How Long Does It Take for a Car to Be Delivered to the Dealership?

When you order a car, whether it’s a brand-new model or a custom-built dream machine, the wait can feel endless.

Many car buyers are left wondering: how long does it take for a car to be delivered to the dealership?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope, as a variety of factors can influence delivery times.

In this article, we’ll explore everything that impacts how quickly your car arrives at the dealership, what you can do to track its progress, and what to expect if things get delayed.

What Is the Average Time for a Car to Be Delivered to the Dealership?

On average, it takes between two to 12 weeks for a car to be delivered to a dealership.

This timeline can vary significantly based on a few key factors.

If you’re buying a popular, mass-produced model that’s already in stock at a nearby distribution centre, delivery may only take a couple of weeks.

However, if your car is coming from a factory overseas or if you’ve placed a custom order, you could be waiting months before you finally get behind the wheel.

If you want more insights on what happens once your car reaches the dealership, check out our page on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

Factors That Affect Car Delivery Times

Several factors come into play when determining how long it will take for your car to reach the dealership.

Let’s break down the most important ones.

Manufacturing Delays

One of the biggest causes of delivery delays is manufacturing.

Car production can be subject to all kinds of hiccups, from material shortages to workforce issues.

Over the past few years, global supply chain problems have affected the production of many vehicles, with semiconductor shortages causing particular issues for carmakers.

If there’s a delay at the manufacturing stage, it will naturally impact how quickly your vehicle is dispatched to the dealership.

Distance from Factory to Dealership

Where your car is built can significantly influence how long it takes to arrive.

If you’re buying a model manufactured locally, the car might only need to travel a few hundred miles to reach your dealership.

On the other hand, if the car is made abroad, particularly in countries like Japan or Germany, it could take much longer to be shipped, especially if there are disruptions at ports or along shipping routes.

Domestic vs. international deliveries make a notable difference in delivery time.

For those curious about how location impacts production, check out our page on where the Toyota Yaris is made.

Logistics and Shipping

Once your car leaves the factory, it enters the world of logistics, where it’s transported via truck, rail, or ship to your local dealership.

How your car travels depends on its origin and destination.

There’s also the possibility of delays at this stage.

Weather conditions, road closures, and other logistics issues can all add days or weeks to the delivery timeline.

Custom Orders

If you’ve opted for a custom-built car with specific features or upgrades, expect to wait longer.

Customisations take time, and the manufacturer needs to make sure every detail meets your exact specifications.

Custom orders can take anywhere from three to six months to arrive, depending on how intricate your customisation requests are.

If you’re in a hurry, it’s always worth considering an in-stock vehicle to avoid waiting too long.

For tips on purchasing a car efficiently, check out our guide on how to pay cash for a car at a dealership.

Dealer Allotment and Priorities

Did you know that dealerships don’t always have control over when and how many cars they receive?

Dealer allotments are determined by the manufacturer and based on factors like demand, location, and the dealership’s sales history.

This means that even if your car has been built and is ready to be shipped, it may not be delivered right away if the dealership’s allotment schedule doesn’t align with its availability.

Some dealerships also prioritise certain models or customers, especially for high-demand vehicles.

How to Track Your Car Delivery: Tools and Tips

Fortunately, in today’s digital age, you’re not left entirely in the dark while waiting for your car to arrive.

Many manufacturers and dealerships now offer online tracking systems that allow you to monitor the status of your vehicle in real time.

Here’s what you can expect during the delivery process:

• In Production: Your car is being assembled at the factory.
• In Transit: The vehicle is on its way to the dealership, either by ship, rail, or truck.
• Arrived at Dealership: Your car has arrived, and the dealership will contact you to arrange collection.

In addition to online tools, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with your dealership.

They’ll have access to more detailed tracking information and can keep you updated if there are any changes to the expected delivery date.

How Does Delivery Differ for Different Car Brands?

Not all car brands operate in the same way when it comes to delivery times.

Some manufacturers, especially luxury or electric vehicle makers, might have longer wait times due to more complex production processes or higher demand.

For instance, brands like Tesla often have lengthy delivery times for their electric cars, as they balance high demand with production limitations.

On the other hand, brands like Toyota, which have well-established manufacturing and distribution networks, tend to deliver more quickly for their standard models.

It’s always worth asking the dealership about brand-specific delivery times, especially if you’re buying from a high-demand manufacturer.

For more information about car pricing and negotiating at the dealership, check out our page on how much dealerships come down on price in the UK.

What Can You Do if Your Car Delivery Is Delayed?

There’s nothing worse than being excited about your new car, only to find out it’s going to be delayed.

Unfortunately, delays do happen, but there are steps you can take:

• Stay in touch with your dealership: Regular updates from your dealer can give you a clearer idea of what’s going on.
• Check if temporary solutions are available: Some dealerships may offer loaner cars or alternative transportation options while you wait for your new vehicle to arrive.
• Explore cancellation options: If your delivery is significantly delayed and you need a car urgently, check your contract for cancellation policies. In some cases, you might be able to cancel the order and buy an in-stock model instead.

Can You Speed Up the Delivery Process?

In most cases, speeding up the process is out of your hands.

However, there are a few things you can do to minimise delays:

• Choose an in-stock vehicle: Opting for a vehicle that’s already in the dealer’s inventory or in a nearby distribution centre can save you weeks, if not months, of waiting.
• Avoid peak seasons: Try to avoid ordering your car during busy periods, like the end of the year or major holidays when delivery times tend to be longer.
• Ask about dealer incentives: Some dealers offer faster delivery times if they have incentives to move inventory quickly.

Conclusion

The wait for a new car can be an exercise in patience, but understanding the factors involved can help manage your expectations.

Whether it’s manufacturing delays, shipping distances, or customisations, many things can influence how long it takes for a car to be delivered to a dealership.

Keep in regular contact with your dealership, track your car’s progress online, and remember – the day you finally pick up the keys will make all the waiting worthwhile!

FAQ Section

Q: How long does it take for a custom-built car to be delivered?
A custom-built car can take anywhere from three to six months to be delivered, depending on the complexity of the customisations.

Q: Can I change my delivery date if I need the car sooner?
While you can request changes, it’s unlikely to affect the delivery date as logistics are usually set in advance.

Opting for an in-stock car may be a better option if you need it quickly.

Q: What happens if my car delivery is significantly delayed?
In case of a significant delay, you can discuss options with the dealership.

They might offer a loaner car or, in some cases, cancellation options.

Q: Does the time of year affect car delivery times?
Yes, peak periods like the end of the year or holiday seasons can result in longer delivery times due to increased demand and slower logistics.

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!