does not perform. In the event an assignee or a sublessee does not perform its obligations, Sonic remains liable for such obligations. In accordance with the terms of agreements entered into for the sale of Sonic’s dealerships, Sonic generally agrees to indemnify the buyer from certain liabilities and costs arising subsequent to the date of sale, including environmental exposure and exposure resulting from the breach of representations or warranties made in accordance with the agreements. While Sonic’s exposure with respect to environmental remediation and repairs is difficult to quantify, Sonic’s maximum exposure associated with these general indemnifications was approximately $29.3 million and $46.5 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. These indemnifications typically expire within a period of one Sonic also guarantees the floor plan commitments of its 50%-owned joint venture, the amount of which was approximately $4.3 million at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements In determining fair value, Sonic uses various valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches. “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” in the ASC establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of Sonic. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect Sonic’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows: Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sonic has the ability to access. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include marketable securities that are actively traded, including Sonic’s stock or public bonds. Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include cash flow swap instruments and deferred compensation plan balances. Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Asset and liability measurements utilizing Level 3 inputs include those used in estimating fair value of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities in purchase acquisitions, those used in assessing impairment of right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”), property, plant and equipment and other intangibles and those used in the reporting unit valuation in the goodwill impairment evaluation. The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment required by Sonic in determining fair value is greatest for assets and liabilities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input (Level 3 being the lowest level) that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, Sonic’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Sonic uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods when the market may be abnormally high or abnormally low. Accordingly, fair value measurements can be volatile based on various factors that may or may not be within Sonic’s control. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows: Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Assets: Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1) $ 34,235 $ 32,799 Interest rate caps designated as hedges (1) 1 97 Total assets $ 34,236 $ 32,896 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan (2) $ 20,049 $ 17,890 Total liabilities $ 20,049 $ 17,890 (1) Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. (2) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. There were $268.9 million of impairment charges related to indefinite and long-lived assets assessed during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 which required a fair value measurement of assets ordinarily measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Goodwill and property and equipment, net balances have been adjusted for fair value through impairment charges using Level 1 and Level 3 fair value inputs as discussed in Note 4, “Property and Equipment,” and Note 5, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets.” Remaining intangible and long-lived assets will be evaluated as of the annual valuation assessment date of October 1, 2020 or as events or changes in circumstances require. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair values of Sonic’s financial instruments, including receivables, notes receivable from finance contracts, notes payable – floor plan, trade accounts payable, borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and certain mortgage notes, approximated their carrying values due either to length of maturity or existence of variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value (In thousands) 6.125% Notes (1) $ 258,750 $ 250,000 $ 261,250 $ 250,000 Mortgage Notes (2) $ 220,297 $ 217,090 $ 195,962 $ 194,535 (1) As determined by market quotations as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (Level 1). (2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3) based on estimated current market interest rates for comparable instruments.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are as follows: Gains and Defined Total (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (1,326) $ (736) $ (2,062) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1) 856 — 856 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (1,358) — (1,358) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (502) — (502) Balance at September 30, 2020 $ (1,828) $ (736) $ (2,564) (1) Net of tax expense of $221 related to cash flow hedges. (2) Net of tax benefit of $555 related to cash flow hedges. See the heading “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” in Note 6, “Long-Term Debt,” for further discussion of Sonic’s cash flow hedges. For further discussion of Sonic’s defined benefit pension plan, see Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	10. Segment Information As of September 30, 2020, Sonic had two operating segments comprised of: (1) retail automotive franchises that sell new vehicles and buy and sell used vehicles, sell replacement parts, perform vehicle repair and maintenance services, and arrange finance and insurance products (the “Franchised Dealerships Segment”); and (2) pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations that provide customers an opportunity to search our nationwide inventory, purchase a pre-owned vehicle, select finance and insurance products and sell their current vehicle to us (the “EchoPark Segment”). Sonic has determined that its operating segments also represent its reportable segments. The reportable segments identified above are the business activities of Sonic for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by Sonic’s chief operating decision maker to assess operating performance and allocate resources. Sonic’s chief operating decision maker is a group of three individuals consisting of: (1) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer; (2) the Company’s President; and (3) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Reportable segment financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Segment Revenues: Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues: New vehicles $ 1,098,302 $ 1,258,018 $ 2,957,794 $ 3,529,106 Used vehicles 615,565 648,006 1,718,151 1,889,045 Wholesale vehicles 48,526 44,517 119,474 140,770 Parts, service and collision repair 310,035 343,820 886,534 1,027,382 Finance, insurance and other, net 91,035 96,142 254,465 266,171 Franchised Dealerships Segment revenues $ 2,163,463 $ 2,390,503 $ 5,936,418 $ 6,852,474 EchoPark Segment revenues: Used vehicles $ 330,463 $ 266,266 $ 886,806 $ 731,219 Wholesale vehicles 7,976 7,025 18,747 15,581 Parts, service and collision repair 10,894 8,227 28,133 21,407 Finance, insurance and other, net 35,749 30,699 98,383 85,258 EchoPark Segment revenues $ 385,082 $ 312,217 $ 1,032,069 $ 853,465 Total consolidated revenues $ 2,548,545 $ 2,702,720 $ 6,968,487 $ 7,705,939 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands, except unit data) Segment Income (Loss) (1): Franchised Dealerships Segment (2) $ 80,460 $ 38,417 $ 138,805 $ 134,727 EchoPark Segment 239 3,247 4,912 7,047 Total segment income (loss) $ 80,699 $ 41,664 $ 143,717 $ 141,774 Impairment charges (3) (26) (1,124) (268,859) (3,076) Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes $ 80,673 $ 40,540 $ (125,142) $ 138,698 Retail New and Used Vehicle Unit Sales Volume: Franchised Dealerships Segment 50,463 59,394 142,089 169,070 EchoPark Segment 15,127 13,206 42,320 36,844 Total retail new and used vehicle unit sales volume 65,590 72,600 184,409 205,914 (1) Segment income (loss) for each segment is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and impairment charges. (2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 , the above amount includes a pre-tax gain on the disposal of a franchised dealership of approximately $3.2 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the above amount includes a pre-tax net gain on the disposal of franchised dealerships of approximately $46.7 million, offset partially by approximately $6.3 million of pre-tax executive transition costs. (3) For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the above amount includes approximately $1.1 million of impairment expenses related to real estate assets held for sale at former EchoPark locations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 , the above amount includes a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $268.0 million related to adjustments in fair value of goodwill for the Franchised Dealerships Segment as a result of the economic disruptions due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19 which has adversely affected our business, as well as a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $0.9 million related to the abandonment of certain construction projects. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the above amount includes approximately $3.1 million of pre-tax impairment expense related to real estate assets held for sale at former EchoPark locations. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Impairment Charges: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 26 $ — $ 268,859 $ 26 EchoPark Segment — 1,124 — 3,050 Total impairment charges $ 26 $ 1,124 $ 268,859 $ 3,076 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Depreciation and Amortization: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 20,170 $ 20,967 $ 59,654 $ 62,348 EchoPark Segment 2,764 2,698 8,225 7,772 Total depreciation and amortization $ 22,934 $ 23,665 $ 67,879 $ 70,120 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Floor Plan Interest Expense: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 4,234 $ 10,679 $ 19,517 $ 34,781 EchoPark Segment 765 959 2,304 2,601 Total floor plan interest expense $ 4,999 $ 11,638 $ 21,821 $ 37,382 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Interest Expense, Other, Net: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 10,615 $ 12,607 $ 30,771 $ 38,214 EchoPark Segment 147 406 752 1,280 Total interest expense, other, net $ 10,762 $ 13,013 $ 31,523 $ 39,494 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Capital Expenditures: Franchised Dealerships Segment $ 18,237 $ 21,141 $ 70,875 $ 62,819 EchoPark Segment 12,085 2,174 21,181 11,730 Total capital expenditures $ 30,322 $ 23,315 $ 92,056 $ 74,549

Leases, Codification Topic 842

Leases, Codification Topic 842	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Lease Accounting The majority of our leases are related to dealership properties that are subject to long-term lease arrangements. In addition, we have certain equipment leases and contracts containing embedded leased assets that have been evaluated and included in the recorded ROU asset and lease liabilities as appropriate. As a result of the adoption of ASC 842, “Leases,” on January 1, 2019, we are required to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at the lease commencement date. For operating leases, the lease liability is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments at the lease commencement date. For finance leases, the lease liability is initially measured in the same manner and date as for operating leases and is subsequently measured at reduced cost using the effective interest method. The ROU asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease payments made at or before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred or previously recognized favorable lease assets, less any lease incentives received or previously recognized lease exit accruals. For operating leases, the ROU asset is subsequently measured throughout the lease term at the carrying amount of the lease liability, plus initial direct costs, plus (minus) any prepaid (accrued) lease payments, less the unamortized balance of lease incentives received. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the ROU asset is reduced using the straight-line method from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of its useful life or the end of the lease term unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to us or we are reasonably certain to exercise an option to purchase the underlying asset. In those cases, the ROU asset is reduced over the expected useful life of the underlying asset. Expense related to the reduction of the ROU asset is recognized and presented separately from interest expense on the lease liability. Variable lease payments associated with our leases are recognized when the event, activity or circumstance in the lease agreement on which those payments are assessed occurs. Variable lease payments are presented as operating expense in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations in the same line item as expense arising from fixed lease payments (operating leases) or expense related to the reduction of the ROU asset (finance leases). ROU assets for operating and finance leases are periodically reduced by impairment losses. We use the long-lived assets impairment guidance in ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” to determine whether the ROU asset is impaired and, if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize. We regularly monitor events or changes in circumstances that may require a reassessment of one of our leases. When a reassessment results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the corresponding ROU asset unless doing so would reduce the carrying amount of the ROU asset to an amount less than zero. In that case, the amount of the adjustment that would result in a negative ROU asset balance is recorded in profit or loss. Key estimates and judgments related to the measurement and recording of ROU assets and lease liabilities include how we determine: (1) the discount rate used to discount the unpaid lease payments to present value; and (2) the expected lease term, including any extension options. ASC 842, “Leases,” requires a lessee to discount its unpaid lease payments using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, its incremental borrowing rate. Generally, we cannot determine the interest rate implicit in the lease because we do not have access to the lessor’s estimated residual value or the amount of the lessor’s deferred initial direct costs. Therefore, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for the lease. We determined the discount rate for our leases based on the risk-free rate as of the measurement date for varying maturities corresponding to the remaining lease term, adjusted for the risk-premium attributed to Sonic’s corporate credit rating for a secured or collateralized instrument. Many of our lease arrangements have one or more existing renewal options to extend the lease term (typically in five- to ten-year increments), which were considered in the calculation of the ROU assets and lease liabilities if we determined that it was reasonably certain that an extension option would be exercised. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the non-cancelable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by our option to extend the lease that we are reasonably certain to exercise. We determined the probability of the exercise of a lease extension option based on our long-term strategic business outlook and the condition and remaining useful life of the fixed assets at the location subject to the lease agreement, among other factors. The majority of our lease agreements require fixed monthly payments (subject to either specific or index-based escalations in future periods) while other agreements require variable lease payments based on changes in LIBOR or any replacement thereof. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the: (1) fixed lease payments, including in-substance fixed payments, owed over the lease term, which include termination penalties we would owe if the estimated lease term assumes that we would be likely to exercise a termination option prior to the earliest expiration date; (2) variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the lease commencement date; and (3) the exercise price of our option to purchase the underlying asset if we are reasonably certain to exercise the option. Our leases do not typically contain residual value guarantees. In certain situations, we have entered into sublease agreements whereby we sublease all or a portion of a leased real estate asset to a third party. To the extent that we have a sublease related to a lease agreement for an asset that we are no longer using in operations, we have reduced the ROU asset by any applicable net deficiency in expected cash flows from that sublease (either due to partial monthly sublease proceeds or a sublease term less than the remaining master lease term). Following is information related to changes in our ROU asset and lease liability balances and other financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2020: December 31, 2019 New Modifications (1) Reduction / Amortization September 30, 2020 (In thousands) ROU Assets: Finance Leases $ 34,691 $ — $ 7,176 $ (2,404) $ 39,463 Operating Leases 337,842 5,609 26,861 (32,538) 337,774 Total ROU Assets $ 372,533 $ 5,609 $ 34,037 $ (34,942) $ 377,237 Current Lease Liabilities: Finance Leases $ 1,564 $ — $ 20,443 $ (18,840) $ 3,167 Operating Leases 43,332 433 591 (456) 43,900 Total Current Lease Liabilities $ 44,896 $ 433 $ 21,034 $ (19,296) $ 47,067 Long-Term Lease Liabilities: Finance Leases $ 36,313 $ — $ 4,694 $ (1,218) $ 39,789 Operating Leases 304,151 5,176 27,088 (31,819) 304,596 Total Long-Term Lease Liabilities $ 340,464 $ 5,176 $ 31,782 $ (33,037) $ 344,385 (1) Includes the impact of remeasurements related to lease terminations and changes in assumptions around the probability of exercise of extension options. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Lease Expense: Finance lease expense: Reduction of ROU assets $ 921 $ 874 $ 2,404 $ 2,446 Interest on lease liabilities 1,330 1,305 4,011 3,820 Operating lease expense (1): 16,397 16,610 49,553 51,664 Short-term lease expense (1) 376 340 1,133 1,208 Variable lease expense 1,761 597 2,723 1,394 Sublease income (3,099) (3,510) (9,273) (10,894) Total $ 17,686 $ 16,216 $ 50,551 $ 49,638 (1) Included in operating cash flows in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows as of September 30, 2020. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Other Information: Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Financing cash flows for finance leases $ 438 $ 3,924 $ 20,058 $ 4,706 Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 1,330 $ 1,305 $ 4,011 $ 3,820 Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 16,489 $ 17,527 $ 49,290 $ 54,311 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities Finance leases $ (82) $ 822 $ 14,006 $ 10,843 Operating leases (1) $ 9,162 $ 7,053 $ 44,559 $ (1,885) (1) Includes the impact of reclassification of ROU assets from operating leases to finance leases due to remeasurement. September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Other Information: Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Finance leases 11.0 12.0 Operating leases 9.5 9.6 Weighted-average discount rate Finance leases 17.33 % 18.76 % Operating leases 6.59 % 6.84 % Undiscounted Lease Cash Flows Under ASC 842 as of September 30, 2020 Finance Operating Receipts from Subleases Year Ending December 31, (In thousands) Remainder of 2020 $ 3,062 $ 16,750 $ (2,969) 2021 7,069 63,188 (8,751) 2022 7,077 56,644 (6,103) 2023 7,138 54,777 (6,103) 2024 7,257 49,351 (5,042) Thereafter 49,430 237,759 (4,270) Total $ 81,033 $ 478,469 $ (33,238) Less: Present value discount (38,077) (129,973) Lease liabilities $ 42,956 $ 348,496

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sonic Automotive, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Sonic,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all material normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year or future interim periods, because the first quarter historically has contributed less operating profit than the second and third quarters, while the fourth quarter historically has contributed the highest operating profit of any quarter. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could impact earnings for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation – All of our dealership and non-dealership subsidiaries are wholly owned and consolidated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, except for one 50%-owned dealership that is accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Revenue from Contract with Customers	Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” applies a five-step model that includes: (1) identifying the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s); and (5) recognizing revenue as the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. The standard also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We do not include the cost of obtaining contracts within the related revenue streams since we elected the practical expedient to expense the costs to obtain a contract when incurred. Management has evaluated our established business processes, revenue transaction streams and accounting policies, and identified our material revenue streams to be: (1) the sale of new vehicles; (2) the sale of used vehicles to retail customers; (3) the sale of wholesale used vehicles at third-party auctions; (4) the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service, warranty and other insurance contracts; and (5) the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services and the sale of related parts and accessories. Generally, performance conditions are satisfied when the associated vehicle is either delivered or returned to a customer and customer acceptance has occurred, or over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. We do not have any revenue streams with significant financing components as payments are typically received within a short period of time following completion of the performance obligation(s). Certain retrospective finance and insurance revenue is earned in periods subsequent to the completion of the initial performance obligation (“F&I retro revenues”). F&I retro revenues are recognized when the product contract has been executed with the end customer and are estimated each reporting period based on the expected value method using historical and projected data, which results in the acceleration of revenue recognition. F&I retro revenues, which represent variable consideration, subject to constraint, are to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. F&I retro revenues can vary based on a variety of factors, including number of contracts and history of cancellations and claims. Accordingly, we utilize this historical and projected data to constrain the consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We record revenue when vehicles are delivered to customers, when vehicle service work is performed and when parts are delivered. Conditions for completing a sale include having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and the sales price must be reasonably expected to be collected. Receivables, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 include approximately $4.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively, related to work in process and contract assets related to F&I retro revenues of approximately $11.1 million and $12.9 million, respectively. Changes in contract assets from December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020 were primarily due to ordinary business activity, including the receipt of cash for amounts earned and recognized in prior periods. Please refer to Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in Sonic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 for further discussion of our revenue recognition policies and processes.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unusual Risks and Uncertainties	COVID 19 – The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the global economy beginning in the first quarter of 2020. During the first three quarters of 2020, the impact on the economy affected both consumer demand and supply of manufactured goods as many countries around the world and states and municipalities in the United States (the “U.S.”) mandated restrictions on citizen movements (i.e., shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders) or on retail trade or manufacturing activities at physical locations. As a result, many businesses curtailed operations and furloughed or terminated many positions. In the U.S., the government passed several measures through the legislature that were signed by the President and enacted into law. Those measures include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Both such acts attempt to provide short-term relief to families and businesses as a result of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the pandemic and related shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, we transitioned many of our teammates to remote work arrangements. In situations where a teammate’s role does not permit remote work (i.e., service repair technicians), we have implemented staggered work hours and other social distancing measures to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. As a result of the systems and infrastructure we had in place prior to the pandemic, we have been able to effectively maintain our back-office operations, financial reporting and internal control processes with minimal disruption. All of our store operations have been impacted by the crisis to varying degrees. During the end of the first quarter of 2020 and the first two months of the second quarter of 2020, the majority of our stores were not permitted to conduct retail sales of new and used vehicles at our physical locations. Those locations could offer virtual sales transactions with “contactless” delivery to customers. As of September 30, 2020, most of such restrictions have been relaxed; however, our stores remain subject to certain health and safety policies and practices that may affect the way we sell vehicles and interact with our guests. Due to the critical nature of automotive repair, our fixed operations were deemed “essential” by governmental agencies and have been able to continue to conduct business throughout the pandemic to date, but must maintain certain local standards for social distancing to promote the health and safety of our teammates and guests. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve. While we currently expect to see continued economic recovery in the remainder of 2020 and into 2021, the ongoing pandemic may cause changes in customer behaviors, including a potential reduction in consumer spending for vehicles and automotive repairs, especially if the pandemic worsens or the regulatory environment changes in response to the pandemic. This may lead to increased asset recovery and valuation risks, such as impairment of additional long-lived assets. In addition, uncertainties in the global economy may negatively impact our suppliers and other business partners, which may interrupt our supply chain and require other changes to our operations. These and other factors may adversely impact our revenues, operating income and earnings per share financial measures. Based on the events and circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, during the first quarter of 2020, we evaluated our long-lived assets for impairment. This evaluation included reviews of fixed assets and related right-of-use assets, franchise assets and goodwill. As a result of this evaluation, we determined the carrying values of all long-lived assets to be recoverable at March 31, 2020 with the exception of goodwill related to our franchised dealership reporting unit, resulting in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $268.0 million. One of the primary factors which contributed to the conclusion that goodwill was impaired was the decline in the market value of Sonic’s stock between the announcement date of the pandemic on March 11, 2020 and March 31, 2020. Based on the improvement in our business operations and market value during the second and third quarters of 2020, as well as our future forecast expectations, no further impairment assessment was required. See Note 5 for further discussion. Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The amendment in this update replaced the previous incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. This ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2020 and the effects of this ASU did not materially impact our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Business Acquisitions and Dispo

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations	Revenues and other activities associated with disposed or terminated franchised dealerships classified as discontinued operations were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In thousands) Income (loss) from operations $ (234) $ (223) $ (808) $ (616) Pre-tax income (loss) $ (234) $ (223) $ (808) $ (616) Total revenues $ — $ — $ — $ —

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventories	Inventories consist of the following: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) New vehicles $ 596,785 $ 983,123 Used vehicles 362,434 319,791 Service loaners 127,526 152,278 Parts, accessories and other 51,107 62,683 Net inventories $ 1,137,852 $ 1,517,875

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net consists of the following: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Land $ 384,046 $ 373,301 Building and improvements 1,013,612 969,609 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 359,663 346,260 Construction in progress 28,782 50,928 Total, at cost 1,786,103 1,740,098 Less accumulated depreciation (659,044) (616,611) Subtotal 1,127,059 1,123,487 Less assets held for sale (1) (16,450) (26,240) Property and equipment, net $ 1,110,609 $ 1,097,247 (1) Classified in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (1) $ — $ — 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 (the “6.125% Notes”) 250,000 250,000 2019 Mortgage Facility (2) 103,633 109,088 Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 2.41% to 7.03% 217,090 194,535 Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR 171,055 161,345 Subtotal $ 741,778 $ 714,968 Debt issuance costs (8,181) (8,082) Total debt 733,597 706,886 Less current maturities (63,913) (69,908) Long-term debt $ 669,684 $ 636,978 (1) The interest rate on the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) was 150 basis points above the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. (2) The interest rate on the 2019 Mortgage Facility (as defined below) was 150 and 200 basis points above LIBOR at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Financial Covenants Include Required Specified Ratios	were in compliance with the financial covenants under the 2016 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and the 2020 Line of Credit Facility as of September 30, 2020. Financial covenants include required specified ratios (as each is defined in the 2016 Credit Facilities, the 2019 Mortgage Facility and the 2020 Line of Credit Facility) of: Covenant Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio Required ratio 1.05 1.20 5.75 September 30, 2020 actual 1.17 1.85 2.94
Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap	Under the terms of the interest rate cap agreements, to the extent that the stated receive rate exceeds the stated cap rate, we will receive interest based on the following: Notional Cap Rate (1) Receive Rate (1) (2) Start Date End Date (In millions) $ 312.5 2.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020 $ 250.0 3.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020 $ 225.0 3.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2020 June 30, 2021 $ 150.0 2.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2020 July 1, 2021 $ 250.0 3.000% one-month LIBOR July 1, 2021 July 1, 2022 (1) Under these interest rate caps, no payment from the counterparty will occur unless the stated receive rate exceeds the stated cap rate, in which case a net payment to us from the counterparty, based on the spread between the receive rate and the cap rate, will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense, other, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. (2) The one-month LIBOR rate was approximately 0.148% at September 30, 2020.
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption	We may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after March 15, 2022 at the following redemption prices, which are expressed as percentages of the principal amount: Redemption Price Beginning on March 15, 2022 103.063 % Beginning on March 15, 2023 102.042 % Beginning on March 15, 2024 101.021 % Beginning on March 15, 2025 and thereafter 100.000 %

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows: Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Assets: Cash surrender value of life insurance policies (1) $ 34,235 $ 32,799 Interest rate caps designated as hedges (1) 1 97 Total assets $ 34,236 $ 32,896 Liabilities: Deferred compensation plan (2) $ 20,049 $ 17,890 Total liabilities $ 20,049 $ 17,890 (1) Included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. (2) Included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Significant Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt	At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair value and carrying value of Sonic’s significant fixed rate long-term debt were as follows: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value (In thousands) 6.125% Notes (1) $ 258,750 $ 250,000 $ 261,250 $ 250,000 Mortgage Notes (2) $ 220,297 $ 217,090 $ 195,962 $ 194,535 (1) As determined by market quotations as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (Level 1). (2) As determined by discounted cash flows (Level 3) based on estimated current market interest rates for comparable instruments.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are as follows: Gains and Defined Total (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (1,326) $ (736) $ (2,062) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1) 856 — 856 Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (1,358) — (1,358) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (502) — (502) Balance at September 30, 2020 $ (1,828) $ (736) $ (2,564) (1) Net of tax expense of $221 related to cash flow hedges.

Leases, Codification Topic 842

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Tables) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Lease Expense [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	$ 921,000	$ 874,000	$ 2,404,000	$ 2,446,000
Finance Lease, Interest Expense	1,330,000	1,305,000	4,011,000	3,820,000
Operating Lease, Cost	16,397,000	16,610,000	49,553,000	51,664,000
Short-term Lease, Cost	376,000	340,000	1,133,000	1,208,000
Variable Lease, Cost	1,761,000	597,000	2,723,000	1,394,000
Sublease Income	3,099,000	3,510,000	9,273,000	10,894,000
Lease, Cost	$ 17,686,000	$ 16,216,000	$ 50,551,000	$ 49,638,000
Lease Other Information [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Finance leases	11 years	12 years	11 years	12 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases	9 years 6 months	9 years 7 months 6 days	9 years 6 months	9 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate: Finance leases	17.33%	18.76%	17.33%	18.76%
Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases	6.59%	6.84%	6.59%	6.84%
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 3,062,000		$ 3,062,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	7,069,000		7,069,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	7,077,000		7,077,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	7,138,000		7,138,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	7,257,000		7,257,000
Thereafter	49,430,000		49,430,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due	81,033,000		81,033,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	38,077,000		38,077,000
Finance Lease, Liability	42,956,000		42,956,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	16,750,000		16,750,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	63,188,000		63,188,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	56,644,000		56,644,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	54,777,000		54,777,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	49,351,000		49,351,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five	237,759,000		237,759,000
Total	478,469,000		478,469,000
Less: Present value discount	129,973,000		129,973,000
Lease liabilities	348,496,000		348,496,000
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	438,000		20,058,000	$ 4,706,000
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability	1,330,000	$ 1,305,000	4,011,000	3,820,000
Operating Lease, Payments	16,489,000	17,527,000	49,290,000	54,311,000
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Finance leases	(82,000)	(822,000)	(14,006,000)	(10,843,000)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases	(9,162,000)	(7,053,000)	(44,559,000)	(1,885,000)
2019 Finance Lease Principal Payments		3,924,000
2019 Finance Lease Principal Payments YTD				4,706,000
Leases [Abstract]
Right of Use Assets Total	377,237,000		377,237,000		$ 372,533,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	39,463,000		39,463,000		34,691,000
Lease Right of Use Asset New Lease Total			5,609,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, New Leases	0		0
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, New Leases	5,609,000		5,609,000
Lease Liability Current New Lease Total			433,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, New Leases	0		0
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, New Leases	433,000		433,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, New Leases	0		0
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, New Leases	5,176,000		5,176,000
Lease Liability Noncurrent New Lease Total			5,176,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Modifications	7,176,000		7,176,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Modifications	26,861,000		26,861,000
Lease Right of Use Asset Modifications Total			34,037,000
Lease Right of Use Asset Amortization Total			(34,942,000)
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Modifications	20,443,000		20,443,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Modifications	591,000		591,000
Lease, Liability Current, Modifications Total			21,034,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Modifications	4,694,000		4,694,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Modifications	27,088,000		27,088,000
Lease, Liability Noncurrent, Modifications Total			31,782,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization			32,538,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	921,000	$ 874,000	2,404,000	$ 2,446,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Amortization			18,840,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Amortization			456,000
Lease, Liability, Current, Amortization Total			(19,296,000)
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Amortization			1,218,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Amortization			31,819,000
Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Amortization Total			(33,037,000)
Lease Liability Current Total	47,067,000		47,067,000		44,896,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	43,900,000		43,900,000		43,332,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	3,167,000		3,167,000		1,564,000
Lease Liability Noncurrent Total	344,385,000		344,385,000		340,464,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	304,596,000		304,596,000		304,151,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	39,789,000		39,789,000		$ 36,313,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months	2,969,000		2,969,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years	8,751,000		8,751,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years	6,103,000		6,103,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years	6,103,000		6,103,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	5,042,000		5,042,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter	4,270,000		4,270,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received	$ 33,238,000		$ 33,238,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cumulative Effect of Adjustments for Adoption of ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,548,545,000	$ 2,702,720,000	$ 6,968,487,000	$ 7,705,939,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(2,171,978,000)	(2,315,909,000)	(5,933,959,000)	(6,578,806,000)
Operating income (loss)	96,433,000	65,196,000	(71,898,000)	215,484,000
Assets:
Receivables, net	286,938,000		286,938,000		$ 432,742,000
Liabilities:
Other accrued liabilities	246,958,000		246,958,000		266,211,000
Deferred income taxes	0		0		8,927,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	668,540,000		668,540,000		790,158,000
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Revenues	320,929,000	352,047,000	914,667,000	1,048,789,000
Cost of Sales:
Cost of Sales	(164,403,000)	(183,107,000)	(475,964,000)	(546,067,000)
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Revenues	126,784,000	$ 126,841,000	352,848,000	$ 351,429,000
ASU 2014-09 | Finance, insurance and other, net
Assets:
Contract assets	$ 11,100,000		$ 11,100,000		$ 12,900,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 39,463,000	$ 34,691,000
Finance Lease, Liability	42,956,000
Intangible assets	64,300,000	64,300,000
Right-of-use asset	$ 337,774,000	$ 337,842,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 39,463		$ 39,463		$ 34,691
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	337,774		337,774		$ 337,842
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	$ (921)	$ (874)	$ (2,404)	$ (2,446)

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Finance leases	$ 82	$ 822	$ 14,006	$ 10,843
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases	$ (9,162)	$ (7,053)	$ (44,559)	$ (1,885)

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Undiscounted Lease Cash Flows (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Total	$ 81,033,000
Finance Lease, Liability	42,956,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five	237,759,000
Lease liabilities	$ 348,496,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Discrete charge for non-deductible executive compensation, transition costs					$ 1,500
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount			$ 400	$ 200	$ 400
Discrete charge for non-deductible disposition		$ 100		$ 100
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method		50.00%		50.00%
Contract work in process	$ 5,100			$ 4,300
Effective tax rate from continuing operations		25.60%	28.00%	13.60%	29.20%
Tax expense for uncertain tax positions				$ 1,400	$ 200
Discrete benefit related to vested or exercised stock compensation				200	200
Income benefit		$ (20,685)	$ (11,372)	16,995	(40,430)
Impairment charges		$ 26	1,124	268,859	3,076
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				268,000
Income Tax Benefit Goodwill Impairment				55,800
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount			$ 400	$ 200	$ 400
Dealership
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method		50.00%		50.00%
ASU 2014-09 | Finance, insurance and other, net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Contract assets	$ 12,900	$ 11,100		$ 11,100

Business Acquisitions and Dis_2

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Business	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)Business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of acquired franchises	0
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchises disposed		4
Net cash generated from disposition | $	$ 8,800,000
Number of franchises terminated	1
Proceeds from sales of dealerships | $	$ 8,806,000	$ 130,086,000
Luxury franchise
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchises terminated	1	1
Mid-line import franchise
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net cash generated from disposition | $		$ 130,100

Business Acquisitions and Dis_3

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships Classified as Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax income (loss)	$ (234)	$ (223)	$ (808)	$ (616)
Disposed dealerships classified as discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	(234)	(223)	(808)	(616)
Pre-tax income (loss)	(234)	(223)	(808)	(616)
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Business Acquisitions and Dis_4

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Revenues and Other Activities Associated with Disposed Dealerships That Remain in Continuing Operations (Details) - Disposed dealerships that remain in continuing operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	$ (1,119)	$ 337	$ (1,964)	$ (2,499)
Gain (loss) on disposal	3,388	(823)	2,273	45,570
Lease exit accrual adjustments and charges	0	0	0	169
Pre-tax income (loss)	2,269	(486)	309	43,240
Total revenues	$ 11,050	$ 110,274	$ 44,817	$ 358,788

Inventories - Components of Inv

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
New vehicles	$ 596,785	$ 983,123
Used vehicles	362,434	319,791
Service loaners	127,526	152,278
Parts, accessories and other	51,107	62,683
Net inventories	$ 1,137,852	$ 1,517,875

Property and Equipment - Compon

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Less accumulated depreciation	$ (659,044)	$ (616,611)
Subtotal	1,127,059	1,123,487
Less assets held for sale	(16,450)	(26,240)
Property and equipment, net	1,110,609	1,097,247
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	384,046	373,301
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,013,612	969,609
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	359,663	346,260
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	28,782	50,928
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Capital Leased Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,786,103	$ 1,740,098

Property and Equipment - Additi

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	$ 30,300	$ 23,300	$ 92,000	$ 74,500
Impairment charges	$ 26	$ 1,124	268,859	3,076
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of			$ 900	$ 3,100

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 207,297		$ 207,297		$ 475,791
Net of accumulated impairment losses	1,100,000		1,100,000		797,600
Income Tax Benefit Goodwill Impairment			55,800
Goodwill - Franchise Segment	147,300		147,300		415,800
Goodwill - Preowned Segment	60,000		60,000		60,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	207,297		207,297		$ 475,791
Impairment charges	26	$ 1,124	268,859	$ 3,076
Franchise assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise assets	$ 64,300		$ 64,300

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 10, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 741,778	$ 714,968
Debt issuance costs	(8,181)	(8,082)
Total debt	733,597	706,886
Less current maturities	(63,913)	(69,908)
Long-term debt	669,684	636,978
Mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies - fixed rate, bearing interest from 3.51% to 7.03%	217,090	194,535
Mortgage notes to finance companies - variable rate, bearing interest at 1.50 to 2.90 percentage points above one-month or three-month LIBOR	171,055	161,345
Subtotal	$ 388,100
Mortgage notes | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage	3.51%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage	1.50%
Mortgage notes | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes to finance companies-fixed rate, percentage	7.03%
Mortgage notes to finance companies-variable rate, percentage	2.90%
TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility	$ 0	$ 0
Interest rate	2.50%	2.25%
5.0% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.00%
6.125% Senior Subordinate Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Total debt	$ 250,000	250,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Subordinated Notes	$ 103,633	$ 109,088
Stated interest rate	2.50%

Long-Term Debt - Debt Redemptio

Long-Term Debt - Debt Redemption (Details) - 6.125% Notes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Period One
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	103.063%
Period Two
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	102.042%
Period Three
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	101.021%
Period Four
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Redemption percentage of principal amount	100.00%

Long-Term Debt - 2016 Credit Fa

Long-Term Debt - 2016 Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2016 Revolving Credit Facility		$ 0	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	$ 25,000,000
Current borrowing capacity		245,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity		295,000,000
Borrowing base		202,100,000
2016 Revolving Credit Facility		0
Letters of credit outstanding amount		13,000,000
Borrowing availability amount		189,100,000
Revolving Credit Facility | 2016 New Vehicle Floor Plan Facility and 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity		966,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,216,000,000
Maximum aggregate commitments allocated to commitments under the 2016 Used Vehicle Floor Plan Facility		40.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Two Thousand Sixteen Vehicle Floor Plan Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	$ 215,000,000

Long-Term Debt - Notes Narrativ

Long-Term Debt - Notes Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 10, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Percentage Of Outstanding Principal Amount Redeemable Upon Event Of Default		25.00%
Debt outstanding		$ 741,778,000	$ 741,778,000	$ 714,968,000
Maximum Borrowing 2019 Mortgage Facility		112,200,000	112,200,000
Maximum Borrowing 2020 Line of Credit Facility		57,000,000	57,000,000
Remaining Availability 2020 LOC		57,000,000	57,000,000
Outstanding Balance 2020 LOC		$ 0	$ 0
Mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average interest rate on note		3.53%	3.53%
Debt outstanding		$ 388,100,000	$ 388,100,000
5.0% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.00%	5.00%
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Redemption Price Percentage Of Par Value Due To Change Of Control	101.00%
Stated interest rate	6.125%	6.125%	6.125%
Principal amount	$ 250,000,000
Notes issued, percent of principal	100.00%
Maximum dividend (usd per share)		$ 0.12	$ 0.12
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.50%	2.50%
Maximum dividend (usd per share)		$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Long Term Debt Prepayment		$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount		$ 8,600,000	$ 8,600,000
Percent of Collateralized Real Estate		75.00%	75.00%
Minimum | 5.0% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Other Outstanding Indebtedness In Excess		$ 50,000,000
Minimum | 2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread LIBOR			1.50%
Maximum | 2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.75%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread LIBOR			2.75%

Long-Term Debt - Covenants (Det

Long-Term Debt - Covenants (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	117.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	185.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	294.00%
2016 Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Net income and retained earnings free of restrictions	$ 287.1
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	643.00%
Required ratio
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Liquidity Ratio	105.00%
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	120.00%
Maximum Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio	575.00%
Required ratio | 2016 Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum EBTDAR to rent ratio	150.00%

Long-Term Debt - Derivative Ins

Long-Term Debt - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 09, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Cash Premium Paid					$ 2,500,000	$ 2,800,000
Derivative Instrument, Unamortized Premium			$ 2,600,000		3,700,000
Incremental interest expense		$ 300,000	0	$ 1,200,000
Net benefit expected to be reclassified			$ 0
Interest rate swap and interest rate cap | Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative					$ 100,000
Net cash proceeds	$ 4,800,000

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Int

Long-Term Debt - Summary of Interest Received and Paid under Term of Cash Flow Swap (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
One month LIBOR rate	0.148%
Cash Flow Swap D
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 312,500,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Cash Flow Swap E
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Pay Rate	3.00%
Cash Flow Swap F
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 225,000,000
Pay Rate	3.00%
Cash Flow Swap G
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Pay Rate	2.00%
Cash Flow Swap H
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Pay Rate	3.00%

Long-Term Debt - 2019 Mortgage

Long-Term Debt - 2019 Mortgage Facility (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020$ / shares
6.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum dividend (usd per share)	$ 0.12
2019 Mortgage Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum dividend (usd per share)	$ 0.10

Per Share Data and Stockholders

Per Share Data and Stockholders' Equity - Dilutive Effect on Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Weighted Average Shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding	42,510	43,078	42,687	42,995
Diluted earnings (loss) (shares)	44,577	44,203	42,687	43,456
From Continuing Operations
Earnings (loss)	$ 59,988	$ 29,168	$ (108,147)	$ 98,268
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 1.41	$ 0.68	$ (2.53)	$ 2.28
From Discontinued Operations
Earnings (loss)	$ (170)	$ (158)	$ (577)	$ (437)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0	$ (0.01)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)
Net Income (Loss)
Earnings (loss)	$ 59,818	$ 29,010	$ (108,724)	$ 97,831
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 1.41	$ 0.67	$ (2.55)	$ 2.27
Effect of dilutive securities:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (usd per share)	1.35	0.66	(2.53)	2.26
Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.01)	0	(0.02)	(0.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share (usd per share)	$ 1.34	$ 0.66	$ (2.55)	$ 2.25

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure associated with general indemnifications	$ 29.3	$ 46.5
General indemnifications minimum expiration period	1 year
General indemnifications maximum expiration period	3 years
Percentage of dealership that is accounted for under the equity method	50.00%
Contingent liability reserve balance after reduction	$ 4.3
Other accrued liabilities
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings	0.3	1.2
Other long-term liabilities
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Amount reserved for pending proceedings	$ 0.2	$ 0.3

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 268,900
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	34,235	$ 32,799
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges	1	97
Total assets	34,236	32,896
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan	20,049	17,890
Total liabilities	$ 20,049	17,890
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other accrued liabilities
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges		0
Fair Value Based on Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other long-term liabilities
Liabilities:
Cash flow swaps and interest rate caps designated as hedges		$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Significant Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 10, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 733,597	$ 706,886
Mortgage Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	220,297	195,962
Carrying Value	$ 217,090	194,535
5.0% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.00%
6.125% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 258,750	261,250
Carrying Value	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Stated interest rate	6.125%		6.125%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 744,702,000	$ 875,725,000	$ 944,764,000	$ 823,116,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			856,000
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,358,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25,000	(679,000)	(502,000)	(3,952,000)
Ending balance	774,102,000	902,425,000	774,102,000	902,425,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax expense			221,000
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense			(555,000)
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(1,326,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			856,000
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,358,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(502,000)
Ending balance	(1,828,000)		(1,828,000)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(736,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)			0
Ending balance	(736,000)		(736,000)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,589,000)	960,000	(2,062,000)	4,233,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25,000	(679,000)	(502,000)	(3,952,000)
Ending balance	$ (2,564,000)	$ 281,000	$ (2,564,000)	$ 281,000

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Reportable Operating Segment (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)retail_Units	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)retail_Units	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)retail_Units	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)retail_Units	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	$ 2,548,545,000	$ 2,702,720,000	$ 6,968,487,000	$ 7,705,939,000
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	96,433,000	65,196,000	(71,898,000)	215,484,000
Interest expense, other, net	(10,762,000)	(13,013,000)	(31,523,000)	(39,494,000)
Other income (expense), net	1,000	(5,000)	100,000	90,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes	80,673,000	40,540,000	(125,142,000)	138,698,000
Executive transition costs				6,300,000
Impairment charges	$ (26,000)	$ (1,124,000)	(268,859,000)	(3,076,000)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of			$ 900,000	$ 3,100,000
Retail Units | retail_Units	65,590	72,600	184,409	205,914
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 22,934,000	$ 23,665,000	$ 67,879,000	$ 70,120,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	4,999,000	11,638,000	21,821,000	37,382,000
Interest Expense, Other	10,762,000	13,013,000	31,523,000	39,494,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	30,322,000	23,315,000	92,056,000	74,549,000
Cash and cash equivalents	125,739,000	2,401,000	125,739,000	2,401,000	$ 29,103,000	$ 5,854,000
Assets	3,503,917,000		3,503,917,000		4,071,035,000
Gain on Franchise Disposal				46,700,000
Executive transition costs				6,300,000
Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	2,163,463,000	2,390,503,000	5,936,418,000	6,852,474,000
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net	(10,615,000)	(12,607,000)	(30,771,000)	(38,214,000)
Impairment charges	$ (900,000)	$ 0	$ 268,000,000	$ (26,000)
Retail Units | retail_Units	50,463	59,394	142,089	169,070
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 20,170,000	$ 20,967,000	$ 59,654,000	$ 62,348,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	4,234,000	10,679,000	19,517,000	34,781,000
Interest Expense, Other	10,615,000	12,607,000	30,771,000	38,214,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	18,237,000	21,141,000	70,875,000	62,819,000
Assets	2,975,380,000		2,975,380,000		3,797,878,000
EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	385,082,000	312,217,000	1,032,069,000	853,465,000
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net	(147,000)	(406,000)	(752,000)	(1,280,000)
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ (1,124,000)	$ 0	(3,050,000)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of				$ 3,100,000
Retail Units | retail_Units	15,127	13,206	42,320	36,844
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 2,764,000	$ 2,698,000	$ 8,225,000	$ 7,772,000
FloorPlanInterestExpense	765,000	959,000	2,304,000	2,601,000
Interest Expense, Other	147,000	406,000	752,000	1,280,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	12,085,000	2,174,000	21,181,000	11,730,000
Assets	402,798,000		402,798,000		$ 244,054,000
Operating segments
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	80,699,000	41,664,000	143,717,000	141,774,000
Operating segments | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	80,460,000	38,417,000	138,805,000	134,727,000
Operating segments | Franchised Dealerships Segment | Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes
Segment income (loss):
Gain on disposal			3,200,000
Impairment charges				(1,100,000)
Operating segments | EchoPark Segment
Segment income (loss):
Segment income (loss)	239,000	3,247,000	4,912,000	7,047,000
Reconciling items
Segment income (loss):
Interest expense, other, net			(268,859,000)	(3,076,000)
Other income (expense), net	80,673,000	40,540,000	(125,142,000)	138,698,000
Impairment charges	26,000	1,124,000
Interest Expense, Other			268,859,000	3,076,000
New vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	1,098,302,000	1,258,018,000	2,957,794,000	3,529,106,000
New vehicles | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	1,098,302,000	1,258,018,000	2,957,794,000	3,529,106,000
Used vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	946,028,000	914,272,000	2,604,957,000	2,620,264,000
Used vehicles | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	615,565,000	648,006,000	1,718,151,000	1,889,045,000
Used vehicles | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	330,463,000	266,266,000	886,806,000	731,219,000
Wholesale vehicles
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	56,502,000	51,542,000	138,221,000	156,351,000
Wholesale vehicles | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	48,526,000	44,517,000	119,474,000	140,770,000
Wholesale vehicles | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	7,976,000	7,025,000	18,747,000	15,581,000
Parts, service and collision repair
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	320,929,000	352,047,000	914,667,000	1,048,789,000
Parts, service and collision repair | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	310,035,000	343,820,000	886,534,000	1,027,382,000
Parts, service and collision repair | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	10,894,000	8,227,000	28,133,000	21,407,000
Finance, insurance and other, net
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	126,784,000	126,841,000	352,848,000	351,429,000
Finance, insurance and other, net | Franchised Dealerships Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	91,035,000	96,142,000	254,465,000	266,171,000
Finance, insurance and other, net | EchoPark Segment
Revenues:
Total consolidated revenues	$ 35,749,000	$ 30,699,000	$ 98,383,000	$ 85,258,000

Leases, Codification Topic 84_2

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization	$ 39,463,000		$ 39,463,000		$ 34,691,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	5,042,000		5,042,000
Right-of-use asset	337,774,000		337,774,000		$ 337,842,000
Lease, Cost	$ 17,686,000	$ 16,216,000	$ 50,551,000	$ 49,638,000

Business Combinations (Details)

Business Combinations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020Business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of franchises terminated	1

Business Combinations (Detail_2

Business Combinations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020Business
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of franchises terminated	1