Purchasing a new car is a major expense, so it makes sense that you prefer to get exactly what you want. Perhaps you are dreaming of that sleek black SUV with tan leather interior and a great electronics package, but you are unable to find it in stock at any local dealers. The good news is that if you have the patience, you can order the exact vehicle you want straight from the manufacturer. Ordering from the factory is a great option for those who don’t want to compromise on colors and options. However, it does come with a potential downside- how long will it take to get it? While it can be impossible to give an exact arrival date, there are some indications that might help you predict when your vehicle will arrive. Here are a few things to consider in order to predict how long it will take your car to be shipped from an auto manufacturer. 

Where is the vehicle being made?

Delivery times will vary depending on a few factors. One of those is where the car is being made. For example, a vehicle that is manufactured in Europe could take as long as three months to arrive, while a domestically manufactured vehicle could arrive in about 8 weeks. If you are wondering how long your car could take to arrive, be sure and ask where it is being manufactured. 

How many people have ordered vehicles ahead of you?
You may not be the only one who has their sights set on a custom vehicle built straight from the manufacturer. Depending on how many other people have placed orders ahead of you, this could change your expected delivery time. This is another good question to ask when purchasing the vehicle. 

Where is it being shipped?
It’s not just the location of the manufacturer that can impact shipping times. Your location matters just as much. If you live in a remote location, for example, it could take a few weeks longer for your vehicle to arrive at your destination. On the other hand, if you live in a big city along a major route for auto carriers, your car could arrive much sooner. 

Is the manufacturer affiliated with an auto transport company?

Auto transport companies are often affiliated with car manufacturing companies, and in these cases it is much easier to get the car shipped to you by a specific auto shipping company. However, not every auto manufacturer has a partnership with auto carriers and it would be your responsibility to schedule the shipment, which could impact your delivery time. 

Is the manufacturer experiencing any production delays?

It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to get delayed because they are waiting on parts to arrive. The pandemic has caused some major delays in parts shipment which could ultimately cause major delays in the shipment of your vehicle. In addition, some vehicles are more popular than others and if the demand is high, it could take longer for additional parts to arrive. It can be difficult for manufacturers to satisfy their shipments due to these unpredictable circumstances.