How to Order a Factory Vehicle

Shopping for a new car but can't find one with (or without) certain options? The dealer doesn't have one in blue? Ordering from the factory has its advantages: You get exactly what you want, and prices are usually a little lower. But you'll have to wait for that car ... sometimes as long as 12 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a reputable dealership to work with. You can't order a vehicle direct from the manufacturer yourself; you must make factory orders through a dealer.

2. Negotiate the same way you would for a car on the lot.

3. Know the invoice price and the cost of all of the options. This information is available several places online.

4. Haggle hard with the dealer. He or she doesn't have to pay to keep your car on the lot, and that fact should lower the price a bit.

5. Consider option packages offered by the manufacturer. These can save you a lot of money if you already want most of the things in the package, particularly air conditioning and antilock brakes.

6. Compare the price of an upgraded model versus a lower-priced model with options added. Sometimes it's less expensive to add option packages than to buy the fancier vehicle - sometimes it isn't.

7. Know the dealership's policy concerning rebates and incentives. Some dealers will guarantee that any current rebates or incentives will still be good when your vehicle arrives (get the guarantee in writing). Others will apply any rebates and incentives being offered when the car is delivered.

8. Don't forget to add in the destination charge. You'll have to pay to have the car delivered.

9. Be ready to make your down payment. You'll usually handle the rest of the financing when you pick up the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that a bare car - one without any options at all - won't have much resale value.
• Don't forget the bird dog (see the Glossary). Ask for it right before you sign the papers, after the price has been set.
• Don't believe a salesperson who tells you it costs more to order from the factory. That's not true.
• To buy a foreign car from the manufacturer, check the company's Web site for tourist-buyer programs or call its customer care department.
• A few manufacturers won't accept factory orders.
• Remember: Everything is negotiable, and if you aren't satisfied, you don't have to buy from a particular dealer. The salesperson knows this but wants you to forget it.