Pre-ordering or reserving a vehicle has become pretty common. Next year’s models are frequently announced months before their release, with glossy magazine spreads showing sleek new designs, upgraded features, and attractive packages. Accordingly, it is unsurprising that many prospective buyers would rather wait for next year’s model to come out than purchase this year’s models, even when they are readily available on the lot.
Pre-ordering a vehicle gives buyers an advantage, particularly on popular cars. It enables them to be at the front of the line on their dream cars before they hit the showroom floor. It also lets vehicle manufacturers get an idea of how popular a particular model may be so that they can plan production. Many vehicle manufacturers revise their original production plans when pre-orders indicate higher customer demand. This situation happened in 2023 with the popularity of Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, the Ford Bronco Sport, and the Ford Maverick.
An alternate way to get the vehicle you want is to reserve or custom order the car you want with the package and specifications you want. Custom orders are only available for vehicle models that have already been released.
Pre-Ordering a New Vehicle
People should know that the pre-order system differs from purchasing a car, and dealers are up-front that pre-ordering does not guarantee that you will get the vehicle you want or receive it in a particular time frame.
Unfortunately, vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, have had difficulty with supply chain problems, especially since the pandemic. Accordingly, obtaining all the parts they need to fulfill every pre-order cannot always be accomplished. In addition, not everyone who pre-orders a vehicle follows through on a purchase. Consequently, while vehicle manufacturers surely would like to supply the perfect car for everyone who expresses an interest, the realities of vehicle manufacturing mean that problems can occasionally arise. That being said, Ford is very proactive in its efforts to satisfy its customers.
When a new vehicle is manufactured, it has a release date. Working with its dealerships, Ford will open reservations for a particular model on a specific date. If you are interested in a specific vehicle, you can reserve the car with the packages and options you want by going through your local Ford dealer. In North Idaho, Mike White Ford can assist you in either Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint. To reserve the vehicle, you will need to put down a refundable deposit. This deposit lets the dealership know you are earnest; however, as noted above, it does not guarantee vehicle delivery. At the same time, you are not obligated to follow through on the purchase even if your vehicle arrives at the dealership.
Essentially, the pre-order system puts you on a waiting list that gives you priority in receiving the model you want over other buyers who do not pre-order.
Custom Ordering Your Build
Another avenue for getting the vehicle you want is to order a custom vehicle. Custom ordering is when you want a current-model car with specific features in terms of package, color, and options, but your dealer does not have that particular vehicle in stock. If you are very sure about the exact vehicle you want, you don’t have to drive all over the state or scan the internet for dealers across the country to try to find it. Instead, you can sit down with your local dealer and tell them you want to create a special order.
In ordering your vehicle and specifying all the options you want, you are asking Ford Motor Company to build a car directly to your specifications. You will work directly with your Ford dealership to work out the details in a custom order form. Part of the process will be specifying the costs of the vehicle with all the options you select and may involve a down payment and financing arrangements.
Your dealer has a lot of discretion in making special order sales agreements. Unlike the pre-order reservation, however, the special custom order is not just a waiting list. While the dealer may allow cancellation of the order under certain conditions, custom ordering involves a more concrete commitment from you, and your special order will have a list of terms and conditions that indicate your obligations.
While special orders will require that you wait for your vehicle, Ford will occasionally offer incentives for special orders, so it is a good option for people who need or want a specific build.
At Mike White Ford, our goal is to provide our customers with the Ford vehicles they want. While we make every effort to have the most popular packages and vehicles on our lot for the North Idaho community, many of our customers may wish to get a more specialized build or are excited about a new model.
If you are interested in a particular Ford vehicle and we don’t have it in stock or on order, don’t hesitate to ask one of our sales associates about pre-ordering or special ordering a custom build. You can be sure we will work with you to answer your questions. We can guide you through the process if you decide to pre-order or custom order. To get the car you dream about, contact Mike White Ford today.