How long after the VIN appears can the car be picked up?

[JasperFitz]

You can pick up the car one month after the VIN appears. Below is an introduction to the relevant parts of the vehicle inspection: Check the exterior: Inspect the vehicle's exterior and production date. Check all front and rear lights, and the operation of all doors. Inspect the panel gaps and tire conditions. Examine the rearview mirrors, heating, air conditioning, and horn. Check the interior: The inspection of seat interiors mainly relies on visual inspection. Verify if all items in the trunk are complete, including the spare tire, jack, tow hook, wrench, and warning triangle. If possible, lift the car to check for oil leaks from the engine oil pan and transmission.

[MacMia]

Last time I placed an order for a car, the salesperson said it would be ready for pickup soon when they provided the VIN. The VIN is like the car's ID card, and having it means the vehicle has completed production and left the assembly line. The next step is waiting for logistics and transportation, which is the most time-consuming part, depending on the distance from the factory to the dealership. If it's nearby, it might take three to four days, but for imported cars shipped by sea, it could take two to three weeks. After arriving at the dealership, there are still pre-sale inspections, car washing, and temporary license plate procedures to complete. If everything goes smoothly, you can expect a pickup notification in three to five days. However, during peak transportation periods or shortages of truck drivers, waiting a month is possible, so it's advisable to check the logistics information daily to stay updated.

[DiRylee]

When I bought the car, the salesperson said I could basically pick it up within ten days after getting the VIN. The key factor is the transportation method—rail transport is two or three days slower than road transport. If the 4S store is far from the port, it’s even more of a hassle. After the new car arrives at the store, they need to install accessories like dash cams and window tinting, which takes at least a day. The worst-case scenario is getting stuck due to paperwork issues, such as the vehicle certificate being held by the bank without release—waiting an extra week is normal in such cases. My advice is to ask for the logistics tracking number as soon as you get the VIN, so you can track it yourself for peace of mind, and remind the salesperson to prepare the temporary license plate in advance.

[CassidyMarie]

From the VIN being issued to vehicle pickup, it's divided into three stages: the production end prints and attaches the nameplate with the VIN before factory release; the logistics end transports the vehicle nationwide via car carriers or trains, typically taking three to seven days; finally, the 4S store conducts PDI inspection and preparation, which can be as quick as two days. However, if encountering incidents like transport accidents requiring factory return, customs spot checks, or system information delays, it might suddenly take an extra ten days to half a month. It's advised not to just wait for notifications—check in with the salesperson every couple of days for photos of the new car. Only seeing the actual vehicle in transit is reliable.

[JocelynLee]

The 10th digit of the VIN represents the model year letter, which can help determine if it's a stock vehicle. After obtaining the number, first check the logistics trail – major domestic brands now use IoT tracking, allowing you to scan a code to see which transit station the vehicle is at. During transportation, the biggest fear is encountering heavy rain or typhoons causing highway closures, as such force majeure events typically cause at least a week's delay. When the car arrives at the dealership, don't rush to take delivery – be sure to check the manufacturing date on the windshield's factory nameplate. If it's been over three months, remember to negotiate the price. The vehicle qualification certificate must accompany the car – photocopies are useless, and without the original, you won't be able to register the vehicle.