How Long Does It Take to Pick Up the Car After Ordering?
4 Answers
After placing an order, you can usually pick up the car within a month. For some customized imported cars, the waiting time starts from six months. When picking up the car, check all the vehicle materials: Including the purchase invoice, certificate of conformity, vehicle conformity certificate, motor vehicle registration certificate, three-guarantee certificate, vehicle user manual, new car delivery confirmation form. If the 4S shop is responsible for license plate registration and insurance, you 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 traffic insurance label from the seller. Things to note when picking up the car: For the exterior, check the paint, production date of the window glass, tires, trunk, and engine. For the interior, pay attention to checking the car's functions, such as lights, windows, rearview mirrors, dashboard, air conditioning, etc.
When I ordered a car last year, I was lucky that the dealership had one in stock, so I picked it up the next day—the process was incredibly fast. However, without inventory, the situation is entirely different, especially for popular models like SUVs or electric vehicles nowadays, which have long production cycles. Battery shortages often mean waiting one or two months is the norm. When placing an order, always ask the dealer about inventory availability—don’t just rely on flashy advertisements. I recommend buying during off-peak seasons, like mid-year promotions, when dealerships have ample stock, and you can finalize the deal within days after negotiating the price. Before paying the deposit, make sure to include the estimated delivery date in the contract to avoid disputes later. On pickup day, don’t just get excited—inspect the paint, tires, and electronic systems thoroughly. Address any issues on the spot to prevent endless headaches down the road.
I've ordered cars multiple times, and experience tells me to pay attention to the model and customization options. For in-stock vehicles, you can pick them up within a week, but like the last time I customized a special color, it took eight weeks for production and shipping. Imported cars are even more troublesome, with customs clearance potentially delaying for half a month. When ordering, make sure to clarify whether it's in stock or on order, and include it in the contract to avoid disputes. Additionally, consider the season: during the peak year-end period, queues are longer, and waiting times increase; during off-peak seasons, inventory moves faster, and delivery is quicker. A reliable dealer is key—follow up with a few calls instead of waiting passively. When picking up the car, bring a car-savvy friend to inspect it and ensure there are no defects.
The delivery time after placing an order mainly depends on inventory. If the car is in stock, you can pick it up immediately, done in one or two days; otherwise, wait for manufacturing and shipping, typically four to eight weeks for regular models. Electric or new models often face delays, with battery shortages or supply issues extending the wait up to three months. I recommend checking with the dealer for specific inventory status and estimated delivery times before ordering. Weekdays are less busy for pickups, saving time. Have an alternative model ready in case your first choice is delayed. Be cautious with deposits—only choose dealers that provide written guarantees for quick delivery.
