Ordering a New Car vs. Buying Off the Lot

Are you looking for a new car in the Painesville area? You might be wondering whether it’s a better idea to factory-order your new ride or drive it right off the lot. There’s no one answer to the question of which option is better – it all depends on your circumstances. Therefore, the team at Honda of Mentor has put together a guide outlining the pros and cons of a factory order vs. buying off the lot, so you can make an informed decision.

Factory Ordering: Pros and Cons

Many drivers find the process of ordering a car from the factory to be less stressful than buying directly off the dealership lot. Here are some of the main advantages of going the factory route:

• You can mix and match customization options based on your driving needs, adding packages and amenities that you want without having to pay for ones that you don’t.
• Ordering from the factory means that the car comes directly to you, without any of the potential stress of combing through a dealership’s in-person inventory.
• Thanks to the customization options we mentioned above, you can basically see your dream car come to life in front of your eyes when you order from the factory. You’ll have full ownership over the final product, with every inch of the car attuned to what you want.

All that being said, there are two main drawbacks to ordering from a factory:

• You usually have to wait a while, sometimes months on end, for your new ride to be delivered. Ordering from the factory takes away the immediacy of driving your new car right off the lot.
• In all likelihood, you won’t be able to take advantage of any specials, sales, or deals offered by the dealership.

Buying Off the Lot: Pros and Cons

Buying your new car directly from the lot has its own benefits! Here are some highlights:

• It’s a bit easier to browse a dealership’s new or pre-owned inventory online than it is to navigate a factory’s website. In fact, some Willoughby dealerships let you shop and buy right from home, giving you the same advantage as if you bought from the factory.
• You’re able to see exactly what you’re getting when you buy off the lot. If you buy from the factory, any features or amenities are subject to change until the moment the vehicle ships.
• Purchasing off the lot is much quicker and more straightforward than ordering from the factory, making it an ideal choice for drivers who are in a hurry.
• As stated above, buying from a dealership lets you take advantage of new vehicle specials and other deals that are designed to help you save on your next ride.

There are a few downsides to ordering from a dealership that you should be aware of as well:

• If you have your eyes set on the perfect vehicle but another driver grabs it before you do, you’ll end up without the model of your choice.
• You won’t be able to build and customize with packages and accessories like if you ordered from the factory.

Find Your Next Ride at Honda of Mentor!

Whether you end up deciding to factory order vs. buying off the lot, Honda of Mentor is committed to making the process as stress-free as possible! Be sure to check out our car buying tips for more advice on finding the car of your dreams, or stop by our dealership near Eastlake to talk to a member of our finance team in person. If you’re interested in another convenient way to order your next ride, you’ll be happy to know that Honda of Mentor can build and order your car for you!