How Long Does It Take to Order a Car From Factory to Driveway

Wondering how long it takes to order a car directly from the factory? You need a clear timeline to plan around your current lease or car sale, but the information online is often vague and confusing. This lack of clarity can be frustrating.

Ordering a new car from the factory generally takes 2 to 6 months, but wait times can extend to over a year for high-demand or specialized models. This timeline covers the entire process, from the manufacturer accepting the order and scheduling production to the vehicle’s final shipping and dealership preparation.

Based on an analysis of current manufacturer data and 2026 supply chain reports, this guide will give you a realistic timeline. We will break down each step of the custom order process, reveal the key factors that cause delays, and help you decide if a factory order is the right choice for you.

Key Facts

• Standard Wait Time: The typical order-to-delivery (OTD) cycle for a new vehicle is between 2 and 6 months, according to aggregated manufacturer data.
• High-Demand Models Extend Timelines: Popular vehicles, especially certain trucks and EVs, can have waitlists extending beyond 9 months due to high order volumes and production delays.
• Origin Matters: A vehicle built in North America generally takes 1-2 weeks for shipping, while a car from Japan or Europe can spend 4-8 weeks in ocean transit alone, significantly impacting the estimated delivery date.
• Customization Adds Complexity: Adding specific, supply-constrained options like advanced tech packages or panoramic sunroofs can push your order further back in the production queue.
• Delays Are the Norm: Supply chain issues, including the ongoing microchip dependency and logistics backlog, mean initial delivery estimates often shift, making flexibility crucial for buyers in 2026.

How Long Does It Take to Order a Car From the Factory?

Ordering a new car from the factory is a process that typically takes between 2 to 6 months, from the moment you place the order to the final delivery at your local dealership. This general vehicle delivery time is a realistic baseline for most buyers in 2026. However, it’s critical to understand that this is not a fixed window. For highly sought-after or extensively customized vehicles, the new car wait times can easily stretch to 9 months or even more than a year.

The custom car order timeline is influenced by a complex supply chain, which is the system of parts and logistics needed to build your car. The entire journey can be broken down into four main phases:

• Order & Allocation (1-4 Weeks): Your dealer submits your order, and the automotive manufacturer accepts it and assigns it an “allocation” slot in their production schedule.
• Production & Assembly (1-2 Weeks): The car is physically built. This includes frame assembly, painting, engine installation, and all your custom features.
• Shipping & Transit (2-8 Weeks): The finished vehicle is shipped from the automotive assembly plant to a port of entry and then transported to your dealership. This is often the longest and most variable phase.
• Dealership Arrival & Prep (3-7 Days): The car arrives at the dealer, where it undergoes a final inspection, cleaning, and any pre-delivery installations.

It’s important to set realistic expectations. While the process involves car financing options and assessing your car trade-in value, the timeline is the most unpredictable part. Understanding these phases helps you know what to expect.

What Are the Steps in the Custom Car Order Process?

Navigating the factory order car process might seem complex, but it can be broken down into a clear, sequential path. From our experience helping countless buyers, following these steps methodically ensures you get the exact car you want without any surprises. This process is a partnership between you, the dealership, and the manufacturer.

Step 1: How Do You Research and Configure Your Ideal Vehicle?

The first step is to use the manufacturer’s official online **customization configurator to build your perfect car.** Before you even talk to a dealer, you can go to the brand’s website and digitally assemble your vehicle. This is where you make critical choices that define your car.

Spend time deciding on:
* Trim Level: The base model vs. higher-end versions.
* Color: Both exterior paint and interior upholstery.
* Engine & Drivetrain: The powertrain that fits your needs.
* Packages & Options: Technology, safety, and appearance packages.

Prioritize your “must-have” features versus “nice-to-have” ones. As an expert tip, research which specific options, like certain tech packages, are known to be supply-constrained for that automotive manufacturer, as they can cause significant delays. Once you are finished, save the final configuration as a PDF or copy the unique “build code.”

💡 Pro Tip: Screenshot your final build summary, including the build code. This digital proof prevents any “misunderstandings” about options or colors when you place the order at the dealership.

Step 2: How Do You Find a Dealer and Negotiate the Price?

To place a factory order, you must work with a franchised dealership; contact several to find one with available “allocation” for your desired model. A dealership’s “allocation” is the number of build slots a dealer is assigned by the manufacturer. A dealer with no allocation cannot place your order.

From our experience, dealers with higher sales volume often have better allocation and may be less likely to add significant dealership markups to a new car factory order. When you contact them, ask two key questions: “Are you accepting factory orders for [Your Model]?” and “Are you selling them at MSRP or with a markup?”

Key points for negotiation include:
* Out-the-Door (OTD) Price: Negotiate the final price, including all taxes and fees, and get it in writing.
* Deposit: Clarify if the submit deposit is refundable and under what conditions.
* Mandatory Add-ons: Confirm in writing that there will be no mandatory dealer-installed accessories (like pinstripes or nitrogen in tires) added upon arrival.

Step 3: How Do You Finalize the Order and Get Confirmation?

Finalizing the order involves signing a purchase agreement, providing a deposit, and receiving an official order confirmation from the dealership. This is the most critical paperwork step. The purchase agreement should lock in the negotiated price and list all details of your vehicle from the build sheet.

The build sheet is the final, itemized list of every single feature and option for your specific car. Review it carefully with the salesperson to ensure it perfectly matches the configuration you created online. After signing and providing the deposit (typically $500 to $2,000), the dealer will formally submit your order to the manufacturer. Within a few days to a week, you should receive a dealer order number.

📝 Critical Document: Your signed purchase agreement with the OTD price is your contract. It protects you from price changes while you wait. Do not leave the dealership without a signed copy for your records.

What Key Factors Influence Your Car’s Delivery Timeline?

The primary factors delaying your car order are manufacturer and model popularity, the complexity of your custom features, the vehicle’s country of origin, global **supply chain issues, and your dealership’s allocation priority.** Understanding these variables helps explain why your neighbor’s new Toyota might arrive in two months while your custom BMW takes nine.

Here are the top influences on your expected wait time:

• Manufacturer and Model Popularity: High-demand vehicles like the Ford F-150 or Toyota RAV4 often have long backlogs. The manufacturer simply has more orders than factory capacity.
• Custom Features and Options: Some options require specific parts that might be in short supply. According to recent analysis from Cox Automotive, the microchip dependency continues to be a primary cause of production delays in 2026 for vehicles with advanced tech.
• Country of Origin & Shipping: This is a major factor. A car built in North America has a much shorter shipping duration (1-2 weeks) than one coming from Japan or Europe, which can take 4-8 weeks just for ocean transit.
• Global Supply Chain Issues: Unforeseen events, from parts shortage problems to logistics backlog issues at major ports, can add weeks or even months to your wait.
• Dealership Allocation: A large, high-volume dealer may get their orders filled faster than a smaller one because the manufacturer gives them more production slots.

To provide a clearer picture, here is a data-driven look at estimated wait times for popular brands.

Estimated Factory Order Wait Times by Manufacturer (2026)

Note: These are estimates based on 2026 market conditions and can vary.

Is It Better to Order a Car or Buy From the Lot?

Choosing between a factory order and buying from **dealership inventory is a fundamental trade-off between customization and speed.** Ordering a car allows you to get the exact specifications you want but requires a wait of several months. In contrast, buying a car from the lot offers immediate delivery but limits your choices to what is available.

For many buyers, this is the core decision. Do you compromise on color or features to drive home today, or do you wait for the car that is 100% yours? Factory ordering can sometimes be cheaper as you avoid paying for unwanted options, but in-stock cars may have better dealer incentives.

Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide.

Factory Order vs. Buying from Inventory

Who is it for?
* Factory Order is for: The patient buyer who values specific features and won’t settle for less.
* Buying from Lot is for: The buyer who needs a car now and is flexible on the exact specifications.

FAQs About how long does it take to order a car

How long does it take to get a VIN after ordering a car?

You will typically receive a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 2-4 weeks after your order is accepted and scheduled for production. The VIN generation happens once the factory officially assigns your order a build slot. A delay in receiving a VIN often means your order has not yet been allocated for production.

Can you cancel a factory car order?

Yes, you can usually cancel a factory car order, but you may risk losing your deposit. Your ability to cancel and receive a full refund depends on your signed purchase agreement and state consumer protection laws. If the car has not entered production, most dealers will offer refunded deposits.

Do I get a better price by ordering from the factory?

Not necessarily, but you avoid paying for features you don’t want. While large discounts are less common on factory orders, the final price is often close to MSRP because you are not paying for bundled options you didn’t ask for. The final cost depends heavily on negotiation and the model’s demand.

How do I track my custom car order?

You can track your order primarily through your dealership salesperson, who has access to the manufacturer’s **dealer management system (DMS).** Some brands like Ford and GM offer online tracking portals where you can enter your order number to see the production status.

Why can’t the dealer give me an exact delivery date?

Dealers cannot provide a precise date due to unpredictable variables in the **logistics pipeline.** The order-to-delivery (OTD) cycle is affected by production delays, shipping duration, and port of entry processing. They can only provide an estimated delivery date that is subject to change.

How long does a car stay in ‘production’ status?

A car typically stays in “production” status for 1-2 weeks. This phase covers the entire assembly process, from the frame and paint to powertrain installation and quality checks. The status may appear longer if the online tracking system doesn’t update in real-time.

What happens if my car arrives with shipping damage?

Do not accept delivery or sign the final paperwork if your car has **shipping damage.** The dealership is responsible for repairing any damage to factory standards at their expense before you take ownership. Document the issues with photos and notify the sales manager immediately.

How long is the wait for a new Toyota?

The wait for a new Toyota is often one of the shortest, around 2-4 months. This is due to Toyota’s highly efficient just-in-time manufacturing process. However, very popular models like the RAV4 Hybrid may have a longer waiting list due to exceptionally high demand.

How long does it take for a car to ship from Japan or Europe?

The ocean transit for a car from Japan or Europe typically takes 4-8 weeks. This does not include time spent waiting at the port of origin, port of entry processing (which can add another 1-2 weeks), or final ground transport to your dealership.

Is it faster to order an electric car (EV)?

It depends entirely on the manufacturer. Tesla often has very short wait times of 1-3 months due to its direct-to-consumer model. However, popular EVs from traditional manufacturers, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, can have very long waits (6-12+ months) due to high demand and microchip dependency.

Key Takeaways: How Long It Takes to Order a Car

• Average Timeline is 2-6 Months: For most factory orders in 2026, expect to wait between two and six months from placing the order to taking delivery, though this can vary significantly.
• The Process is a Partnership with Your Dealer: You cannot order directly from the manufacturer; you must work with a dealership to secure an “allocation” slot and finalize the build sheet.
• Customization and Origin are Major Factors: Heavily customized vehicles or those built overseas (Europe/Asia) will almost always have a longer turnaround time than a more standard vehicle built in North America.
• Tracking is Possible but Often Indirect: While some brands offer online tracking, your primary source for order status updates will be your salesperson, who has access to the manufacturer’s internal systems.
• Delays are Common, So Plan Ahead: Supply chain issues and high demand mean production delays are frequent. Do not sell your current car or end a lease until you have a confirmed delivery date for your new vehicle.
• Ordering vs. Buying from Lot is a Key Decision: The choice between a custom factory order and buying from dealership inventory is a fundamental trade-off between getting exactly what you want and getting a car immediately.
• Your Contract is Your Protection: A signed purchase agreement locking in the price and a detailed build sheet are your most important tools to protect against unexpected price hikes or incorrect manufacturer specifications.

Final Thoughts on Ordering a Car in 2026

Ordering a car from the factory is a process that rewards patience and preparation. While the wait of several months can be daunting, it is the only guaranteed way to get the exact vehicle, color, and features you truly desire. By understanding the step-by-step process, anticipating the factors that cause delays, and maintaining clear communication with your dealership, you can navigate the journey with confidence.

The key to a successful factory order is setting realistic expectations from the start. Use the information here to arm yourself for a productive conversation with your dealer, negotiate a fair price, and track your vehicle’s journey from an assembly line on the other side of the world to your own driveway. The satisfaction of driving a car built just for you is a unique experience that, for many, is well worth the wait.