Delivery times when buying a car

We’ve noticed recently that many of our clients have experienced lengthy delivery delays when waiting for their new car to arrive.  In light of the down-turn in new car manufacturing over the past 12 months, the number of new cars shipped to Australia has dropped, and we’re now seeing the result with extended delivery times.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new car in the next few months, consider the below items when ordering a vehicle:

• Make sure you allow extra time (weeks) when ordering your replacement vehicle.  Don’t expect to walk into a dealership and take delivery of your new vehicle the same week your current vehicle finance contract expires; you may end up paying overdue interest or rental instalments to cover the change over time.  This can be costly in some instances and certainly avoidable if you act quicker.
• Your new vehicle may have to be ordered from the factory, and if the manufacturer is overseas, you can expect to wait 4 – 6 weeks or more if the vehicle is to be built from scratch and then shipped.  Be prepared for this time frame.
• If you’re buying a used or demonstrator vehicle, make sure you confirm with the dealer at the start of the negotiation that the car is available.  Often these cars are for showroom purposes or require servicing and cosmetic detailing so confirm availability time frames for these cars.
• Ask about alternative colours if your colour preference is not immediately available.  You may “really want” midnight black but if you have to wait 6 months, you may opt for midnight grey.  It’s worth asking about alternative colours and considering another shade for quicker delivery.
• When buying privately, the vendor will want hand-over as soon as possible, but take the time to have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic and let the vendor know that you will require more time to process your finance paperwork.  By advising the vendor, you have set realistic expectations of the changeover date.
• If the vehicle requires inspection, servicing or options/extras fitted, allow time for the work to be carried out correctly.  Make sure that the cost of these works is included in the price negotiated.
• Stay in contact with the dealer to ensure that the expected delivery date is on schedule.

  For advice on how to best manage your delivery time frames, contact Giulia Polizzi on (03) 9854 3556 or email giulia@acceptancefinance.com.au.