Figuring out how long getting a new car will take can be challenging. Do you want to order a new vehicle from Ford but don't know how this process works or how long it will take? Well, we've done some digging and have the answers for you.
The Ford factory order process usually begins with an online or in-store customized vehicle order, which goes directly to the Ford factory. In general, this process will take around ten weeks, but it may be longer depending on the car you get.
As we begin, we will cover all things Ford and discuss how their factory order process works. Whether you are new to the brand or want to upgrade your vehicle, we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right into this post!
Can You Order Any Of Ford's Vehicles From Their Factory?
Unless the vehicle you want is at a Ford dealership in your state or region, you will likely have to order it directly from their factory. This usually applies to custom orders, whether you want a particular color or specification on your Ford vehicle.
According to their website, you can customize and factory order many of their vehicles, including certain upcoming models. One thing to note is that this can change depending on a vehicle's release date and current demand.
How Long Does It Take For Ford To Deliver?
Typically, you can expect Ford to deliver a factory vehicle within ten weeks of its order date. This timeline applies to most of their cars, although upcoming releases may take a bit longer depending on demand.
It's better to wait until a newer vehicle is at your local dealership rather than pre-ordering, but this comes down to your preference.
When newer cars first come out, there does tend to be premium pricing and longer wait times, so even holding off a month or two can make a difference.
How Long Does It Take For A Truck To Be Built?
Although this varies, you can expect a domestically-made truck to take around one month to be made and shipped out to a dealership. Considering the many parts that go into a truck and the labor needed to get one built, your vehicle may take closer to ten weeks to be ready.
Ford doesn't disclose their factory timeline for their vehicles, but most times, you can expect to have your truck in a month or so.
Can You Expedite A Ford Factory Order?
Ford doesn't explicitly offer to expedite a factory order, but they promise to get your vehicle delivered as soon as possible. Like most brands, Ford's manufacturing and shipping timelines vary depending on availability and demand, so each order is different.
As we mentioned, upcoming releases tend to take longer than currently available Ford models, so that's something to consider.
How Do I Track My Ford Factory Order?
For those waiting on a Ford factory vehicle, there are a few ways to track its progress. If you have your car's VIN, you can track it by using your original order form/email or going on the Ford Fleet website.
To check on a vehicle that doesn't have a VIN yet:
- Go to the Ford Fleet website.
- Click on the "Ordering Center" tab.
- Then check your vehicle's progress under "Ordering Status."
You will need to create an account on the Ford Fleet website to check your car's status, so keep that in mind.
Can I Cancel A Ford Factory Order?
According to Ford's terms and conditions, you can cancel a factory order, but this is permanent. You can also request a refund for your order if you've already put down a deposit, which should go back into your account within ten business days.
Ford won't usually charge you more than a deposit when you customize/factory order from them, making this process relatively low-risk.
What Is Ford Express Buy?
Ford's new "Express Buy" program essentially allows you to purchase a vehicle entirely online and then pick it up or have it delivered to your home. Express Buy currently only applies to Mustang Mach-E orders, although it plans to expand this program to their entire lineup soon.
One of the benefits of using Ford Express is that you don't have to spend hours at the dealership, which is great for those with busy schedules. This program will also allow Ford customers to lease their vehicles entirely online, a first for the company.
What Is A Dealer Ordered Ford?
Dealer-ordered vehicles, regardless of brand, are the cars that a specific dealership orders to display on their lot. Think of this like how a supermarket orders its stock to sell to customers on an everyday basis.
Typically, dealerships will choose the most popular models of each car they make to order for their lot, but this depends on availability.
Is It Cheaper To Order A Car From The Factory?
Generally, ordering your car from the factory won't be much cheaper than going to a dealership. Purchasing a vehicle directly from the manufacturer might save you some money, although it's usually better for getting the specifications you want.
With that said, dealerships will often run promotions on their stock, so online purchasing/ordering might not always be the most cost-effective idea.
Does Ford Charge Shipping Fees On Their Vehicles?
Yes, Ford will usually charge a shipping fee of some sort to get your car delivered to you. The company calls this a "destination charge," although it is essentially just the cost to ship your vehicle.
Shipping fees will typically be between $800 and $1,200, regardless of brand, so this can be expensive. That said, some companies will include shipping in a vehicle's upfront cost, but this varies.
Why Is It Taking So Long To Get My New Car?
Depending on current labor and part shortages, certain vehicles can take months to get. Most times, these delays won't add more than a few weeks to your car's delivery, but some might be much longer.
A current global computer chip shortage has been wreaking havoc on 2021 vehicles, so delays are happening. That said, if you need a car soon, you can always take a trip to your local dealership to see what they have in stock.
What Happens If My Vehicle Is Backordered?
If your vehicle is back-ordered, this could be for many reasons. Most times, this is due to a part shortage and will usually add a month or so to your delivery time.
Ford has been considering shipping some of their vehicles unchipped to dealers and having them finished on-site, which may help with waiting times. Of course, not all back-ordered cars will take months to ship, so we recommend keeping an eye on your order status.
Does Ford Manufacture Its Parts?
Ford does manufacture many of its parts here in the US or Mexico. Although there aren't specific percentages of what they make in-house versus outsourcing, Ford prides itself on being self-made.
A few of Ford's key suppliers include:
- Valeo Electric and Electronic Systems
- Comstar Automotive Technologies
- Flex-N-Gate Seeburn
- Summit Plastics
- FCC Adams
Why Are Cars So Expensive In 2021?
Like many industries, the car-buying market has become quite expensive recently. Between slower production speeds, part shortages, and shipping delays, many brands have opted to raise their vehicle's prices.
There is also a push for online-focused car shopping, which isn't always pointed in the consumer's favor.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you have a Ford vehicle or want one, it's essential to understand how their factory order process works. You can order most Ford vehicles directly from the factory if you customize or pre-order them, but this varies.
Ford's timeline for factory-ordered cars will usually take around ten weeks, although you might need to wait longer if there are part shortages/delays. Shipping-wise, expect to spend anywhere from $800 to over $1,200 to get your vehicle delivered, so keep that in mind.
Regardless, remember to check your order's current status on the Ford Fleet website and check your local dealership's inventory before buying online.
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