Hey Lykkers! Let’s talk about that dream car—the one you’ve been building online for weeks. The perfect color, the exact trim, the ideal sound system. Ordering a custom car feels like the ultimate grown-up purchase.

But before you click “submit,” have you considered the waiting game you’re about to play? It’s not just about patience; it’s a financial decision with real upsides and hidden costs.

Grab a coffee—let’s walk through the reality of a factory-order checkbook.

Ordering a custom car means you get exactly what you want. No dealer markup for popular features you don’t need, no settling for silver because it’s the only one on the lot. You’re paying for the vehicle you designed, not the one a dealership guessed would sell.

This can lead to a more rational purchase. When you place a factory order, you get exactly what you want — in the color you want — and the dealer doesn’t carry the financing charges on vehicles in dealer stock — Edmunds. You’re in control, which can prevent overspending on impulse features.

The Financial Pros: Playing the Long Game Smartly

1. You Pay for Your Car, Not the Hype: The biggest advantage is often avoiding the "dealer adjustment" or "market adjustment" premium. During times of high demand, dealers slap thousands of dollars onto the sticker price of popular models sitting on their lot. By ordering at the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), you lock in a fair price, potentially saving a significant sum right off the bat.

2. Better Financing Leverage: Walking into a dealership with a factory order in your name changes the dynamic. You’re not a desperate buyer; you’re a patient one. This can give you stronger negotiating power on your loan or lease terms, as the dealer knows you’re committed but not in a rush.

3. Higher Potential Resale Value: A thoughtfully optioned car—with desirable, factory-installed features—can be more attractive to future buyers than a stripped-down base model or one loaded with unpopular extras. You’re building a more targeted asset.

The Financial Cons: The Cost of Patience

1. The Depreciation Clock Starts Ticking… Before You Drive: This is the silent killer. You’re paying interest (if financed) and losing value on an asset you don’t even possess.

2. The Opportunity Cost of Your Down Payment: That deposit or full down payment you lock up for 3-9 months is money that isn’t working for you elsewhere. It could be in a high-yield savings account or invested. The longer the wait, the greater this hidden cost.

3. Incentives Can Vanish: Car manufacturers often offer cash rebates or special low-interest financing to clear out current inventory. These incentives are typically tied to the model year on the lot. If you order a car and the incentives change or expire by the time it arrives, you could miss out on thousands in savings.

4. The "What If?" Factor: What if your financial situation changes during the wait? What if a newer, better model is announced? You’re locked into a contract for a vehicle that is, in a sense, already "old news" by the time it arrives.

The Verdict: Should You Play the Game?

The choice boils down to value versus velocity.

Ordering is financially smarter if: You are specific in your wants, are avoiding massive dealer markups, have stable finances, and view the car as a long-term keeper (5-7+ years). The wait is an investment in getting it right.

Buying off the lot is smarter if: You need a car now, you can find a model with most features you want at MSRP or below, or there are strong, expiring incentives you can capture immediately. Velocity wins.

So, Lykkers, before you finalize that dream build, do the math: Add up the potential savings from avoiding markups, then subtract the lost time value of your money and the risk of missing incentives. If the number is still positive, and your heart (and budget) can handle the wait, then enjoy the process. Your perfect car is worth it. If not, the perfect car for right now might be just a test drive away.