NATCHEZ — The sale of Natchez auto dealership East Honda is expected to be finalized today, purchaser Brad Yarbrough said.

Yarbrough, owner and general manager of Natchez Ford, said he’s been in the process of negotiating the purchase of the John R. Junkin Drive dealership for 30 days.

“We’ve got big plans for that facility,” Yarbrough said. “It’s going to look completely different after a freshening up of the facility.”

Starting Nov. 1, the lot will become a Mississippi Auto Direct pre-owned car dealership, Yarbrough said. Yarbrough owns the Mississippi Auto Direct location on U.S. 61 South near the Stine Lumber building.

All new Honda vehicles that were in East Honda’s inventory were transferred Thursday to a dealership in New Orleans.

Yarbrough said he only acquired the land and the former dealership’s pre-owned inventory in the purchase agreement.

The purchase did not include the Honda dealer franchise, which will cease to operate in Natchez. Honda owners seeking factory service will need to travel to Brookhaven or Vicksburg for the nearest Honda dealerships.

“It’s been 30 days of hard work, but we’re excited to get started,” Yarbrough said.

Natchez Ford constructed a 6,500-square foot addition last year to accommodate for an increase in business.

The expansion included five new service bays, two car wash stations and a photo studio to better photograph vehicles for online sales.