How to Order a Car Directly From the Factory
What factory ordering actually means and why you might do it
Factory ordering means you work with a dealer to place an order for a car built to your specifications, rather than buying one already on the lot. The manufacturer builds your vehicle after you order it, which typically takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on the make, model, and current production schedules.
You do this when the dealer's inventory doesn't have the exact combination of color, interior, engine, or features you want. Factory orders also let you lock in the price and avoid paying a markup for a high-demand model. The trade-off is the wait time and the fact that you cannot change your mind once production starts without losing money.
Not every manufacturer or dealer offers factory ordering, and some brands have stopped taking custom orders during supply shortages. Luxury brands and some domestic manufacturers are more likely to support it than others.
Key Takeaways
- Factory orders take 8 to 12 weeks from placement to delivery, and you pay a deposit (usually $500 to $2,500) that you lose if you cancel after production begins.
- You work through a dealer, not directly with the manufacturer — the dealer submits your order and handles all communication with the factory.
- Your price is locked in at the time of order, which protects you from price increases but also means you cannot negotiate further once the order is placed.
- You need to decide on color, interior material, engine type, transmission, and optional packages before the order goes in, because changes mid-production are expensive or impossible.
- Not all dealers or manufacturers accept factory orders, so you should call ahead and ask whether the vehicle you want can be ordered.
How the ordering process works step by step
Start by choosing a dealer and telling them you want to factory order. Not every dealer will do this — some prefer to sell from inventory only. Call ahead or visit in person and ask whether they take factory orders for the make and model you want. If they do, they will walk you through their process, which varies slightly by dealer.
Next, you and the dealer configure the vehicle. You choose the exterior color, interior material and color, engine and transmission, and any optional packages or individual features. The dealer will show you the manufacturer's website or ordering system so you can see what combinations are available and what each option costs. Write down or take a photo of your configuration so you have it in writing.
Once you have decided, the dealer submits the order to the manufacturer on your behalf. You will sign paperwork that includes the vehicle specifications, the total price, and the deposit amount. The deposit is usually between $500 and $2,500, depending on the vehicle price and the dealer's policy. This money goes toward your purchase if you complete the deal, but you forfeit it if you cancel after production starts.
The manufacturer assigns your order a tracking number. The dealer will give this to you, and you can use it to check the status of your vehicle as it moves through production. Some manufacturers have online portals where you can see this yourself; others require you to call the dealer for updates.
Timeline from order to delivery
The total time from order placement to delivery is usually 8 to 12 weeks, though this varies widely. Some vehicles take as little as 6 weeks; others can take 16 weeks or longer if the manufacturer is backlogged or if your configuration requires parts that are in short supply.
After you place the order, there is typically a 1- to 2-week window during which you can make changes without penalty. After that window closes, changes are either impossible or cost hundreds of dollars. Once production actually begins — which the dealer will tell you — you cannot cancel without losing your deposit.
Shipping time is separate from production time. Once your vehicle is built, it goes on a truck or train to the dealer, which adds 1 to 3 weeks depending on distance. The dealer will contact you when the vehicle arrives and is ready for pickup or delivery.
What you need to decide before you order
You must commit to several choices before the order is submitted, and changing them later is difficult or costly. Decide on the exterior color first — this affects both the look and the resale value. Popular colors like white, black, and silver are usually available quickly; unusual colors may add weeks to production.
Choose your interior material and color next. Leather, cloth, and synthetic options have different costs and availability. Some combinations are not offered, so the dealer's system will show you what is actually possible for your vehicle.
Select the engine and transmission. This is a major choice that affects fuel economy, performance, and price. The dealer can explain the differences, but you should test-drive similar vehicles first if you are unsure. You cannot easily swap the engine after the vehicle is built.
Decide which optional packages or individual features you want — things like sunroofs, upgraded sound systems, all-wheel drive, or advanced safety features. Packages bundle several features at a discount; individual options cost more but let you pick exactly what you want. Write down the total price for each configuration so you can compare.
Price, deposits, and what happens if you change your mind
The price you agree to at the time of order is locked in. You will not pay more if the manufacturer raises prices before your vehicle is built, and the dealer cannot add a markup. This is one of the main reasons people factory order — price certainty.
You will pay a deposit when you sign the order paperwork. This is typically $500 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle's price and the dealer's policy. The deposit is held in escrow and applied to your final payment when you take delivery. If you cancel before production starts, you get the deposit back. If you cancel after production begins, you lose it.
Some dealers also charge a factory order fee — usually $200 to $500 — to cover the paperwork and communication with the manufacturer. Ask about this upfront so there are no surprises.
If you need to cancel after production has started, contact the dealer immediately. Some manufacturers will let you transfer the order to another buyer, which may recover some or all of your deposit. This is not may provide, so treat the deposit as money you could lose.
Tracking your order and what to expect at delivery
Once your order is placed, the dealer will give you a tracking number or order reference. Use this to check the status of your vehicle. Some manufacturers have customer portals where you can see production milestones — when the vehicle was scheduled, when it entered production, when it was shipped, and when it arrived at the dealer. Others require you to call the dealer for updates.
Production delays happen. Supply chain issues, weather, or factory scheduling can push your delivery date back by weeks. The dealer will contact you if there is a significant delay and let you know the new expected date. You cannot force the manufacturer to speed up production.
When your vehicle arrives at the dealer, they will inspect it for damage and verify that it matches your order. You should do a walk-around inspection yourself before signing the paperwork. Check that the color, interior, features, and equipment are exactly what you ordered. If something is wrong, tell the dealer before you sign — fixing issues after you take ownership is your responsibility.
Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and financing paperwork (if you are financing through the dealer or a bank). The dealer will handle the title and registration paperwork. The entire delivery process usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
When factory ordering is not available or not worth it
Some manufacturers have stopped taking factory orders during supply shortages or have limited them to certain models. Call the dealer to find out whether factory ordering is currently available for the vehicle you want.
Factory ordering is not worth it if you are in a hurry. The 8- to 12-week wait is a real commitment. If you need a car in the next month or two, buying from dealer inventory is faster, even if you have to compromise on color or features.
It is also not worth it if the dealer's inventory already has what you want. If a dealer has your exact vehicle on the lot, the price will be similar to a factory order, and you can drive it home today. Compare the two options before deciding.
Some dealers mark up factory orders or charge high order fees. If a dealer is charging more than $500 for an order fee or trying to add a markup to the manufacturer's price, shop around. Other dealers may offer better terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my order after I place it?
Yes, but only during a short window — usually 1 to 2 weeks after placement. After that, changes are either blocked or cost hundreds of dollars. Once production starts, you cannot make changes at all. Ask the dealer exactly when the change window closes for your order.
What if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?
The dealer inspects the vehicle when it arrives and documents any damage. The manufacturer's insurance covers shipping damage, and the dealer will file a claim. You should not take delivery of a damaged vehicle — wait for the damage to be repaired or for a replacement vehicle to be built.
Do I have to buy the vehicle if it arrives and I change my mind?
Yes. Once you sign the order paperwork, you are committed to the purchase. If you cancel after production starts, you lose your deposit. If you cancel before production starts, you get the deposit back but may lose any order fee the dealer charged.
Can I transfer my factory order to someone else?
Some manufacturers allow this, but it is not may provide. If you need to cancel, ask the dealer whether they can find another buyer for your order. If they can, you may recover your deposit. This is not a standard option, so do not count on it.
How do I know if the dealer is giving me a fair price on a factory order?
The manufacturer sets the base price, and the dealer cannot legally mark it up. Compare the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your configuration across multiple dealers' websites. The price should be the same everywhere. The only variable is the dealer's order fee, which should be $200 to $500.