Understanding Delivery Lead Times
By DonnaGuide overview:
- Delivery lead times vary by model and manufacturer, and depend on whether the car is in stock or built to order.
- In-stock cars offer the quickest delivery, while factory orders can take several weeks to months, depending on the model.
- Lead times are estimates provided by manufacturers and can change, but you'll be kept informed throughout the process.
- If you need a car sooner, exploring in-stock options or alternative models can significantly reduce your wait time.
When you're leasing a new car, one of the biggest questions people have is how long it will take for the vehicle to arrive.
Delivery lead times are a normal part of the car leasing process, but they can vary a lot depending on the car you choose, whether it's in stock, and how it's built.
In this guide, we'll break down what delivery lead times are, why they differ from model to model, and how you can reduce your wait.
Read more: If you want to dive into specific lead times, make sure to check out our New Car Lead Times guide. Or, if you're in a hurry, browse our in-stock lease deals for cars that are ready for fast delivery.
A delivery lead time refers to the time between placing your order and your lease car arriving. For some drivers this might be a couple of weeks, while others could be waiting months.
It all depends on the car, how it's made, and it's availability.
- In-stock cars - already built and usually already in the UK, so delivery is much faster.
- Factory-ordered cars - built specifically to your chosen specification, so it takes much longer to be delivered.
Read more: If you'd like a full breakdown of what a factory order lease car is, our guide All You Need to Know About a Factory Order Lease Car explains the process.
Unfortunately, there's no magic number when it comes to lease car lead times. Like we've said, it depends on whether the car is already in stock or it needs to be built from scratch.
These are the quickest option because the car is already in stock. Typically:
- Delivery within three to four weeks (exclusions apply)
- Perfect if you need a car urgently
- Limited choice of colours and trims (usually the most popular models)
Factory order cars take longer to be delivered as they're built from scratch. You should expect:
- Anywhere from several weeks to a year
- Longer waits for high-demand cars, EVs, or new-release vehicles
- Additional time for shipping
For more information on factory orders, check out our guide, All You Need to Know About a Factory Order Lease Car.
If timing is important, give our friendly team a call. We’ll walk you through the options and help you secure a car that suits your needs. Call us on 0345 811 9595.
There are a number of things that can affect the delivery of your new car, some of which relate specifically to factory orders, others which relate to issues which may occur at the dealership.
Whether the car is in stock or built to order
An in-stock car is ready to go and will be held at the dealership or in central stock. A factory order joins the manufacturer’s production queue.
Model popularity
Occasionally, customer demand for a particular car is great, and the manufacturer underestimates demand. When demand is unexpectedly high, production is pushed to the limit, and delays begin to occur.
Parts availability and production schedules
Most manufacturers are in a much better position than they were a couple of years ago, but occasional supply shortages (especially for tech components) can still affect production.
Build allocation slots
When a factory order vehicle is placed by the supplying dealership, it is given a build allocation slot by the manufacturer. Every dealer is provided with its own build allocation slots, which can move depending on supply constraints.
Official release date
If you have ordered a car that is not on the forecourts yet, you will have to wait for the official release date to pass before you can take delivery. For popular models, the manufacturer may have a backlog of orders which can cause the delivery lead time to be pushed back by a few weeks or even months.
When you order a new lease car, the manufacturer gives us an estimated delivery date, which we use as your delivery lead time. This isn't a guaranteed date, it's a best estimate based on information available at the time.
We always aim to provide the most accurate data possible, but occasionally production can take longer than expected, particularly with factory-ordered vehicles or popular models.
If your delivery date changes, we'll make sure you're kept updated. You'll receive updates by email and you can check progress in your Customer Account area. You may also receive a phone call from your sales adviser.
It’s important to note that Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has no control over manufacturer lead times, and we’re not able to accept responsibility for any delays caused by the manufacturer.
“Delivery lead times are based on information provided by the manufacturer at the time of order. For in-stock vehicles, delivery dates are usually very accurate. Factory orders are more of an estimate, as they depend on current production schedules.”
Most manufacturers publish estimated delivery lead times for their models on their websites, so it's always worth checking there first for the latest information.
If the manufacturer or supplier has provided us with a delivery estimate, we’ll display it on the relevant model page wherever possible. However, because lead times can vary between models and trim levels, it’s a good idea to check with your sales adviser before placing an order to make sure the expected delivery timeframe works for you.
Tip: Delivery times can vary between models, so always double-check the latest estimate with your sales adviser before ordering.
Lead times can change, and don't worry, it's completely normal.
Lead times are estimates provided by manufacturers and they can go up and down depending on:
- Adjustments to production - Manufacturers may update build plans, which can push delivery dates back.
- Parts shortages - Limited availability of key components can slow down production.
- Weather or shipping delays - Vehicle delivery is a huge operation and issues with logistics can cause lead times to change.
- Seasonal demand - Busy periods can naturally lead to delivery delays.
- Driver availability - Dealerships have limited delivery spots, and driver sickness or last-minute absences can cause delays.
If you want to get behind the wheel sooner, here what we'd recommend:
This is the most effective way to reduce your delivery time, often by several weeks or even months.
Choosing a different colour or trim might mean you can switch to a car that’s in-stock.
If one model or manufacturer has long delays, consider an alternative.
Your sales consultant will have the latest manufacturer updates and can advise on the best options available.
Continue with your order
Many customers choose to continue with their order and wait for a new delivery lead time for their lease vehicle. For most orders, it is hoped that the production delays can be made up in the coming months.
If you wish to continue with your order, we will provide you with further updates as to when your vehicle is likely to arrive and will continue to work closely with the manufacturer and the supplying dealership to keep you informed of revised production and delivery dates.
Extend your current lease vehicle
If you have a current lease vehicle with us, which is due to be returned shortly and are worried you will be without a car in the interim period, you may be able to extend your current lease contract for an additional six or 12 months.
You can find out more about Extending Your Lease Contract in our handy guide, which explains the process and associated fees.
Order the new model year
If your vehicle order has been cancelled due to production issues, you can request a new quote for the latest model year. Prices may differ from your original order, and lead times can still be lengthy. Your sales consultant will confirm the estimated delivery time for the updated model.
Order an alternative vehicle
If you’d prefer something with a shorter lead time, you can explore our latest in-stock options on our Fast Lease page. These vehicles are already built and typically offer much quicker delivery.
Cancel your order
If you decide to cancel, please follow the steps outlined in our Your Cancellation Rights guide.
Make sure to include your full name, address and order details so we can process your request efficiently.
Any eligible refunds of the processing fee (in full or in part) will be issued within 28 working days from the date we receive your cancellation request.
Speak to one of our experts on 0345 811 9595, or visit our Motoring Guides for more information on the delivery process and lead times by manufacturer.
Want the fastest delivery? Explore our in-stock lease deals. Many of these cars can be delivered within three to six weeks (times may vary).
Guide Information
Originally published: 20th April 2017
Last updated: 27th November 2025
Due to be reviewed: 27th November 2026
