Factory ordering a vehicle has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages:

1. You get the vehicle you actually want – no extra equipment, no missing equipment.
2. You get the trim levels you want – color and interiors.
3. There is less risk that the vehicle was damaged on the lot or sat for a long period of time.
4. The dealer has little or no carrying costs – insurance and interest expense – hence should be more likely to negotiate price. HOWEVER, if you are asking for an unusual order – expect to have to put a non-refundable deposit down. Since the dealer would not have otherwise ordered the vehicle.

The disadvantages:

1. Time – it usually takes 6-8 weeks to order a vehicle – longer if a part or component is put on restriction or if there are shipping delays.
2. Interest rates could rise between now and the time you take delivery.
3. You are price protected from the date of the order (so if the factory raises the price – you’re ok) but you are not rebate protected. You get the rebate (if any) that’s around at the time you take delivery.
4. If you have a trade in, the price may go down during the time you are waiting as well - you might want to get a guaranteed price (subject to condition – e.g. provided the condition is the same).

The Alternative:

1. Consider asking the dealer to ‘locate’ the vehicle.
2. Dealers typically swap vehicles with each other in order to ’save’ a deal and avoid a customer from going elsewhere.

In general it is better to purchase a vehicle from the dealer’s inventory; unless you are looking for a specific vehicle that is truly hard to find. Remember, time will hurt your negotiating strategy and incentives and interest rates change - and are beyond the control of the dealership to guarantee.