How Long Does It Take To Order A Car?

Buying a new car can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially if you know what specific model and features you want. However, ordering a vehicle directly from the manufacturer can add a layer of uncertainty to the process. You may have questions about how long it takes for the car to arrive once ordered or how the ordering process even works.

Some individuals assume that ordering a car means waiting several months before delivery, while others believe they can drive off the lot within days of placing their order. It ultimately depends on factors such as the automaker’s production timeline, destination shipping distance, and your chosen options or upgrades.

“Patience is key when it comes to customizing your dream ride. The more features you select, the longer it might take for the manufacturer to fulfill your order.” -Unknown

If you’re someone who wants everything customized to their liking and doesn’t mind waiting, then ordering a car may be the way to go. But before you do so, read on to learn what generally influences the amount of time it takes to obtain your brand new vehicle.

Find the Right Car

Ordering a car might sound like a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. With so many cars available on the market today, finding the right one for you can seem overwhelming. However, by using the following tips, you will be able to find and order your dream car without any hassle.

Search by Make and Model

The first step to ordering a new car is to decide on the make and model you want. You may already have an idea of what type of car you are looking for, or you could browse through different models online or at dealerships to narrow down your search. Most automakers offer detailed information about their vehicles on their websites, allowing you to compare various models’ specifications, features, and performance. This can help you determine which would suit your needs best.

“Don’t settle for average. Bring your standards up with every choice you make, and expect more from yourself than anyone else.” – Steve Maraboli

Filter by Price Range

After deciding on the make and model that fits your requirements, it’s important to consider your budget. Set a realistic price range for yourself and look for options within that range. A common mistake people tend to make while buying a car is not considering all costs involved in owning a vehicle beyond just the initial purchase. Don’t forget to factor in additional expenses such as insurance, registration, fuel cost, maintenance, etc. before finalizing your decision. If financing the car is something you’re considering, then don’t forget to set aside some funds for the down payment as well.

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” – Will Rogers

Compare Features and Specs

The last step is to compare the features and specifications of different available cars in your budget range. Once you have narrowed down the choices, visit dealerships or schedule a test drive to get a better feel for the car’s performance and usability. When comparing cars, not only consider what’s important to you but also examine safety ratings, fuel economy, comfort levels, technology integrations, handling capabilities, reliability rating, and other critical parameters that will influence your car buying decision.

“The four most expensive words in the English language are ‘This Time It’s Different.'” – Sir John Templeton

It is always recommended to take time researching and carefully reviewing your options before making a final selection. Ordering a car is a significant investment, and this investment can bring you joy on many drives ahead provided that you make the right choice.

By utilizing these tips to find the perfect vehicle based on your needs, lifestyle preferences, and style, you ever need to worry about how long it takes to order a car anymore!

Submit Your Order

If you’re in the market for a new car, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how long does it take to order a car? The answer depends on several factors, including your choice of vehicle and customization options, as well as the dealership’s ordering process. However, with the advent of online shopping and streamlined ordering procedures, the process has become much faster and more convenient than ever before.

The actual time it takes to place an order for a new car can vary widely depending on numerous factors. If you’re planning on purchasing a standard model without any customizations or special features, you may be able to walk into a dealership and drive off with your new car on the same day. However, if you want a specific color, interior finish, or other option that is not readily available at the dealership, you’ll need to place a special order. This could add additional time to the overall delivery time frame.

When placing a customized order, it’s important to understand that every automaker has its own timeline for delivering cars. On average, most manufacturers require 4-6 weeks to deliver a car once it has been ordered from the factory, but this varies by brand and even by individual dealer location. In some cases, orders have taken up to six months to arrive due to manufacturing delays or logistics issues.

“It typically takes about four to six weeks from the date that you order your vehicle for it to arrive,” according to Edmunds.com senior consumer advice editor Ron Montoya.

Select Payment Method

One consideration that can affect the length of time it takes to order a car is how you plan to pay for it. If you’re leasing a vehicle, you’ll likely need to provide proof of insurance and meet certain credit requirements before placing an order. Additionally, some dealers may require a larger deposit for leased vehicles than for financed ones.

For those who plan to finance their purchase, it’s important to remember that most lenders require a credit check and paperwork in advance of loan approval. Depending on the lender and existing credit history, this process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days or longer. For cash buyers, the payment process is typically much quicker, as there are no financing guidelines or credit checks to complete.

“Financing can add another layer of complexity to car buying and slow down the process,” says Matt Jones, senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com.

Choose Delivery or Pickup

Another factor that affects the time it takes to order a car is how you plan to receive it. If the vehicle is readily available at a dealer lot or nearby location, you can often schedule an immediate pickup once the purchase agreement has been signed. However, if you’re placing a special order, your dealership may only be able to provide an estimate of when you can expect delivery.

In recent years, many automakers have started offering direct-to-consumer options for new-car purchases. For example, Ford now offers customers the option of ordering a car online and having it delivered straight to their doorstep. This service alleviates the hassle of traveling to a physical dealership location and can speed up overall delivery times.

“Last year we launched our Click-to-Drive program, which allows customers across the country to search for and purchase a new Ford vehicle entirely online,” said Mark Kaufman, vice president of New York Auto Giant.

The length of time it takes to order a new car depends on several factors, including customization options, financing requirements, and delivery preferences. By researching your options in advance and working with a reputable dealership, you can minimize potential delays and ensure a smooth purchasing process.

Customize Your Car

Ordering a car straight from the factory might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, customizing your car can ensure that you get exactly what you want and need out of your new ride. Here are some steps to help you through the process:

Select Exterior Color

The first customization option is selecting the exterior color of your car. This decision is vital because it’s the first thing people will notice about your vehicle. Whether you prefer classic black or a bright red hue, there are plenty of options available.

If you’re unsure which color to choose, consider factors such as resale value, climate, or even popular trends in your area. According to Forbes, silver is one of the most popular colors for cars because it holds its value well and complements almost any style.

Choose Interior Upholstery

Next, decide on an interior upholstery that best suits your taste. Most manufacturers offer a variety of leather and cloth options in different colors, patterns, and textures.

In addition to aesthetics, think about comfort, durability, and cleaning ease when choosing your seats’ material. Remember that darker shades hide stains better than lighter tones, while perforated materials allow for breathability during hot summers.

Add Extra Features and Upgrades

To truly personalize your car, add features and upgrades that improve its functionality, safety, and entertainment. Some common extras include:

• Navigation Systems: Helps with getting around town without relying on phone GPS apps.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, helping avoid accidents.
• Sunroof: A great upgrade for drivers who enjoy the open feel of fresh air and sun.
• Parking Assist: Cameras or sensors help guide drivers into tight parking spaces with minimal effort.

Remember to factor in availability and costs when choosing additional features for your car.

Review and Confirm Customizations

Once you have made your customizations, review all your selections carefully before submitting your order. Double-check that the options are precisely what you want; once your vehicle has been manufactured according to your specifications, changes will be challenging or impossible to make.

Confirming everything is correct may take some time, but it’s better than regretting later on. US News recommends negotiating pricing and delivery dates with the dealer before placing your final order.

Customizing your ride gives you total control over the look, feel, and overall performance of your vehicle. Although the process could take a couple of weeks, having a unique ride tailored explicitly to your preferences would be worth the wait.

Wait for Production

When you order a car, it is important to understand that the production process can take time. Depending on the make and model of the car, as well as any customizations or special requests you have made, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months for your car to be ready for delivery.

The length of time it takes to produce a car can also be impacted by factors such as supply chain issues, factory shutdowns, and changes in demand for certain models.

If you are ordering a car from a dealer, they will usually provide you with an estimated timeline for production and delivery. It is important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate and may change based on various factors outside of anyone’s control.

Receive Production Updates

Many automakers now offer customers the ability to track the progress of their car during the production process. This can include updates on when the car enters production, when it moves through different stages of assembly, and when it is ready for shipment.

Some companies even offer real-time updates via mobile apps or online portals, allowing customers to stay informed about their car’s status no matter where they are. This can help alleviate some of the anxiety that can come with waiting for your new car to arrive.

Track Your Car’s Progress

In addition to receiving production updates, many dealerships will allow you to track your car’s progress throughout the entire ordering and delivery process. This can include information on when the car is expected to arrive at the dealership, when it has been inspected and prepared for delivery, and when it is ready for pickup or delivery.

This level of transparency can give you peace of mind knowing exactly where your car is in the process and when you can expect to take delivery.

Get Estimated Delivery Date

Once your car has finished production and is ready for shipment, you will be provided with an estimated delivery date. This can vary depending on the distance between the factory and the dealership, as well as any delays caused by weather or other factors outside of anyone’s control.

It is important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual delivery date may change based on unforeseen circumstances. However, if everything goes according to plan, you should be able to take possession of your new car within a few days or weeks after it leaves the factory.

“A lot of factors impact the timing of shipping vehicles from plants to dealerships, whether its rail congestion across the country or extreme weather events.” -Loren Angelo, Vice President of Marketing at Audi USA

Ordering a car can take time but technology advancements have made it easier than ever before to track and get updates every step of the way. Keep in mind that while estimates are provided, there are several factors that can affect the timeline, so remain flexible and patient during the process. Soon enough, you’ll be driving off the lot in your brand new car!

Delivery and Pickup

If you’re wondering how long does it take to order a car, the delivery and pickup process is an important factor to consider. Depending on where you live and the availability of your desired model, the time for delivery might vary.

Schedule Your Delivery or Pickup

Once you have placed your order, you will be able to schedule your delivery or pickup date with the dealership. It is recommended that you do this as soon as possible to ensure you get the dates you want.

The average wait time for vehicle delivery is about 4-6 weeks, but it could take longer in some cases. Certain models could have longer waiting times due to their high demand or other factors.

Additionally, if you choose to pick up your vehicle from the dealership instead of having it delivered, it could take less time since there won’t be any transportation required. The dealership will contact you once your vehicle is ready to schedule a pickup date.

Prepare for Vehicle Inspection

Before you can take ownership of your new car, it will need to pass a thorough inspection. This ensures that everything is functioning as intended and that there aren’t any issues with the vehicle.

It’s essential to prepare yourself for this step by ensuring that your paperwork is complete and accurate. Make sure that your financing is in place, and that any insurance policies you’ll need are active before the scheduled delivery or pickup date.

You should also make arrangements for additional accessories, like floor mats or cargo carriers, so that they can be installed during the inspection process (if applicable).

“The detailed examination of each component of the vehicle will help identify any issues early on, allowing them to be fixed immediately.” -Autolist.com

Once your car has passed inspection, you will be able to take delivery or pickup of the vehicle and start enjoying your new ride!

The delivery and pickup process is an exciting time but requires a bit of planning in advance. Knowing the average wait times for delivery and being prepared for the inspection will help make your experience smooth and stress-free.

Finalize Payment

Once you have chosen the car of your dreams, and all its features that suit your needs, it is time to move on to the payment process. Here are a few steps involved in finalizing the payment of your new car:

Review Your Order Summary

The first step towards making the final payment is reviewing your order summary. Your order summary will include all the specifications of your car, including make and model, color, accessories, packages, price breakups, discounts, taxes, delivery fees, trade-in values, financing options or down payments, etc.

It is important to review the order summary thoroughly to ensure all the information is accurate and matches what you requested. Any discrepancies should be reported as soon as possible to avoid any delay in receiving your car.

Choose Payment Plan

After verifying your order summary, the next step is selecting your preferred payment plan. There are multiple options for payment plans such as cash payments, personal loans, traditional financing, leasing, or credit cards.

Your choice depends on your financial situation, future goals, credit score, and income. Consider consultation from financial experts or researching different loan types before choosing the payment method best suited for you.

Complete Payment Process

After consultation and selection of your preferred payment option, your dealer may direct you to another party, e.g., bank/payments center or online portal, where you will complete the payment process. This entails providing your account/loan details to initiate the transaction and sign relevant documents.

If you choose lease financing, you must additionally provide proof of insurance coverage during the acquisition period, outlines monthly payments/schedules, early termination penalties (if applicable), among other specifics.

Receive Receipt and Confirmation

Your dealers will provide you with a receipt of payment once you have completed the transaction. This proof of payment, also known as an invoice or sales receipt, shows all information regarding your car and all financial transactions.

You should receive confirmation by email from both your dealership and any lenders involved in the financing process. The confirmation includes details of payments made and schedule, title transfer notifications, if applicable, among other relevant details relating to your order of purchase.

“The dealer’s finance and insurance ( F&I) department is where car buyers face an array of loan products and add-ons sold at hard-to-resist prices.” – Consumer Reports

With all these steps complete, congratulations! You’re now waiting for your brand new car to arrive!

Frequently Asked Questions