how long is the wait for a new car

In Australia, the wait for a new car ranges from “drive away today” if it’s in dealer stock to a few months for bread‑and‑butter models, and longer for the popular stuff.

Hybrids and in‑demand SUVs can still mean 3–12 months, while niche or built‑to‑order toys may stretch towards 12–24 months if you’re picky about colour and options.

To shrink the wait, ask about in‑transit allocations, be flexible on trim, and widen your search radius.

Ex‑demos and near‑new stock can have you driving next week—provided you’re not married to the exact shade of grey everyone else wants.

Get any ETA in writing and ask for a VIN once allocated; that’s when the clock really starts.