Having Trouble Finding Your Dream Car? Consider Pre-Ordering Direct from the Factory

The best part of buying a new car is wandering the rows and rows of inventory until you set eyes on your dream model. But what if the one you want isn’t there? That’s where our Ford pre-order dealer services come in. You don’t have to settle for a different color or trim just because you can’t find the perfect configuration in the showroom.

For some buyers, outfitting their new vehicle is a highly personal pursuit. Whether it’s a special equipment package or a unique exterior paint color, sometimes the car we want isn’t one that’s commonly stocked. Many buyers will end up settling, but for some buyers, that’s too much of a compromise. We invite this special breed of buyer to consider pre-ordering their next new vehicle.

When you pre-order a Ford, you can dial in the price, specifications, and extra equipment you’re seeking without paying extra or turning to an aftermarket outfitter. Sure, it may require a little patience and delayed gratification, but you’ll end up with the exact car you want. Additionally, you won’t be stuck paying for features you don’t want or need.

Is pre-ordering right for you? It’s all about timing (how quickly you need the vehicle) and personal preference.

Pre-Ordering: The Basics

Pre-ordering – or special ordering – a new car is growing in popularity, but many buyers still don’t realize that special ordering is an option. In fact, even as highly anticipated vehicles like the Bronco and the Maverick hit showrooms, there are no guarantees that the configuration you want will be among the choices. Special ordering is a better way to end up with the exact configuration you want.

Initial dealer inventory on newly launched vehicles tends to be limited and gets gobbled up quickly. Also, the manufacturer will build vehicles with popular options and in colors with mass appeal. The goal is to move metal fast, and for sure, early buyers are ready to pounce. For those who plan ahead, that frenzied first wave of gotta-have-it-now isn’t an issue. Special order buyers won’t be restricted to the inventory on the showroom floor. Freedom of choice is optimal.

Most buyers that enter a pre-order buying cycle tend to stay there. As any buyer that has played around with the manufacturer’s online build tool knows, it’s exciting to custom build your new vehicle from the ground up. It’s even more fun in person when you sit down with a knowledgeable sales consultant who can recommend packages and equipment based on your lifestyle and needs.

You might think you need to know exactly what you want to start the process, but it’s actually more advantageous to go into it with an open mind. Ford manufactures vehicles for mass appeal, so within each model, you’ll find hundreds of possible configurations. Consider the Bronco: for the 2021 model year, it’s available in two body styles – two-door and four-door – for a combined total of twelve different trims. Working with a sales consultant is your best bet so that every dollar you spend is optimized for you.

Building Your Special Order

As you embark on your pre-order, consider starting your search online. Play around with Ford’s build tool and try out a few different configurations. Getting a general sense of the equipment you want and understanding what you can get for your budget helps you remain realistic and productive. It’s also a great way to see how adding one feature might impact the availability of another feature.

You should know your budget and also have a list of must-haves prior to meeting with your sales consultant. For some buyers, exterior color is extremely important; for others, it’s a specific trim and list of equipment. Either way, educate yourself on the number of trims, available options, equipment packages, and – most importantly – price.

Models like the Bronco and the full-size F-150 offer seemingly endless combinations. If your tastes lean toward specialty trims like the off-road Raptor or the all-electric Lightning, it’s even more advantageous to opt for a special order. You’re about to make a big financial investment, so driving home in the exact vehicle you want will better justify the expense.

Utilizing the build tool is easy: first, choose your preferred trim. Next is the engine and drivetrain (two-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive). As you click through each screen, your choices become more specific and include color, options, and packages. Vehicles like the F-150 are more complex, so you might want to spend a little extra time toggling back to choose different trims, powertrains, and packages. Chances are you’ll discover a configuration you hadn’t previously considered.

Timing and Logistics

Before deciding whether pre-ordering is right for you, the first consideration is timing. How soon do you need a new vehicle? Ideally, you’ll plan your special order well in advance, so your new car arrives right when you need it. If you are nearing the end of your lease term, consider starting the process at least three months beforehand.

If you own your current vehicle, you’ll have a little more flexibility, especially if your plan includes trading it in. You can easily value your trade-in advance as part of your budget planning, but if you plan to sell your vehicle privately, it’s best to wait until your new vehicle arrives. We recommend working closely with your sales consultant to allow adequate time.

How long does it take? Typically, around four weeks, but you should allow for up to 12 weeks on newer and more popular models. Each individual special order is different, so we recommend working closely with your sales consultant on timing. Also, consider having some cash on hand for a deposit and allow a little extra time to work with our finance team.

Many buyers wonder if leasing is available on special order vehicles – the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, lessors are in a great position to enter the special order cycle because they know exactly when their current lease expires. Staying in regular contact with your salesperson is ideal for timing your pre-order. They’ll know the average wait time and can help align your lease end with the arrival of your new car.

Special Ordering isn’t just for VIPs

The term “special order” seems like it should be reserved for an elite few, but in fact, anyone can pre-order a vehicle. All you need is a little patience! Some buyers hesitate because they don’t want to commit to a vehicle they’ve never seen or driven, but that’s not a concern because if you decide you don’t want it, the car will simply be added to our inventory.

It’s a zero-risk proposition and one that more buyers should consider if they are prepared to delay gratification. Special order buyers are planners – they’re also very specific about what they want and need. In a way, pre-ordering facilitates a deeper level of research, so these buyers tend to be more informed, which allows our consultants to provide highly individualized sales support.

Shopping for a brand new vehicle should be both fun and easy. It’s even more fun when you can custom tailor your new car, including trim level, exterior color, powertrain, options, and packages. Are you dreaming of a four-door 2021 Ford Bronco Outer Banks in Cyber Orange with the Sasquatch Package and bash plates? Ford is happy to build one just for you, and you can order it today at DePaula Ford.