How to avoid huge delays when buying a new car

You’ve likely heard about the rather extensive delays people are experiencing when buying new cars lately. Reasons for these long waits include, of course, the semiconductor shortage as well as other COVID-related causes like production line staff getting sick and isolation and lockdown measures in the country of manufacture. Add to this the ongoing war in Ukraine and it’s really turned into the perfect storm of supply problems.

Indeed, these last few years have certainly been no walk in the park for the majority of manufacturers, and it looks like it’ll continue on the same road for at least a little while longer.

So if you’re in the market for a new car, what can you do to avoid these absurd wait times?

3 ways to bypass long new car wait times

1. Find a model that can be delivered sooner

Some of the more popular models have wait times that are beyond absurd. Interested in picking up a new Toyota Landcruiser 300 series? Dig in, because you’ll be waiting around 250 days for it. Considering a Corolla? From signing the paperwork to getting behind the wheel, that’ll be about 235 days.

The long and short of it is that some manufacturers are experiencing longer delays than others. Drilling down even further, opting for specific models will mean substantially longer waits.

If you’re not 100% determined to go with a particular make and model, there are most definitely some options out there that offer quick delivery times. Just a few of these include (but are not limited to):

• Haval H6/Jolion
• Honda Civic/Accord/CR-V/HR-V
• Hyundai Tucson/Staria
• Isuzu MU-X/D-Max
• Mitsubishi Triton/Eclipse Cross
• Nissan Leaf/Navara/Juke
• Subaru Outback/WRX
• Volkswagen Arteon/Polo/Passat/Touareg/Tiguan/T-Roc/T-Cross
• Volvo XC40, 60, 90/S60/V60 Cross Country

2. Be open to different trim/colours

If your heart is set on a particular colour and/or trim level, you’ll be waiting longer for the car. This was true before all of the supply issues, let alone in the current climate.

If you’re happy to make concessions and go up or down in the trim level and don’t mind too much which colour it is, this can help to reduce delivery times.

3. Consider demo or used

An obvious option to skip the wait is to look at picking up a demo or used car instead of brand new. Yes, the used car market is super-hot at the moment, but there are definitely still some fantastic deals to be had on cars that have done minimal k’s and are darn close to new anyway!

Speak to Stratton Finance and arrange financing today

If you’re at the point of seeking out makes and models that are offering the shortest lead times delivery-wise, you’re also probably shopping around for the hottest car financing deals. And whether you’re after a new or used car, there’s nowhere better to go than Stratton Finance.

Over the last 20-plus years we’ve been helping Aussies secure finance, we’ve accumulated a massive network of lenders. By accessing the countless financing packages available to us, you can bet we’ll connect you with the best car finance on the market that meets your needs perfectly.

Use our handy online finance calculator to discover how low your monthly repayments could be, and if you like what you see you can apply in under 5 minutes! For any questions you have, please call our friendly team on 1300 787 288.

Note: Models listed as offering short wait times are correct as at 31 August 2022. These models are subject to change, and availability will depend on trim level and specifications. Speak with the dealership near you to find out more.