Most people who plan on purchasing a new car do it the traditional way. This involves visiting a car dealership, checking out its new car inventory, and choosing the model and trim that best suits their needs and tastes. While this is a quick and convenient way of buying a vehicle, you'll be getting a car with the standard features instead of the exact ones you want. The alternative is ordering the car directly from the factory exactly how you want it.

What Is a Custom Car Order?

Custom-ordering a car is the practice of ordering a new car directly from a factory. Traditionally, new cars come in a variety of predefined trims, each with a distinctive set of features. While you can usually add more features to an existing trim, buying a vehicle this way is still a compromise. 

For instance, the trim that's closest to what you need may include fewer color options than another trim. Likewise, you may have to pay for a premium sound system even if you only listen to audiobooks and have no interest in high-quality sound. Ordering a custom car allows you to configure every detail and include everything you want while excluding features you don't need.

How Does a Custom Order Work?

The process of custom-ordering a vehicle slightly differs from one manufacturer to another. It's also important to point out that not all manufacturers allow this practice. The general steps that you'll likely take when ordering your car straight from the factory are:

1. Secure financing: Just like when buying a car that's already in a dealership's inventory, the first step when custom-ordering is figuring out the best way to pay for it. This may include analyzing your credit situation and working with lending institutions to get pre-qualified for a loan.
2. Select a dealership you want to work with: Even though you're ordering straight from the factory, the car will still be delivered to a local dealership. They'll act as an intermediary between you and the manufacturer and guide you throughout the whole process.
3. Design your vehicle: Now that you've secured financing and selected a dealership to work with, you can finally get to the fun part of the process. Use the manufacturer's configuration tool on their website to select every detail regarding your new car, from features to color.
4. Visit the dealership and negotiate a price: Once you know exactly what you want, you can schedule a meeting with the dealership to discuss your plans. Just like with any new car purchase, you can negotiate for a better price and let them help you secure a better financing deal. 
5. Sign a buyer's order and pay the deposit: Now it's time to make it official. After agreeing on a price with the dealership, you can have the sales manager sign the buyer's order and then pay the deposit, which varies from one car brand to another.
6. Wait for your new car: Since your car's feature list is unique, it will probably take a few months for them to build and deliver it. Your dealership will likely keep you up to date on the progress.
7. Complete the process and drive off with your new car: Once your car is manufactured and delivered, you can complete the sale process and start enjoying it. If you're looking to trade in your existing vehicle, you can discuss this with the dealership.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Custom-Ordering Your Car?

The following are some potential benefits that come with a factory order.

You Get Exactly What You Want

The main benefit of custom-ordering your car is precisely why it's a popular choice. You'll be getting exactly the car you want, with you choosing every feature, color, and accessory. This also means that you won't get features that you don't need and never use. Although you'll probably spend lots of time configuring it exactly how you want it, your dream vehicle will be worth the effort.

You Won't Pay for Things You Don't Need

Getting unnecessary features is not only pointless but also costly. There's no reason to pay for things you'll never use, and custom-ordering your car can help you avoid this. Depending on your needs and preferences, this can save you lots of money.

You'll Get To See Your Thoughts and Plans Turned Into Reality

Last but not least, custom-ordering your car can be a rewarding personal experience. Spending time to decide on every little aspect and then seeing the result in real life can be a memorable journey. You'll be owning a car that's unique to your taste.

FAQs About Custom-Ordering a Car

The team at All American Ford has compiled some frequently asked questions about custom-ordering a car and their answers.

How Long Does It Take for the Car To Be Built and Delivered?

The exact time it takes for a manufacturer to build your custom car depends on many factors. It usually takes six to eight weeks for a domestic-built car to be delivered. Ordering the vehicle from another country can take several months, depending on the factory's production volume, the time it takes to have the car delivered, and various customs processes.

Can You Trade In Your Custom-Ordered Car?

Yes, you can trade in your custom-ordered car if you eventually decide to buy a new one. However, its trade-in price greatly depends on how you chose to configure it. While some configurations are likely to appeal to many potential car buyers, some custom-built cars may have a combination of features that actually reduces their market value.

Order Your Custom Vehicle at All American Ford

If you're ready to buy a custom vehicle, All American Ford in Springville, Alabama, is here to help you order your ideal car. From getting pre-qualified for a loan to configuring your vehicle and arranging for delivery, we'll be here to assist you with everything you need. Alternatively, you can check out the wide range of vehicles in our inventory to see if we already have your perfect car in stock. Call us today, or come by to visit us. We're just a short drive from both Oneonta and Birmingham.