Understanding the Time Frame for Ordering a New Car from a Dealership

The time it takes for a dealership to order a car can vary based on several factors including the manufacturer model, current demand, and regional supply chains. This article will break down the process from order placement to delivery and provide insights based on both general industry standards and personal experiences.

Order Placement

Once a customer places an order with a dealership, it typically submits the order to the manufacturer. This process can vary, taking anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the dealer's logistics and the manufacturer's processing times.

Production Time

After the order is placed, the manufacturer schedules the production process. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Factors that influence production times include the vehicle's popularity, inventory levels, the availability of parts, and the manufacturer's production capacity.

For example, if a specific model is highly sought after, the production time may be longer due to the high demand. Similarly, if there are supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, production delays can also extend the time frame.

Shipping and Delivery

Once the car is produced, it needs to be transported to the dealership. This shipping process can take an additional few days to a few weeks, depending on the distance and shipping methods used. Local dealerships may receive deliveries more quickly, while international or distant dealerships may experience longer delivery times.

During periods of high demand, such as pre-ordering events for new models, the time required to either manufacture or ship the car may be significantly extended. Additionally, if the car is a special order with particular features, such as manually operated windows instead of electric ones, the manufacturer may need additional time to prepare the vehicle, further extending the delivery period.

Personal Experience: A woman in our network ordered a Toyota. She specifically wanted manually operated windows instead of electric ones. The car was a special request and took 3 months to be delivered to her. It's interesting to note that the factory staff might have found this request unusual at first, but special orders like these add value and satisfaction to the customer's experience.

Buying a New Car in the Philippines

Based on experiences in the Philippines, the process of buying a brand new car from a dealership typically involves several steps:

Reservation Fee and Requirements: Customers first pay a reservation fee and provide necessary documents such as proof of income and legal identification. Waiting Period: The car is then reserved and shipped to the showroom, which can take at least 2 weeks. This waiting period allows the dealership to test the vehicle and conduct quality checks. Finalization and Payment: Once the vehicle arrives and passes inspection, the dealership will contact the customer to arrange for a final payment. The customer can then test drive the car and complete the transaction.

On average, the process from initiation to final delivery can take at least one month, with variations depending on the above factors.

Key Takeaways

The overall process of ordering a new car from a dealership can range from about 6 weeks to several months. Special orders or customization requests can extend the delivery time, sometimes to several months. Region-specific processes can vary, and while dealership practices are generally similar, local supply chain issues can affect the timing.

Understanding the various stages of the car ordering process can help customers set realistic expectations and plan accordingly. Whether you're in the US or the Philippines, the general framework of ordering a new car remains fairly consistent, with local variations influencing the final delivery time.