How long does it take to receive a built car?
In short, it depends. If the car is already on the dealer's lot, you could take delivery within days. If you order a car to be built to your exact specifications, expect weeks to months before you can strike the deal and take it home, with the exact timing shaped by model, options, and current production and shipping conditions.
What affects delivery time
Delivery estimates hinge on several moving parts, from stock status to global logistics. Here are the main factors that influence how quickly a built car arrives.
Stock status
Dealer inventory that is "ready to go" can shorten or even remove lead times. Cars that are already built or in transit to the dealer can be delivered in days. Conversely, vehicles that must be built from scratch take the scheduled production slot and accumulate a longer wait.
Production complexity
The number of options, color combinations, engine types, and optional packages can extend the build time. Limited-edition or high-performance variants may require longer assembly or supplier lead times for specialty parts.
Logistics and destination
Where you live relative to the factory affects shipping time. Domestic deliveries usually arrive faster than international shipments, with additional time for customs, port handling, and inland transport.
Seasonal demand and market conditions
Peak buying periods, holidays, and factory outages (like annual refurbishments) can create temporary backlogs, lengthening estimated delivery windows.
Typical timelines by buying path
Below are typical timelines you may encounter depending on how you buy and configure the car.
- In-stock or dealer-available models: delivery can occur within 0–7 days of purchase, assuming financing and paperwork are ready.
- Factory-built-to-order with standard options: most customers report a lead time of about 4–12 weeks before delivery, depending on model and location.
- Highly desired or limited-edition models: due to high demand or limited production slots, waits can stretch to 12–24 weeks or longer.
- Specialty builds or imports: vehicles coming from overseas or requiring rare components may take 16–28+ weeks.
While the ranges above are typical, exact times vary by brand, model year, and regional supply conditions. Always confirm with your dealer for a current ETA and closely monitor the order status.
Factors that can extend or shorten delivery
Several elements can push timelines higher or lower. Understanding them helps set realistic expectations.
- Vehicle model, trim, and optional features
- Factory backlog and production scheduler
- Dealer allocation and regional logistics
- Destination country or region and import clearance
- Transit mode and port efficiency (ocean, rail, trucking)
- Holidays, weather, and labor disruptions
- Customization beyond standard factory specs
- Compliance testing and certification requirements
Despite best efforts, external factors can alter a planned delivery date. Maintaining open communication with the dealer and keeping documentation ready helps mitigate surprises.
Tips to speed up delivery
The following steps can help you move from order to driveway more quickly when possible.
- Check inventory for as-close-as-possible matches and consider in-stock variants to shorten lead times.
- Be flexible on color, trim, and packages to avoid backlogs tied to specific configurations.
- Get pre-approved financing and have your trade-in appraisal ready to streamline paperwork.
- Confirm production and shipping windows with the dealer and request a definitive ETA in writing.
- Ask about any available prioritization or expedited options, and understand any associated costs.
- Stay engaged by requesting regular order status updates and tracking numbers.
- Plan for delivery logistics, including insurance, temporary registration, and homeowner or site access if delivery is curbside or at a non-traditional location.
Use these steps as a checklist to minimize delays and align expectations with reality.
Summary
Delivery timing for a built car ranges from immediate pickup of in-stock inventory to several months for factory-built models with many options. The key drivers are stock availability, production backlog, option complexity, and logistics. By starting with in-stock options, staying flexible on configuration, and maintaining clear communication with your dealer, you can reduce uncertainty and get behind the wheel sooner.
