How Long Does It Take from Car Purchase to Delivery?
3 Answers
It depends on the car model, and the time varies between imported and domestic vehicles. If the 4S store has inventory, you can drive it away immediately. For domestic cars, the longest wait is half a month. For imported cars without stock, it takes at least three months. Below are some precautions when taking delivery of the car: Regarding vehicle documents: Purchase invoice, certificate of conformity, vehicle type approval certificate, vehicle registration certificate, warranty certificate, vehicle user manual, and new car delivery confirmation form. If the 4S store handles the license plate registration and insurance, you will also need to obtain the original insurance policy, insurance invoice, compulsory traffic insurance invoice, vehicle and vessel tax invoice, purchase tax invoice, tax payment certificate, and compulsory insurance label from the salesperson. Vehicle inspection: For the exterior, check the paint, production date of the window glass, tires, trunk, and engine. For the interior, focus on inspecting car functions such as lights, wipers, windows, rearview mirrors, dashboard, air conditioning, audio system, etc.
Last time I bought a car, the whole process took five days because I chose a stock car, and the dealer handled the registration and inspection quickly after payment. But if you order a custom car, like specifying a color or configuration, it might take four to eight weeks as the factory needs time for production. Loan approval also affects the speed—you can pick up the car the same day if paying in full, while loans usually take one or two days to process, though credit issues might delay it. I recommend checking dealer inventory before buying and opting for popular models to shorten the wait. Also, there are big regional differences—it’s faster in cities, while remote areas might be slower. Preparing copies of your ID and driver’s license in advance can speed up the process. Overall, from placing the order to driving home, it takes about one to two weeks on average.
In car sales, the vehicle delivery time is quite flexible. If there's available stock, the fastest process takes about two days, including inspection and license plate registration. For custom orders like imported models or special configurations, production and shipping typically require four to eight weeks. Payment method plays a crucial role – full payment enables immediate processing, while financing involves bank approval, usually taking one to two days (potentially longer during peak periods). Dealership efficiency also significantly impacts timelines, with some optimized locations saving processing time. Always inquire directly about specific inventory and estimated timelines to avoid unnecessary waiting. For safety, personally inspect the vehicle before delivery to verify all functions. Generally, delivery within a week is common, with extended waits only in special cases.
