New car waiting lists are up to six months for some models, while cars such as the new Volkswagen Polo, Ford Ka and BMW X1 are proving so popular across Europe that drivers who order one today could be left waiting at least four months before their vehicle arrives, according to motoring website, honestjohn.co.uk.
The potential six-month wait applies to models such as the in-demand Audi TT Roadster as well as a number of other models from the German marque (see table below).
However, personal internet car buying services, such as Outside Lane, can help consumers beat the queue for models by scouring the country for available vehicles that meet motorists’ requirements.
As a result, of the new car waiting lists more car buyers are turning to nearly-new models, which is where Outside Lane helps motorists to find the car of their dreams.
It’s a view shared by David Ross, new cars Editor at motoring website honestjohn.co.uk, who says motorists can avoid the queues by buying pre-registered.
He explained: “While many people may be put off this option as they will not get the exact specification they desire, they will get their new car in a matter of days rather than months. And buying a pre-registered model not only slashes the waiting times, but also the price. Despite the fact these cars are basically new with a few additional miles on the clock, prices are considerably lower than buying brand new.”
Average UK New Car Waiting Times
| Make and model | Approx waiting time |
| Audi R8 | Minimum 24 weeks |
| Audi A3 Cabriolet | 24 weeks |
| Audi A4 | 24 weeks |
| Audi A5 and S5 | 24 weeks |
| Audi TT Roadster | 24 weeks |
| Ford Ka | 18 weeks |
| BMW X1 | 16 weeks |
| BMW 5-Series | 16 weeks |
| BMW X5 | 16 weeks |
| Volkswagen Polo | 16 weeks |
| Ford Fiesta | 14 weeks |
| Ford Focus | 14 weeks (possibly longer for 2.0-litre diesel models). |
| BMW 3-Series | 12 weeks |
| Ford C-MAX | 12 weeks |
| Ford Kuga | 12 weeks |
| Ford Galaxy | 12 weeks |
| Ford Mondeo | 12 weeks |
| Ford S-MAX | 12 weeks |
| Vauxhall Insignia | 11 weeks |
| Volkswagen Golf | 10 weeks |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 10 weeks |
| Volkswagen Passat | 8 weeks |
| Volkswagen Scirocco | 8 weeks |
| Vauxhall Meriva | 8 weeks |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 8 weeks |
| Vauxhall Zafira | 8 weeks |
