How long does it usually take to pick up an imported car?
4 Answers
Imported cars can usually be picked up within one and a half months. Below is relevant information about imported cars: 1. Considerations: Before purchasing, it is essential to ensure all purchase procedures are complete to avoid unnecessary troubles during use. When comparing configurations, consumers should not only look at the price for the same brand and model but also check if the car's configuration matches its price, as price differences between different configurations can be significant. 2. Tariffs: The tariff for imported cars is 15%. With the deepening of reform and opening-up, reducing import car tariffs helps expand imports and domestic demand while meeting the needs of domestic consumption upgrades.
Last time I bought an imported BMW sedan, the whole process was quite lengthy. From placing the order, it took about 4 months to get the car. The main reason was that the car had to be shipped from Germany first, with sea freight taking about a month. Then, after arriving at the port, it had to go through customs clearance and quality inspection, which could delay things another two or three weeks. Add to that the preparation work by the 4S store, such as cleaning and tuning, and if there's insufficient inventory or a popular model that requires queuing, the wait time gets even longer. I think if your budget allows, it's best to choose a model that's in stock or place your order several months in advance to minimize the waiting time. But honestly, imported cars are generally more reliable in quality—whether it's worth the wait depends on your needs. If you're in a hurry to get a car, you might as well check out domestic brands for the time being.
When helping clients choose a car, I often encounter questions about the delivery time for imported vehicles. Generally speaking, for popular brands like Mercedes-Benz or Lexus, the average waiting period is around 1 to 3 months. This depends on whether the vehicle is in stock or needs to be customized. If it's directly available in inventory, it might only take a week or two. However, for limited editions or high-demand models, it could stretch up to six months. During the process, customs clearance is a critical step—sometimes, document issues can delay it by half a month. I recommend confirming the logistics status with the salesperson before purchasing to avoid extra hassle. Nowadays, some brands even offer expedited channels where paying extra can speed up the process, but it's essential to review the contract details carefully. Overall, a bit of patience and advance planning is always better than last-minute urgency.
I drive a Japanese-imported Toyota SUV, which took a full 6 months to arrive. It was a custom order with a premium audio system, and the process from placing the order included shipping delays, port congestion, and some complications with customs clearance. I took a whole day off to complete the paperwork when picking it up—the dealership service was decent, though a bit time-consuming. During the wait, I prepared by reading the owner’s manual to familiarize myself with the controls and even scheduled maintenance in advance, which helped me adapt faster. Personally, I think imported cars, despite the long wait, feel more stable to drive, especially with their superior quietness at high speeds. If you’re ordering one now, I’d recommend tracking the order status closely and not missing any updates.
