New car delivery times

Waiting for a brand new car to be built and shipped can take months. Or you could have a nearly new or used car delivered within 10 days

By Stuart Milne November 21, 2023

Waiting times for a new car to be built could stretch from several weeks to more than a year; it’s why more motorists than ever are choosing nearly new or used - you could have yours within 10 days.

Even in normal times, it was rare to be able to walk into a new car dealership and take delivery of a brand-new car within days. Unless you were lucky enough to find the car you wanted in the right spec sitting there in the showroom, the chances are it’d have to be ordered from the factory and built especially for you.

But supply chain disruption that started with coronavirus, and more recently, the global semiconductor chip shortage and war in Ukraine, means that new car waiting times are longer than ever - a waiting time of six months or more is by no means unusual, especially if you’re after a popular model.

It’s one reason why more drivers than ever are looking at purchasing a nearly new or used car. They’re already on the forecourts of Britain, registered for the road and ready to go. There are no waiting lists, and no complicated global logistics; you can place your order and take delivery or arrange collection within a few days.

The same applies to pre-registered cars, although the chip shortage means these are thinner on the ground than before. But find one, and you’ll enjoy a car that’s practically new, with only a handful of miles on the clock. You’ll be the second owner listed on the logbook - the first will usually be the dealer - but in all other regards, you’ll have a box-fresh car with a substantial saving.

So, if you want to beat the queues, nearly new, pre-reg or used cars are the way forward. And those listed for sale could be parked on your driveway within a fortnight. Of course, if your next car just has to be brand new, read on for the latest lead times from car manufacturers.

Waiting times are correct at the time of writing.

Alpine

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Monthly finance from £0.00*

A spokesman told us that deliveries of new Alpine A110 models could take up to six months.

Alfa Romeo

Used Alfa Romeo deals from £6,499
Monthly finance from £295.65*

Alfa Romeo said that most of its range have lead times of between four and six months, although the Giulia Quadrifoglio could take between four and seven months. Customers are asked to speak to their dealers about lead times for specific vehicles, and which models could be available from stock sooner.

Audi

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Monthly finance from £171.20*

Covering the entire Volkswagen Group, a spokesman told us: “Delivery times for some of our model lines are longer than we would normally expect. This is due to a number of reasons, including component shortages – in particular for semi conductors – as well as the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine.

“Precise delivery times vary according to the model and specification ordered. Our retailers are best placed to keep customers up to date with specific production and delivery timings.

“When placing an order customers are advised of the current delivery time estimates. We also work with our partners in the retailer network and our colleagues at Volkswagen Financial Services to support customers whose cars are approaching the end of their lease period. This support can include assistance with mobility solutions or helping to look after their current vehicle while waiting, providing assistance with finance solutions if appropriate.”

BMW

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Monthly finance from £201.83*

A BMW spokesman said it wasn’t possible to provide lead times on a model-by-model basis. In a statement, the firm said: “the average lead time on built-to-order BMW models for retail customers is approximately four months, although this will vary by model and by retailer. Please bear in mind that some BMW models require a transit time of two to eight weeks, which is included in this timeframe. Individual BMW retailers are best placed to answer customer questions relating to lead times. We see exceptionally strong demand for PHEV and EV models and waiting times for these vehicles will exceed the above in many cases.”

Cupra

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Monthly finance from £207.78*

Covering the entire Volkswagen Group, a spokesman told us: “Delivery times for some of our model lines are longer than we would normally expect. This is due to a number of reasons, including component shortages – in particular for semi conductors – as well as the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine.

“Precise delivery times vary according to the model and specification ordered. Our retailers are best placed to keep customers up to date with specific production and delivery timings.

“When placing an order customers are advised of the current delivery time estimates. We also work with our partners in the retailer network and our colleagues at Volkswagen Financial Services to support customers whose cars are approaching the end of their lease period. This support can include assistance with mobility solutions or helping to look after their current vehicle while waiting, providing assistance with finance solutions if appropriate.”

Citroen

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Monthly finance from £124.18*

According to Citroen, its passenger cars currently have lead times of between two and four months. That includes its bigger-selling electric and plug-in hybrid models; e-C4, C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid and C5 X Plug-in Hybrid are all available for delivery before the end of March 2023. A spokesperson said that retailers are best placed to provide advice about specific vehicle lead times, and which vehicles are available sooner from stock.

Dacia

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Monthly finance from £109.35*

Dacia says all of its models are subject to production delays, but the length will depend on the specification of each vehicle. A spokesman said customers can typically wait up to six months.

DS

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Monthly finance from £133.52*

With the exception of DS 9, which has lead times of up to six months, customers can expect to wait between two and four months for most other DS models. Customers are being asked to speak to their dealer for more specific information.

Fiat/Abarth

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Monthly finance from £99.23*
Used Abarth deals from £7,495
Monthly finance from £168.38*

A spokesperson told us: “The lead time for most Fiat and Abarth vehicles is currently five months for a standard factory order vehicle. Fiat and Abarth retailers are able to advise customers about specific vehicle lead times and which vehicles are available sooner from stock.”

Ford

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Monthly finance from £124.40*

Waiting times for new Ford models vary enormously. Buyers can expect to wait three months for an EcoSport, five months for a Puma or Focus and six months for a Kuga, S-Max or Galaxy. It’s expected to take seven months for a Fiesta or Mustang Mach-E.

For commercial vehicles, Ford says buyers are likely to wait between six to eight months for a new Ranger and, depending on spec, between six and 12 months for a Transit or Tourneo.

Honda

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Monthly finance from £158.49*

Honda told us: “Lead times for new cars vary across models and derivatives. We are keeping our dealers updated, and we therefore advise customers to check with their dealers for lead time information. Some vehicles are currently available immediately, while others have several months’ lead time.”

Hyundai

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Monthly finance from £121.82*

In a statement, Hyundai told us: “We have limited amounts of stock available across our dealer network, with further availability within our production pipeline. For specific requirements it is often necessary to factory-order cars for customers with lead times varying across models and model derivatives. We keep our dealers updated with the latest production lead-time availability so they can best manage customer expectations.”

Jaguar

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Monthly finance from £268.18*

Jaguar says buyers of its XE, XF Saloon and Sportbrake, F-Pace, I-Pace and F-Type Convertible models can expect to wait around six months for their car. Orders of some E-Pace models have been suspended, while others have wait times of between six and nine months. F-Type Coupe delays are up to six months, or between six and nine months, depending on the trim.

Jeep

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Monthly finance from £172.12*

The Jeep Wrangler is currently available from stock, although most other models are expected to take between four and five months to order from the factory. Jeep advises customers to speak to their local dealer for more specific information.

Kia

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Monthly finance from £132.89*

While it’s not immune from the supply chain issues affecting other car brands, Kia says that some impact is due to increasing demand for its models in the UK and Europe. Depending on spec, Sportage, Niro Hybrid, Picanto and several Ceed variants have a lead time of between 10 and 25 weeks depending on specification. The facelifted XCeed is likely to take around 10 weeks for delivery, while Rio, Stonic and Soul are currently estimated around 10-14 weeks. Other models with high global demand, particularly those being shipped from Korea, such as Niro EV, EV6 and Sorento are currently taking between 30 and 36 weeks.

Land Rover

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Defender 90 and 110 models are delayed by between nine and 12 months, while the Defender 130 faces a wait of up to six months. Discovery models are being held up for between six and nine months, while orders of petrol and diesel Discovery Sport models have been suspended; only P300e PHEV models are available, with a waiting time of nine to 12 months.

Range Rover Sport and Velar models are taking between six and nine months, while the new Range Rover faces delays of “over 12 months”. Orders of around half of Evoque trims have been suspended, with the remainder expected to be delivered within six and nine months.

Mazda

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Monthly finance from £141.04*

As a result of Mazda now shipping cars directly from Japan, rather than via Belgium, lead times have been reduced. As a guide, Mazda says CX-5 and CX-60 are available for immediate delivery, as are a limited number of CX-30s, though factory orders should take around four months - the same as Mazda 3 and MX-30 models. MX-5 orders should be fulfilled in four to five months. It’s better news for Mazda 2 and Mazda 6 buyers, who could receive their cars in as little as one month. However, if a customer wants a specific colour, engine or trim combination requiring a fresh factory order, these times could increase.

Mini

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Monthly finance from £161.84*

A Mini spokesman said it wasn’t possible to provide lead times on a model-by-model basis. In a statement, the firm said: “the average lead time on built-to-order Mini models for retail customers is approximately four months, although this will vary by model and by retailer. Individual Mini retailers are best placed to answer customer questions relating to lead times. We see exceptionally strong demand for PHEV and EV models and waiting times for these vehicles will exceed the above in many cases.”

Nissan

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Monthly finance from £140.27*

In a statement, Nissan said: “Supply of different models varies significantly by model, grade and colour. Lead times will also vary depending on the stock available to individual dealers. If customers are willing to be flexible on their selection then it is possible for orders to be filled in a matter of days or weeks. If a customer’s selection is not available from dealer or Nissan central stock, and a new build is required, waiting times will be considerably longer. Approximate lead times for new builds are as low as one month on the Qashqai and Leaf, three months for Juke and the new X-Trail, and five months on Ariya. This is a continually evolving situation so we would encourage customers to contact their local dealer for the most accurate and up to date information.”

Peugeot

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Monthly finance from £124.11*

The majority of Peugeot’s passenger car range have lead times between two and four months, including its electric and plug-in hybrid models, however some models, including the e-Rifter and e-Traveller, will take longer. Peugeot retailers are able to advise customers about specific vehicle lead times and which models are available sooner from stock.

Seat

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Monthly finance from £128.74*

Covering the entire Volkswagen Group, a spokesman told us: “Delivery times for some of our model lines are longer than we would normally expect. This is due to a number of reasons, including component shortages – in particular for semi conductors – as well as the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine.

“Precise delivery times vary according to the model and specification ordered. Our retailers are best placed to keep customers up to date with specific production and delivery timings.

“When placing an order customers are advised of the current delivery time estimates. We also work with our partners in the retailer network and our colleagues at Volkswagen Financial Services to support customers whose cars are approaching the end of their lease period. This support can include assistance with mobility solutions or helping to look after their current vehicle while waiting, providing assistance with finance solutions if appropriate.”

Skoda

Used Skoda deals from £5,989
Monthly finance from £96.22*

Covering the entire Volkswagen Group, a spokesman told us: “Delivery times for some of our model lines are longer than we would normally expect. This is due to a number of reasons, including component shortages – in particular for semi conductors – as well as the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine.

“Precise delivery times vary according to the model and specification ordered. Our retailers are best placed to keep customers up to date with specific production and delivery timings.

“When placing an order customers are advised of the current delivery time estimates. We also work with our partners in the retailer network and our colleagues at Volkswagen Financial Services to support customers whose cars are approaching the end of their lease period. This support can include assistance with mobility solutions or helping to look after their current vehicle while waiting, providing assistance with finance solutions if appropriate.”

A Skoda spokesman told us delivery times vary by model. He said that buyers can expect to wait two months for a Fabia, two to three months for a Superb and three months for a Kamiq or Karoq, while the Kodiaq is subject to a waiting time of between three and four months. Delivery times for the electric Enyaq currently stand at between five and six months, while the Octavia could take up to eight months.

Toyota/Lexus

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Monthly finance from £128.32*
Used Lexus deals from £10,299
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Toyota told us that it’s hard to be specific as lead times vary significantly; some models are impacted minimally, others face a 12-month delay. A spokesman said that customers should contact their local retailer for the latest on a given model.

Vauxhall

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Monthly finance from £113.02*

The lead times for most Vauxhall cars are currently around two to three months for internal combustion engined versions of its Corsa, Mokka and Astra, and up to around six months for its electric models. Customers are asked to speak to their dealers for more specific information, including about models available sooner from stock.

Volkswagen

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Monthly finance from £112.53*

Covering the entire Volkswagen Group, a spokesman told us: “Delivery times for some of our model lines are longer than we would normally expect. This is due to a number of reasons, including component shortages – in particular for semi conductors – as well as the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine.

“Precise delivery times vary according to the model and specification ordered. Our retailers are best placed to keep customers up to date with specific production and delivery timings.

“When placing an order customers are advised of the current delivery time estimates. We also work with our partners in the retailer network and our colleagues at Volkswagen Financial Services to support customers whose cars are approaching the end of their lease period. This support can include assistance with mobility solutions or helping to look after their current vehicle while waiting, providing assistance with finance solutions if appropriate.”

Volvo

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Monthly finance from £183.16*

A Volvo spokesman explained that lead times can vary enormously from car to car, with timings often dependent on the specification of that model. Some models ordered now are expected in February, others could be longer. Currently, a mild-hybrid XC90 is likely to take around five months, while a plug-in hybrid version of the same car is expected to take six months.