When buying a car, there’s always a bit of excitement mixed with anticipation.
After selecting the vehicle, test driving it, and signing the paperwork, there’s one last step – waiting for the dealership to get the car ready.
But how long does that take, exactly? Whether you’re buying new or used, a car isn’t handed over instantly.
There’s a preparation process that ensures your vehicle is roadworthy and in top condition before it reaches you.
Let’s break down what this involves and how long you can expect to wait.
What Does ‘Getting a Car Ready’ Mean?
“Getting a car ready” isn’t just about giving it a quick wash and handing over the keys.
There’s a bit more involved to ensure that everything is in proper working order, especially when it comes to used cars.
For new cars, it’s mainly about checking off some final details and ensuring the vehicle is as pristine as possible.
With used cars, it’s a more thorough process that might include inspections, servicing, and repairs to ensure the vehicle is up to standard.
If you’re concerned about buying a used car, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK.
Factors Influencing How Long It Takes to Get a Car Ready
Several factors can impact how long it takes a dealership to get a car ready for you.
These range from the type of car you’re buying (new or used) to the current workload at the dealership.
Vehicle Type: New vs Used
The time frame for preparing a car can depend on whether you’re buying a brand-new model or a second-hand one.
New cars tend to be ready faster since they come straight from the manufacturer in excellent condition.
For used cars, dealerships usually need more time to inspect, repair, and clean the vehicle to ensure it meets quality standards.
Want to know how much a dealership may come down on price? You can find out more about negotiating prices on new cars on our comprehensive guide.
Inspection and Certification Process
Both new and used cars undergo inspections, but the depth of the process can vary.
Used cars may go through a more rigorous inspection to spot potential issues.
For example, a dealership might put a used car through a 100-point inspection, checking everything from the engine to the brakes to ensure everything is in good working order.
In some cases, a dealership might sell certified pre-owned (CPO) cars.
These vehicles often undergo more extensive inspections and refurbishments, which can lengthen the preparation time.
Dealership Workload and Staffing
If you’re buying a car during a busy period, such as a holiday sale or at the weekend, the dealership may have a higher volume of sales to manage.
This can delay how quickly they can get your car ready.
Similarly, if there’s a staffing shortage or a backlog of cars needing preparation, this can also affect the timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New Car Ready?
For new cars, the preparation time is usually quite short.
On average, it can take between 24 to 48 hours for the dealership to get a new car ready for collection.
Since new vehicles come directly from the manufacturer, they don’t require any major repairs or servicing.
The dealership’s team will primarily focus on ensuring the car is clean, polished, and ready to drive.
Delivery Preparation for New Cars
Even with new cars, there are some essential steps the dealership will take before handing over the keys.
First, they’ll likely give the car a final inspection to ensure everything is in order, such as tyre pressure, fluid levels, and battery checks.
They may also update the car’s software and set up any features you’ve requested, like pairing your phone with the infotainment system.
Once everything is checked, the vehicle will be professionally cleaned and detailed so that it looks its absolute best when you drive it away.
If you’ve ordered any additional accessories, like a personalised number plate or protective coatings, the dealership will install these before the handover.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Used Car Ready?
Used cars typically require more time to prepare.
On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the vehicle’s condition and any work that needs to be done.
In some cases, if major repairs are required, it could take even longer.
Cleaning and Detailing
Used cars often need a more thorough cleaning than new cars, especially if they’ve had previous owners.
The dealership will spend time ensuring the vehicle is cleaned both inside and out.
This may involve deep cleaning the upholstery, polishing the exterior, and removing any signs of wear and tear.
Mechanical Repairs and Safety Checks
A critical part of getting a used car ready is making sure it’s safe and reliable.
Dealerships will perform necessary repairs and maintenance, such as replacing worn tyres, brake pads, or even parts of the engine if required.
They’ll also conduct safety checks to ensure that everything is functioning properly, from the headlights to the airbags.
If you’re curious about how long the servicing process can take, check out our guide on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.
Special Cases That May Affect Time Frames
Sometimes, certain factors can extend the time it takes to get a car ready.
While these situations aren’t the norm, they’re worth considering if you’re in a hurry to drive your new car off the lot.
Customisations or Aftermarket Installations
If you’ve ordered any customisations for your vehicle, such as tinted windows, upgraded sound systems, or aftermarket parts, the dealership will need additional time to install these features.
Depending on the complexity of the modifications, this can add a few days to the overall process.
Vehicle Recall or Manufacturer Issues
In rare cases, a new car might have outstanding manufacturer recalls that need to be addressed before the dealership can release it to you.
While this isn’t common, it can occur with newer models where the manufacturer has identified a potential issue that needs fixing.
Waiting for Parts or Accessories
If any parts or accessories are on backorder, the dealership may need to wait for them to arrive before they can complete the preparation.
This could happen with rarer vehicle models or if you’ve requested specific add-ons that aren’t readily available.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
While some factors are beyond your control, there are a few steps you can take to help speed up the process.
First, you can complete as much paperwork as possible in advance, such as financing or registration forms.
This can shave some time off the preparation process.
It’s also a good idea to communicate with the dealership to get a clear idea of when your vehicle will be ready.
By staying in touch, you can avoid any surprises and potentially push things along if needed.
For more guidance on making payments at a dealership, you can read our comprehensive guide on how to pay cash for a car.
What to Do if There Are Delays
If you find that the dealership is taking longer than expected to get your car ready, don’t hesitate to follow up.
Politely ask for an update on the progress, and if there’s a delay, ask for an estimated time frame.
In most cases, dealerships will appreciate your patience and work to get your car ready as soon as possible.
If delays are significant, you can also inquire about alternative options, such as loaner vehicles or compensation for the extended wait time.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Smooth Car Pickup
Getting a car ready for collection involves more than just a quick clean.
Whether you’re buying a new or used car, the dealership wants to ensure that everything is in perfect working order before handing over the keys.
For new cars, expect a short turnaround time, usually within 48 hours.
Used cars may take longer, often requiring a few days to a week for inspections, repairs, and detailing.
By understanding the preparation process and staying in touch with the dealership, you can ensure a smooth and timely handover of your new vehicle.
Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!