The car market is experiencing supply chain shortages that have left manufacturers unable to build new models. As covid restrictions have decreased, the demand for new cars has risen; however, supply chain issues such as a global shortage of semiconductors have caused lead times to increase ten-fold.
Lead times for cars purchased in the near future may be much longer than they would on average – especially for top-of-the-line luxury models from BMW or Mercedes!
Due to this situation, many buyers are opting for second-hand/used car models, which can see them driving off in their new vehicle on the same day. However, the increased demand for used cars has inflated prices across dealerships and private sellers.
We looked at car manufacturer lead times to determine the most reliable ones. Some brands don’t provide specific estimates, but we’ve found that, on average, they offer ranges for each region across the UK.
Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to! We’ve compiled information about what lead times customers should expect across all popular UK-based auto manufacturers.
Delivery time by car brand
BMW
BMW’s lead time varies depending on the model and retailer, but in most cases, it ranges between four months (the average) with a transit time of 2-8 weeks for some models. The brand also warned about exceptionally strong demand, which may result in longer waiting periods when purchasing a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle; thus, customers should be prepared!
DS
The wait time for most DS car models is between two and four months. Customers should speak to their dealer if they want more specific information on availability, as some have lead times as long as six months!
Fiat
If you have your eyes on a brand-new Fiat, you should expect to wait between two and six months. Individual dealerships can provide you with a more accurate wait time.
Ford
Ford’s wait time hugely depends on the vehicle model you’re looking for. Buyers can expect to wait up to three months for an EcoSport and five months with Puma or Focus. Should you have your eyes on the latest electric mustang, you should expect to wait six to seven months.
Honda
Honda’s lead time again depends on the make and model of the vehicle you’re looking at purchasing. If you’re looking for an upgraded specification, you’ll likely have to wait longer than a standard vehicle. Honda regularly provides updates to its dealership partners.
Hyundai
Specific Hyundai models are currently in stock, so depending on the make and model you’re looking for, you can cut out waiting altogether. It is necessary to factory-order for upgraded vehicles, which will include a variable lead time.
Jaguar
Jaguar fanatics can expect to wait between six and nine months for their vehicle; however, this does vary based on the model you’re interested in. You’re looking at a six-month wait for its XE, Sportbrake, XF, F-Pace, F-Type Convertible, and I-Pace models. You should expect to wait at least nine months for the F-Type Coupe.
Kia
Kia’s lead time varies based on the model and can range anywhere from ten weeks to thirty-six weeks. Kia’s most popular cars, such as Niro EV, EV6 and Sorento, are currently topping the lead time list at thirty-six weeks. Whereas the new XCeed is likely to take roughly ten weeks for delivery, and the Rio, Stonic and Soul have a lead time of fourteen weeks.
Land Rover
If you’re dreaming of a Land Rover this Christmas, you probably will receive it Christmas next year. Land Rover advises customers that all vehicles will take a minimum of nine to twelve months and may experience additional delays throughout this period.
It’s also important to note that Land Rover is asking customers to refrain from selling their vehicle outside a franchised dealer network in the first nine months of purchase. As a consumer, you have the right to reject this element in the contract, and we recommend that you do.
Mercedes
Mercedes publishes their dealer stocks on their website, so Marsh Finance would recommend that you check the page directly.
Mini
Some Mini dealerships have cars in stock, but you may need to call around to find one.
The average wait times for a built-to-order Mini model are four months; however, some vehicles may take longer than this. Hybrid and Electric vehicles have the most extended lead times.
Nissan
Lead times vary depending on the stock at each dealership. If you’re open to the model and specification of your vehicle, you could be behind the wheel within a few days or weeks. If you have a specific car in mind or would like an upgraded interior, you should expect to wait between three and five months for delivery.
Peugeot
Many Peugeot vehicles have lead times between two and four months including its hybrid and electric models.
Renault
If you have your eyes on a Renault model, you should expect to wait around six months for delivery. However, if you are flexible on the model and specification, you can grab an in-stock model from a Renault dealership.
Skoda
Skoda’s lead time varies based on the model and specification of the vehicle.
– Fabia – two months
– Superb – three months
– Kamiq or Karoq – three to four months
– Enyaq – five to six months
– Octavia – eight months
Toyota
Some Toyota models are currently in stock across UK dealerships, whilst supply chain delays impact others. Some of their more popular models face a twelve-month wait – so it’s worth contacting your local dealership to check.
Vauxhall
If you’re interested in purchasing a Corsa, Mokka or Astra, you can expect to wait around two to three months. However, if your eyes are set on their electric models, you should expect to wait roughly six months for delivery.
Volkswagen
Delivery times for many model lines are significantly longer than expected due to the ongoing supply chain challenges. You are best to speak to an individual dealership for exact timelines, as these differ greatly depending on the make and model.
Volvo
Volvo lead times vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Lead times can range from four to six months – with electric cars usually experiencing more delays.
What’s the outlook?
With lead times for vehicles being longer than ever, it’s no surprise that more people are opting for second-hand cars. If you’re comfortable waiting six months before getting the keys, you’ll have a good selection of makes and models to choose from.
Did you know it is better to obtain a car finance quote before choosing your desired vehicle? That way, you can understand how much you can afford to borrow and how much it’ll cost you each month.
Marsh Finance offers a FREE eligibility check, where you can find out if you’re pre-approved for finance without impacting your credit score.
Are you looking to upgrade your ride?
With our car finance calculator, you can check how much you can borrow without impacting your credit score.
Representative Example
Rates from 12.9%
Representative example: borrowing £10,000 over 60 Months with a representative of 23.0% APR, an annual interest rate of 23.0% (fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be 59 repayments of £269.58 per month, with one final repayment of £279.58 (which includes the option to purchase fee of £10.00), with a total cost of credit of £6,184.80 and a total amount payable of £16,184.80. Marsh Finance Limited are a lender, not a broker.
Marsh Finance Limited are a lender, not a broker.
This is for illustrative purposes only and is not a quote or an offer of finance.