How to beat long car lead times

Mark Samways takes a look at the current predicament that many drivers are finding themselves in; due to lack of planning and long order times, many are finding themselves car-less.

Manufacturer’s lead times are not what they used to be. In most instances, it used to be possible to find a car almost straight away when it came to car-change time, very often to your own specification. People who are contact me now, as they are just about to come to the end of their lease, are often shocked to find that post-recession, it’s a completely different ball game. Cars usually need to be ordered and lead times are very often not right around the corner.

Long vehicle lead times 2014

For example, let’s take a look at the current BMW lead time schedule – and this is from an “official” source of mine:

• BMW I3: 32 weeks
• BMW I8, X3, X4, X5: all Quarter 1 2015

Admittedly, a lot of the other BMWs are on 10-16 week turnarounds but if you are dead-set on a new X5, for example, you’re in trouble. Because there is hardly any used stock around either, and if there is, it won’t necessarily be suitable for a lease contract and it won’t be to your exact specification. And it is not just BMW that are problematic; Audi and Land Rover are amongst the worst offenders. Even Mercedes have got some pretty long lead times at the moment.

Stock car offers

Of course, there are stock offers from time to time but if you leave it until the last minute and there isn’t a suitable car available, I’m sure that you will be kicking yourself if you end up having to rent while you are waiting to find the right deal to come up or, indeed, if you end up taking on a car that you have to live with for three years that you don’t actually like.

How to beat long car lead times

There is only one way to beat long lead times and I will pull no punches when I tell you this: order early. The earlier the better, in fact – even if it is a year away, don’t hesitate to call me on 01223 893 260. Price protection can be put in place and a delivery date arranged in plenty of time to make sure that you aren’t stuck without a car. Because unless you’re building the car yourself, that really is the only way to beat long car lead times.