Ordering a New Car vs. Buying Off the Lot

Are you comparing ordering a car vs. buying off the lot? Rest assured that you’re not the only one. For a variety of reasons, more and more New Canaan-area drivers are interested in factory orders, and it’s not hard to see why. This can be a great path for the driver who knows exactly what they want, but it might not be the perfect route for your needs. Our in-depth guide to your two options—factory order vs. buying off the lot—covers everything you’ll need to know before moving forward.

Factory Order: Pros and Cons

Let’s get right to it: ordering a car from the factory can be less stressful and more rewarding than combing through dealership lots. Here’s why:

1. When you place a factory order, you can select any standalone features or packages that fit your price range—and get exactly what you want without paying for features you won’t use.
2. Building your dream car online is plenty of fun—but it’s even better to see the model you built take shape in real life! Placing a factory order allows you to take more ownership over the final product.
3. Shopping on a dealership lot can occasionally be stressful—especially right now, when the microchip shortage is making the market so competitive. When you place a factory order, the vehicle that gets delivered is yours and yours alone!

On the other hand, placing a custom order may not be the right move if you need a vehicle immediately. You’re also less likely to benefit from special offers or seasonal price reductions.

Buying Off the Lot: Pros and Cons

There’s nothing wrong with the tried-and-tested strategy of buying a new car off the lot! Here’s a closer look at the advantages offered by this path:

1. It’s pretty easy to explore current new vehicle inventories online, and at some dealerships near Stamford and Rye, you can even shop and buy entirely from home.
2. When you buy off the lot, what you see is what you get. Certain features of your vehicle design are subject to change if you order from the factory, according to availability.
3. The timeline for a purchase off the lot is very clear—and if you’ve done your research in advance, the whole process could take less than a single day. Ordering a car from the factory can take much longer.
4. Given high demand and low supply, prices on dealership lots are higher than they might be in other circumstances. However, compared to ordering from the factory, you’re still more likely to encounter compelling new vehicle specials when you shop at a dealership.

There are also some downsides associated with on-lot purchases. For example, you might find yourself in a situation where other drivers want the same vehicle that you do—and that could mean that you end up without the model of your choice. 

Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich is Here to Help!

No matter which way you decide to go, we’re here to help you take the next steps with confidence! Contact us to learn more about your options or apply for financing today.