Buying a car can take a few hours to weeks, depending on the buying method, how you pay, and how prepared you are.
Buying a car today isn’t what it used to be. Whether you’re financing a new vehicle or purchasing a used car with cash, the timeline depends on several moving parts. Are you getting it from a dealership or online? Do you need a loan? Are you trading in your old ride? Each decision either extends the timeline or reduces it.
Knowing what to expect will help you avoid delays and make more sound choices, whether you're a first-time buyer or you've done this before.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this article, we will explain:
What goes into buying a car, and how long does each step take
What slows things down, and what helps speed it all up
Overview
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Car?
The car-buying experience isn’t the same for everyone. The timeline of buying a new or used car varies significantly from person to person. Some steps require time-consuming procedures while others are straightforward. Buying can take less than two hours or weeks, depending on where you’re buying from, how you plan to pay, and what kind of car you’re getting.
Here’s a breakdown of average time frames:
At a dealership: Plan before visiting a car dealership. It is essential to allocate enough research time before visiting. That includes browsing, test driving, negotiating, and finishing paperwork. If you're financing the car, add time for loan approvals and discussions with the finance team.
Buying a used car: Buying an old vehicle can take longer due to additional steps such as inspection, lien checks, and prior owner history verifications.
Buying online: You can finish the shopping and financing in under an hour. However, delivery could take a few days, depending on where you live.
Paying with cash: This can speed things up, but only if you’ve brought everything you need. Cash deals still involve paperwork, and dealers may need to confirm payment before handing over the keys.
What Makes the Process Take Longer?
Many individuals have experienced prolonged visits to a dealership, often due to several common challenges that can lead to delays. The encouraging aspect is that most of these issues can be prevented with proper planning and communication.
Common delays and how they happen:
Loan processing: Financing approval takes time. If you buy through a car loan, expect delays waiting for lender approval or comparing interest rates. Even dealership financing adds wait time for review and signatures.
Missing paperwork: Forgetting your driver’s license, proof of car insurance, or vehicle title (if trading in) will stop the process cold. No documents mean no sale.
Trade-in evaluations: Trading in your old car takes time, especially for older models. Dealers must check the condition, verify the title, and research the market value.
Upselling by the dealer: Add-ons like extended warranties or service plans require more decisions and paperwork. If you’re not prepared, these offers can add unexpected time to your visit.
Speeding Up the Buying Process: What You Can Do
Car buyers often experience unnecessary delays due to incomplete preparation. Here’s how to avoid that:
Bring all the necessary paperwork: Missing just one item can cost you hours. Make sure you have:
A valid driver’s license
Proof of car/auto insurance
Your loan preapproval or complete payment method
Title or lien release if you’re trading in a car
Other necessary documents that might be required
Call ahead: Schedule your visit. Confirm that the vehicle you want is in stock and ready for a test drive.
Get pre-approved for financing: Don’t wait until you're at the dealership. Use an online lender or your credit union to secure funding ahead of time. That way, you skip loan comparisons on-site.
If paying with cash: Don’t assume it’ll be faster. Cash buyers still need to complete all the paperwork. Some dealerships may also verify payment before finalizing the deal.
Know your budget and model: Walking in with a clear idea of the car you want and what you’re willing to spend prevents you from wandering the lot or listening to upsell pitches.
Buying a Car Online: Faster, But With Conditions
Online car buying can be quick, and it often is. Although it speeds up the shopping process, several factors remain to consider.
Delivery takes longer: Even if the paperwork is done, you won’t get the car immediately. Depending on your location, delivery usually takes a few days to weeks.
Selection and financing are fast: You can browse vehicles, apply for a loan, and sign most paperwork in under an hour. That’s a huge time-saver compared to sitting at a car dealership.
You still need your documents ready: Although online platforms may offer e-signatures and digital forms, they still ask for your license, proof of auto insurance, and payment method. If anything’s missing, the process stops.
What If You’re Shipping Your Vehicle?
Shipping adds extra time if you're buying a car from out of state or even across the country, but choosing the correct shipping option can make a big difference.
Here’s what to expect:
Door-to-door shipping saves time: You don’t have to drop off or pick up your car at a terminal. The driver will pick it up from the seller and bring it to you.
Expedited shipping speeds things up: If you require expedited delivery for your vehicle, certain services can complete deliveries earlier than the regular schedule, depending on the chosen route and carrier availability.
Long-distance or interstate purchases benefit the most: If you’re buying from another state, reliable transport ensures your car arrives safely without adding stress to your schedule.
Preparing for the Car Buying Process to Save Time
A well-prepared car buying process can significantly reduce the car purchase timeline. Before visiting a dealership or browsing online, research your desired car model, compare prices, and check reviews on platforms like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book. Gather essential documents, such as your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and income verification, to avoid delays. Knowing your budget and preferred features helps you bypass unnecessary upsells, making it easier to speed up car buying. Preparation can cut hours off the process, ensuring you drive away faster.
Understanding Car Financing Tips to Streamline Your Purchase
Navigating car financing tips is key to a quicker car purchase timeline. Getting pre-approved for a loan from a bank or credit union before visiting a dealership can shave hours off the process by eliminating on-site loan negotiations. Compare interest rates and terms online to secure the best deal. For example, a pre-approved loan lets you focus on the car’s price rather than financing debates. This approach not only speeds up the car buying process but also gives you leverage to negotiate better terms, saving both time and money.
Benefits of Buying a Car Online for Faster Transactions
Choosing to buy a car online can drastically reduce the car purchase timeline. Platforms like Carvana or Vroom allow you to browse inventory, apply for financing, and complete paperwork in under an hour. Digital signatures and virtual document uploads streamline the car buying process, eliminating the need for lengthy dealership visits. However, factor in delivery times, which can range from a few days to a week. By ensuring all documents are ready, you can speed up car buying and have your vehicle delivered to your door with minimal hassle.
How Trade-Ins Impact the Car Purchase Timeline
Trading in your old vehicle can extend the car buying process if not handled efficiently. Dealerships need time to assess your car’s condition, verify its title, and determine its market value, which can add 30–60 minutes to your visit. To speed up car buying, get a trade-in estimate from tools like Kelley Blue Book beforehand and ensure your title is clear. This preparation minimizes delays and boosts your negotiation power. A smooth trade-in process supports a faster car purchase timeline and maximizes your trade-in value.
Avoiding Common Dealership Delays for a Quicker Purchase
Dealership delays can frustrate buyers and prolong the car buying process. Common issues include slow loan approvals, upselling add-ons like warranties, or missing inventory. To speed up car buying, call ahead to confirm the car’s availability and schedule a test drive. Decline unnecessary add-ons politely but firmly to avoid extra paperwork. Bringing all required documents, like proof of insurance and pre-approval letters, ensures a smoother transaction. These car financing tips help you navigate the dealership efficiently, reducing the car purchase timeline significantly.
The Role of Car Shipping in Out-of-State Purchases
For out-of-state purchases, car shipping impacts the car purchase timeline but can save time compared to driving long distances. Services like AmeriFreight offer door-to-door delivery, typically taking 3–10 days depending on distance. Expedited shipping can further speed up car buying by prioritizing your vehicle’s transport. Ensure the seller provides all necessary paperwork, such as the title and bill of sale, to avoid delays. By choosing reliable car shipping, you streamline the car buying process, getting your vehicle home safely without adding stress.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Save Time, Get Home Faster
Buying a car can take anywhere from a quick hour to several weeks, depending on how prepared you are, where you’re buying from, and whether you’re getting a car loan or paying with cash. Planning, gathering your documents, and knowing what you want can speed up the process and reduce headaches.
Need to Ship Your Car?
AmeriFreight Car Shipping is a reliable partner for delivering cars safely and on time. We have more than two decades of experience in the auto transport industry. We offer a range of vehicle transportation options to fit your timeline and your budget.
Get your free quote now, and let us be your partner in the car buying process.
