How Long Does It Take to Pick Up a Car After Purchase?
4 Answers
The time it takes to pick up a car after purchase depends on the inventory situation at the 4S dealership. Relevant information is as follows: Models that have been on the market for a long time: For models that have been on the market for a long time, there is usually no need to wait as they are often in stock. If the car is in stock, you can usually drive it away the same day or the next day. Popular models: For popular models or newly launched models, you may need to pay extra or add decorations. Otherwise, the waiting time will be longer. Manufacturer has stock: If the 4S dealership does not have the car in stock but the manufacturer does, including the transportation process, it usually takes about 10-12 days to pick up the car.
When I changed my car last year, the whole process took three weeks: first test drove cars at several dealerships, selected an in-stock vehicle, negotiated and signed the contract. The bank loan approval took five days, and the 4S shop spent another week preparing documents and delivering the car. If buying from existing inventory, you might complete it within a week with good luck; but custom colors or new configurations require waiting for factory production scheduling - especially for popular electric models where 1-2 months is considered fast. I recommend checking inventory online in advance, avoiding holiday peaks, confirming timelines with multiple dealership salespeople, and not rushing to pay deposits to avoid later delays.
In the store, I noticed that buyers are most concerned about this: for in-stock vehicles, delivery can be as quick as three to four days; for custom orders like imported models, waiting a month or so is common. Factors affecting delivery include payment method (cash is the fastest, while loan approval is slower), supply chain delays (such as delivery extensions during chip shortages), and geographical location (transportation to suburban areas takes longer). Recently, economic impacts have extended the average delivery time, so remember to keep a close eye on the progress and don’t be passive.
After buying several cars, I've noticed significant changes in delivery times. In the past, you could drive off with a stock car the same day, but now custom orders average a month or longer, especially for models with optional features or imports. For example, when I chose a hybrid, it took two months to arrive. Multiple factors like bank approvals and compulsory insurance processing add time, so it's advisable to budget extra waiting period in advance.
