When I was shopping around for a Malibu I found that nobody around here had exactly what I wanted. I asked the dealer that seemed the best at the time about ordering one. They told me the vehicle was fast tracked and it should be done in 4 weeks if I ordered one.

When I decided to order one the next week I believe it was the sales manager came out and told me it would be 6 to 10 weeks and that was what it was for any new vehicle being ordered. I didn't raise the fact that the other salesman told me the vehicle was fast tracked and just thought the number was probably their safe number they tell everyone. Either way it was fine.

I told the dealer to place an order for a 2LT last Thursday. The salesman said that they put the order in on Friday and that the factory would pickup the order on Tuesday and they would have a build date on Thursday (today).

I hadn't heard anything so I called back in asking for the salesman. Instead I got who I think is his boss. I identified myself and he said the order was in and it would be 6 to 8 weeks. I asked if there were any problems with the strike and he said no. I told him that I was told I would be given a build date today and he said he thought there must have been some sort of miscommunication and that they don't give dates other than the 6 to 8 week period because they won't know anything until the vehicle is built.

I have never ordered a vehicle from a dealer before. I thought I would have something more concrete than 6 to 8 weeks and I seem to be getting different estimates every time I talk to them. I would just walk away but before things started to seem funny with them I gave them a $500 deposit to order the car. Is this how I should expect things to go?

Here describes the events in my order:

3/17 - ordered vehicle - Dealer indicated 5 to 8 weeks till I would receive.
3/18 - vehicle order submitted to factory [Tuesday EOB - pm]
3/25 - dealer communicated build date week of 3/31

3/29 [Sat] - I communicated to the dealer that I was concerned that the AAM strike could impact the building of the car.
3/31 am - Dealer made several calls on my behalf and communicated to me it will be built and the strike would not impact the build.

4/2 am - Dealer phoned me indicating it was built on 4/1.
4/3 pm - vehicle delivered.

You should know - I live in South Eastern Michigan[NOT Detroit]. The Lake Orion plant is within 10 miles of my dealer. The dealer is a high volume dealership that serves many GM execs [I'm not a GM employee]. While I don't think they "pulled strings" for me, I do think they know how to "get things done".

Hope this helps.

You could've walked to the factory and turned some wrenches yourself!

I don't have the dates in front of me, but it took approx. 2 months to get our Malibu. The dealer told me 6 weeks was average for most vehicles. I think it was a month or more before the dealer knew when the car would be made.
I have only ordered two vehicles and did not have to put down a deposit on either one.

I don't have the dates in front of me, but it took approx. 2 months to get our Malibu. The dealer told me 6 weeks was average for most vehicles. I think it was a month or more before the dealer knew when the car would be made.
I have only ordered two vehicles and did not have to put down a deposit on either one.
All that I can add is my ordered Malibu took 8 weeks. I was told at the time I placed the order that GM puts a build priority on vehicles that have deposits in place before they fill orders for inventory. After about 4 weeks the dealer called to say he could no longer give a delivery estimate because there was a problem with GM falling behind with the V6 engine assembly.

Thanks for the replies.

So it sounds like they should at some point be able to give me a date when the vehicle is scheduled to be built.

I didn't even question the deposit. They said it was a good faith deposit. I just figured it makes sense because I'd probably want something to prove someone was serious too before I ordered a $25,000 item for them. It sounds like maybe I should have questioned it? Like I said this was the first time I have ever ordered a vehicle so I thought it was normal to request such a deposit.

All that I can add is my ordered Malibu took 8 weeks. I was told at the time I placed the order that GM puts a build priority on vehicles that have deposits in place before they fill orders for inventory. After about 4 weeks the dealer called to say he could no longer give a delivery estimate because there was a problem with GM falling behind with the V6 engine assembly.

So maybe the deposit was a good thing. I ordered a 4 cyl so I shouldn't run into the 6 cyl problem then.

You could've walked to the factory and turned some wrenches yourself!

Good one. :D:D

Thanks for the replies.
No problem Schwartz, I hope your wait isn't too long. I'm taking bets on 5 weeks.;):D

A deposit is not Required when ordering a car ;)

When I ordered my LTZ in November they told me 6 weeks to receive the car. I actually received the car 31 days after ordering it. They didn't require a deposit, but I've been a long time customer of the dealership.

A deposit is not Required when ordering a car ;)
I'm not sure if it's a regional thing or a dealer thing, but I've always been asked to place money down when ordering. Whether or not it's required is beyond me.

My Malibu was ordered over the phone. So there was no deposit check or funds transfer of any kind. When the dealer called to come pick up the car he requested two seperate checks. One to represent the deposit, the other with the rest of my down money. This was to satisfy GM (Should they check on the dealer) that there was truly a deposit. Supposedly, GM gets upset if a dealer states the order is for a sale and turns out to be for inventory.

Supposedly, GM gets upset if a dealer states the order is for a sale and turns out to be for inventory.

Very true, my dealer also mentioned this. Seems like I did sign the order sheet.
I should mention I live in a small Mid-West town. I can test drive without taking someone with me.

Update: I got a voicemail today from the salesman and he said that production was set for April 21st and that they should have the car shortly after it is completed.

I'm trying not to get too excited about it, maybe the time will pass by quicker. ;)

I'm trying not to get too excited about it, maybe the time will pass by quicker. ;)
Go ahead, get excited!

My wife danced around all day when I ordered it and again when they called to pick it up.

wow i hail from canada, toronto to be precise. i ordered the car last week on monday and picked it up on the following wedesday. i suppose i got lucky and they got a dark grey lt2 with the exact options i wanted not 15 minutes after i finalized everything. the salesman actually got quite excited and told me they were just rolling my car off the truck and i could pick it up as soon as i sorted out insurance, which i did in record time :D

Nice going, jed! Aside from buying off the lot, you must have set a record.

i guess. i had no idea there was such a long waiting period for them.
i guess dark grey lt2 with ebony interiors aren't in such high demand up here.

No problem Schwartz, I hope your wait isn't too long. I'm taking bets on 5 weeks.;):D

Update: The dealer called me and said that they should have it tomorrow and I should be able to pick it up Monday. :D The car was ordered April 4th so it was in the time frame they initially gave me.

Update:..... I should be able to pick it up Monday.
Great news, Schwartz. I'm happy for you. :D

Sadly, I can think of someone who won't be getting much sleep this weekend! :eek: :D

Update: The dealer called me and said that they should have it tomorrow and I should be able to pick it up Monday. :D The car was ordered April 4th so it was in the time frame they initially gave me.
Great news. Pick it up Monday ?? Why? Tell 'em I'll see you Saturday. With sales off 16+% in April - year over year they should deliver it to your door on Saturday.

With a white glove, red carpet service :)

Some small dealers don't have a "get ready" staff working on Saturdays.

The dealer received mine on a Friday and I picked it up on Saturday. His service dept was empty.

I took the week off being I was supposed to be getting the car today and it just seemed like a good time to take a week off to drive the car around, install the splash guards I got, and wash / wax it etc.

Well I didn't hear anything from the dealer so around noon I called them and asked what was up. They don't have the car yet! :mad: They said they are surprised as well. The last known place of the car was only 3 hours away and that was on Friday. They called GM and were told that they would expect it to be here today but they will not contact the driver until 3 days has passed to find out what is going on. Today is the 3rd day.

The dealership is open until 8PM and they said it will only take them an hour to get the car ready so if it comes in time I can get it today. Now all I can do is sit here and wait. :( These guys are killing me! Its really nice out and I could be out driving around in my new car with the sunroof open! Grrr! :mad:

You'll get your ride really soon, don't worry!

I picked the car up earlier today. I am very happy with it so far. I'll have to post pics sometime soon although it is already bug splattered and covered with pollen even with the short distance I drove it today. :(

Congrats on getting the new car. Can't wait to see pictures ;)

I picked the car up earlier today.
Excellent news, Schwartz! Let us know what the neighbors have to say about her.

Can't wait to see pictures ;)
Ditto! :D

WTG Schwartz - can't wait to see her!