How Long Does It Take to Buy a New Car?

1. 1Step 1: Pick the model and trim that fit your needs and budget.
2. 2Step 2: Find out what the car costs the dealer so you know a fair price.
3. 3Step 3: Get quotes from more than one dealer.
4. 4Step 4: Test drive the car and settle the final price in writing.
5. 5Step 5: Sign the paperwork and arrange your loan or lease.
6. 6Step 6: Check the car and the paperwork at pickup before you drive away.
7. 7Step 7: Pick up the car once it is ready.

This is where most of your time goes. You read reviews and compare trims. You work out what you can afford each month.

Then you need to know a fair price. Without the dealer cost you are guessing. Our free Discount Report shows MSRP and dealer cost for the trim you want in a few minutes.

Narrow your list to one or two trims before you ask for quotes. Dealers respond faster to a clear request. Set your budget for the total price and not just the payment.

Getting quotes takes longer. Each dealer wants to call you or bring you in. Doing it by email lets you get quotes from several dealers in a few days.

If you walk in with no price agreed you can spend a full afternoon there. The test drive and the back and forth on price take time. Then you wait for the finance office.

You can cut this down. Settle the price by email first. Then book a time to test drive and sign.

So how long does it take to buy a new car at the dealer? With the price settled it can take an hour or two.

Bring your licence and proof of insurance. Bring your trade and its paperwork. If you need a loan get approved by your bank before you go.

A car on the lot can be ready in a day or two. The dealer still needs to do the PDI and the paperwork.

A car on its way from the factory can take longer. A car you order to your specs can take weeks or months. Ask the dealer for a delivery date and get it in writing.

OMVIC says verbal promises are not enough. Put the delivery date in the contract if it matters to you.

Ask what happens if the date slips. Some buyers ask for a written right to cancel with a full deposit refund. Plan your insurance before pickup day.

Know your model and trim before you contact any dealer. That one choice saves the most time.

Do your price talks by email. You can reach many dealers at once and skip the long visits.

A free dealer referral is another fast path. We match you with one vetted dealer who brings you a price.

Or let someone do it for you. Our car broker service gets you 1 to 3 offers in 2 to 5 business days. You just pick one and book a time to sign.

Do not rush the contract. OMVIC says there is no cooling-off period in Ontario once you sign.