How long will I wait for a new car?

It’s the burning question on the lips of many Australian car buyers at the moment: When will I get my new car?

You’ll no doubt have heard about the extensive wait times for new cars in Australia, caused by the global semi-conductor shortage that stems from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and has been exacerbated by other world events such as the war in Ukraine.

But it’s not just new-car buyers who are affected.

A knock-on effect has been felt by car buyers across the nation, with soaring – and sometimes downright outrageous – prices now being asked for used cars.

It’s happening across the board, no matter whether you’re buying a Ford or a Ferrari, and even if you’re one of the lucky ones to secure a new car with relative ease, some of the models to land Down Under in the foreseeable will be significantly ‘de-specced’ – another issue caused by the chip crisis.

carsales reached out to mainstream brands to get the latest on stock levels for Australia, giving you a broad idea of the approximate wait times for popular models, keeping in mind there can be significant differences when it comes to vehicle specification.

Here’s what they had to say…

Audi

Audi Australia says it has been free from significant delays and has “sufficient stock to meet its planned volumes within a reasonable timeframe”.

Expanding on that, stock for its regular models is all but readily available – including the Audi A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8.

However, delivery could take longer than the German brand’s usual timeline of between four and six months, depending on model and specification.

Meanwhile, more exclusive models such as the Audi e-tron electric car and sporty S and RS models are said to take up to eight months or longer, in some cases.

Audi is forecasting a similar story over the coming months. However, unlike other prestige manufacturers, it hasn’t opted (or been forced) to de-spec cars in order to speed up deliveries.

Audi Australia told carsales: “We have not removed standard equipment. However, to improve the lead time from production to delivery, we have given our customers the option to remove some standard equipment items [when they are temporarily unavailable due to the semi-conductor issue], which incurs a price reduction.”

BMW

BMW Australia was reluctant to share information on its current stock situation, telling carsales it is continuing to work with its dealer partners to introduce the latest products to customers and that it’s “on track to launch all products in line with previously announced timing”.

Ford

As we’ve recently reported, the arrival of the new-generation 2022 Ford Ranger ute and Ford Everest SUV is imminent, with first examples expected to land in showrooms from July 11.

But just how long the 19,000-plus people that’ve placed an order for the new-gen Ranger, Ranger Raptor or Everest will have to wait will come down to which variant and option boxes they’ve ticked.

As a guide, Ford Australia told carsales there is currently a nine-month delivery waiting time for new orders placed on the flagship 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor, along with an eight-month wait for Ranger Wildtrak V6 and around seven months for the top-spec Everest Platinum.

Buyers who ordered the Wildtrak with Premium Pack face the longest wait, and our latest intel suggests that if your name is not already down for a new Ranger Sport, Wildtrak or Raptor, or an Everest Platinum, the next dealer allocations won’t be known until February 2023 and you could wait until around June-September 2023 for delivery.

Mainstream variants for both Ranger and Everest fortunately won’t take as long, with customer deliveries set to begin from July 2022.

As for the outgoing Ranger, Ford Australia says supply is drying up fast now that production is officially over, and only a limited number of vehicles remain.

Elsewhere, the Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST hot hatches are also experiencing delays. Ford says new orders for the smaller Fiesta ST are likely to arrive before the year’s end, however “specifications may be subject to change”.

Meanwhile, the Ford Focus ST has “experienced significant manufacturing challenges impacting existing and new customer orders for MY22 models”. Ford Australia says it will reveal more information soon.

Fresh supply of the Ford Puma small SUV should see new orders fulfilled by the final quarter of this year, which is the same timeframe given for the larger Escape SUV, both of which are returning to a “normal” stock situation but are each subject to changes in price and specification.

Ford Escape PHEV buyers will need to wait a little longer, however, with new orders set to be fulfilled in the first quarter of 2023.

Same goes for new Ford Mustang orders, with the Blue Oval brand telling carsales there is “strong demand” and that “new orders are likely to arrive by approximately Q1 2023 depending on the model, and specifications may be subject to change”.

The Transit and Transit Custom van range are even more difficult to hop into at the moment, where Ford says its production facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, continues to be heavily impacted by production constraints that will likely continue into 2023.

As a guide, new orders for the Transit range are tipped to arrive by Q1 2023; again, depending on model. Pricing and/or specifications are also subject to change.

Ford Australia says continued strong demand combined with ongoing constraints relating to COVID-19 mean availability varies across its range. The company recommends that “customers check with their local Ford dealer to see what vehicles are available”.

Ford Australia told carsales it is working hard to rectify supply issues: “We apologise to any customers who are facing longer than anticipated wait times for their new vehicles. We are working hard to get as many vehicles to Australia as possible and reiterate that as the supply situation continues to evolve, we encourage customers to reach out to their local dealer, who is best placed to advise on local availability and wait times.

“Together with our dealer network, we will continue to share regular status updates with customers, and notify them personally when their vehicle is built, in-transit and ready for delivery.”

Honda

Over at Honda, the Japanese car-maker says the overall state of its stock levels is tight, however there is “reasonably good supply of CR-V and Civic”.

The news isn’t as good for those after a new Honda HR-V small SUV, particularly the hybrid-powered HR-V e:HEV L.

As we’ve previously reported, Honda Australia has confirmed delivery times for HR-V hybrid cars are currently more than six months. Petrol-powered HR-V models, on the other hand, are said to be in good supply.

The Honda Accord Hybrid sedan will be even harder to get into, with current wait times of around 10 months.

Honda says it is continuing to monitor the supply situation and forecasts “ongoing stock restraints through the course of 2022”. But it is yet to adjust or delete core variants from its model line-up, and reportedly has no intention to do so.

Honda Australia told carsales: “With our new centralised stock management system, every Honda Centre has access to that stock, where on average it would take three-to-four weeks to deliver a new customer’s order. HR-V hybrid and Accord hybrid have considerable wait times at present of approximately six months and 10 months respectively. We are continuously seeking to shorten these wait times and secure additional hybrid production wherever possible”.

Hyundai

According to Hyundai Australia, there is “good, continuous supply” of models arriving in Australia, however increased customer demand means there is a large backlog of orders and the minimum wait time for almost every Hyundai model is currently three months.

That said, Hyundai told carsales: “We continually have around 20,000 vehicles that are deliverable within a two-month window.” Those include diesel-powered Hyundai Tucson SUVs, and the Hyundai Staria and Staria Load, according to our sources.

But the news is worse for those after performance models including the Hyundai i20 N and i30 N hot hatches, both of which buyers will need to wait more than 12 months to secure, in some cases. For reference, the Korean brand currently holds approximately 750 orders for the i20 N and 850 for the i30 N, according to our sources.

Others affected by long wait times include the Hyundai Kona Electric SUV (around eight months), Kona N (around seven months), Tucson petrol (over six months) and Sonata N Line (over six months).

Delivery for the regular i30, the i30 N sedan and Venue SUV will take more than three months, while petrol-powered Kona, Santa Fe and Palisade models push out to four months and the regular i30 sedan wait time is out to about five months.

According to the South Korean car-maker, no particular model or variant is currently affected by the chip shortage, and therefore not being produced at the factory, with the supply of some models simply better than others in particular months.

Hyundai said: “We have approximately 3000 new Tucson SUVs available for buyers either right now, or due to arrive in dealerships within the next month.” The majority of these are diesel Elite and diesel Highlander grades.

“Our logistics team is actively prioritising vehicle allocation to existing customer orders, ensuring we limit customer wait times as much as possible,” the company added.

Isuzu

Isuzu Ute Australia has revealed to carsales that it, too, is experiencing uncertainty around current wait times for its two-model line-up, which consists of the popular Isuzu D-MAX ute and Isuzu MU-X SUV.

The Japanese car-maker says delivery times vary according to vehicle specification, colour and accessories, while there “continues to be ongoing supply delays, especially on certain higher-grade models”.

Meanwhile, IUA says some models are available and in stock currently, so it’s best to contact your local dealer for stock-related queries.

And while it hasn’t removed tech or safety equipment from any vehicles in order to get stock here sooner, Isuzu has discontinued certain variants of its D-MAX ute in 2022, including the SX Space Cab Ute 4x2 auto and the SX Crew Cab Ute 4x4 manual.

Kia

Kia Australia says its stock levels are currently 20 per cent below normal levels, with a prediction that stock levels will return to form by Q1 2023.

Additional stock has arrived over the past few months, improving supply of the Kia Sorento, Carnival and Sportage, however all stock was used to immediately fulfil backorders.

Generally speaking, high-spec trims have a longer waiting time than others, and, at this point in time, “Carnival petrol variants will have a longer wait time than diesel”.

Kia says supplies of its Seltos compact SUV are also tight, with production of the current model set to end soon in preparation for the upgraded model due in Q4 2022.

“The global production situation is continuously changing so it is difficult to estimate wait times,” a spokesperson for Kia Australia told carsales.

“Kia Australia is in regular dialogue with head office to secure more supply.”

Lexus

Over at Lexus, wait times vary depending on model, variant and specification requirements, however extended delays currently affect the Lexus LX, LC and NX (Hybrid and PHEV).

The Japanese car-maker hasn’t specified how long delays for those models currently are, saying it’s working closely with the global production team to reduce wait times. The company recommends customers contact their Lexus dealer for updates on delivery times for individual orders.

Lexus Australia told carsales: “Our parent company continues to make every effort to normalise its production plans, including strengthening the supply chain and prioritising production of models with high demand.

“In Australia, we’re working closely with our global production team to secure the maximum number of vehicles of our market and provide our customers with their vehicles as soon as possible.”

Mazda

Mazda Australia had even less to say about its stock levels, reporting “good stock on key model lines” but encouraging customers to speak directly with their dealer to confirm availability. 

It says while restrictions to the global supply chain continue to affect delivery times across the automotive industry, Mazda is working closely with dealer partners to deliver customer orders as soon as possible.

Mazda told carsales it is focused on delivering customer orders and meeting demand for top-selling models, with a view to further improving stock availability in the second half of this year.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Australia told carsales stock supply is steady, although levels are low in certain areas of the portfolio as demand continues to exceed supply.

According to the company, stock of its compact range is “challenging”, with low stock of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class, GLA, GLB and EQA.

Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, E-Class and some GLE and GLS variants are also in low supply, although the market-leading premium brand says the topic is “dynamic” as new vehicles are still arriving.

The German brand’s local arm says it doesn’t expect any significant changes to the supply situation in the near future.

It has also discontinued the plug-in hybrid A 250e sedan Down Under, however the A 250e hatchback is still available.

As we’ve previously reported, Mercedes-Benz has de-specced some vehicles of equipment levels in a bid to get more cars to Australia.

“Some vehicles may have features omitted from their standard specification or limited optional equipment due to the semi-conductor shortage,” the company said.

“As this is order-specific based on production timing, customers can discuss with a representative from Mercedes-Benz Australia via 1300 762 718.”

MG

MG says it has “fought really hard” to secure a large proportion of automotive allocation for our region, in an ongoing effort to keep Australians moving.

The Chinese car-maker says it regularly reviews the line-up and ongoing demand for each model, and “will aim to increase output at the Shanghai plant post lockdowns in an ongoing effort to meet increasing customer demand”.

As we recently reported, that includes an injection of around 7000 vehicles to help soften the blow for MG buyers who are now facing wait times for the first time.

Until now, MG was adamant it had “good supply for immediate delivery”. However, it’s now saying certain (unspecified) models are in short supply, although wait times shouldn’t be any longer than two months.

MG Motor Australia told carsales: “Due to global supply chain issues, some of our vehicle arrival dates may be delayed later than originally estimated at the time of order. MG Motor Australia is currently working hard with our parent company to reduce this delay to an absolute minimum.”

MINI

MINI Australia had little to comment about local supply constraints, telling carsales: “The semi-conductor supply bottleneck has impacted the availability of individual vehicle equipment options for certain MINI models.

“This issue has been compounded by the Russia/Ukraine crisis, which is restricting the supply of wiring harnesses produced in factories in Ukraine.”

MINI says it expects the situation to improve by early 2023, if not sooner.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Australia has revealed several supply delays for some models, including its top-selling Mitsubishi ASX small SUV, however wait times are significantly shorter than other leading brands.

The Japanese manufacturer says there is “minimal unsold stock” of the ASX and Eclipse Cross SUVs, with more examples expected to touch down in July. The larger Outlander Aspire SUV is also experiencing delays, however that should now be easing.  

Stock levels for both the Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero Sport are good, with both said to available for immediate delivery.

As we’ve reported, Mitsubishi has discontinued its Express van locally, with existing long-wheelbase supply soon to be exhausted. Production of the short-wheelbase Express ended in May 2022.

Mitsubishi said the decision to axe the Express van came after “assessing current global business and supply conditions”.

Other models to cease production in May include several ASX grades – ES-L, ES Plus, MR Plus and XLS Plus – along with two Eclipse Cross variants: XLS and XLS Plus. Mitsubishi says all these variants were introduced at the height of COVID restrictions to ensure ongoing supply of vehicles while certain components were unavailable.

“This restriction has eased and we will now focus on the regular ASX and Eclipse Cross variants,” the company said.

As a whole, Mitsubishi Australia says it anticipates a normalised stock flow to return progressively into 2023.

Nissan

Nissan Australia says its stock situation changes daily and continues to fluctuate.

“As with the rest of the automotive industry, our stock levels are currently lower than we would normally plan for,” the company told carsales.

“Our team is working tirelessly with the global supply team to continue to secure greater production across the board which we have achieved with a number of models for the coming months including Patrol and Navara.”

Peugeot and Citroen

Both Peugeot and Citroen brands currently have sufficient stock levels Down Under, across passenger car, SUV and light commercial vehicle ranges, despite reported wait times of up to four months for some models and, more recently, equipment omissions being made to get cars here sooner.

Production of the Peugeot 308 hatch is being “ramped up gradually”, where it will now launch slightly later than expected Down Under, in the second half of 2022, as we’ve previously reported.

Both the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs will be de-specced, with the car-maker deleting wireless smartphone charging from June 2022 and electric tailgates from August 2022.

It follows the removal of a 10-speaker Focal sound system in top-spec 3008 and 5008 models.

The French manufacturer has not offered a timeframe for when (and if) the features will return as standard, or be made optional. 

Elsewhere, Peugeot has discontinued the GT petrol offering in its local 5008 SUV range, where the line-up now consists of the 5008 GT Sport and 5008 GT diesel.

In a minor equipment tweak, the MY22 Peugeot 5008 GT Diesel now features 18-inch Detroit Storm Grey alloy wheels, instead of the original 19-inch San Francisco alloys offered.

Peugeot Citroen Australia told carsales: “Despite daily effort to deliver our customers the best possible experience, there may be times where we are faced with potentially longer delivery times for some orders. Wait times may vary depending on a customer’s specific order.”

The company advises customers to discuss their specific order directly with their respective dealership.

Porsche

Porsche says many of its cars are in short supply, leading to wait times that are much longer than usual.

The German sports car-maker urges customers to speak with their local Porsche dealer for stock queries, including specific wait times, as it differs with each model, grade and specification as the global supply environment is “constantly changing”.

Generally speaking, Porsche says “overall wait times for two door sports cars are longer than four-door”.

As for changes to the range, the electric steering column adjustment found in certain grades of every model has been removed due to the global semi-conductor shortage.

Porsche Australia told carsales: “We thank our new and existing customers for their continued interest, patience and loyalty, and we encourage them to please consult their preferred official Porsche Centre for specifics on model availability and estimated order wait times.

“Even pre-pandemic, the majority of Porsche owners specified their own ‘build to order’ cars, rather than buying from ‘floor stock’. Given wait times, more owners than ever are now spending time with their Porsche Centre staff exploring features and specifications in our Online Car Configurator, including programs such as Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, and Paint to Sample/Paint to Sample Plus.”

Subaru

At Subaru, the issue of new car stock levels is “constantly evolving”, and, as with other brands, it encourages customers to speak with their local dealership to discuss readily available stock and delivery timeframes for specific orders.

As we’ve reported, the MY22 Subaru Forester is sold out, with interested customers encouraged to register their interest for the incoming MY23 Forester, deliveries of which are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, both the Subaru XV and Outback are seeing wait times of between three to four months.

Supplies of the all-new Subaru WRX should now be flowing, while MY23 Subaru BRZ deliveries will commence from Q3 2022.

In model line shake-ups, the MY22 Impreza and XV line-ups have been updated to include Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist safety suite across every variant, as part of the Japanese brand’s ‘Towards Zero’ commitment of zero fatal accidents in a Subaru vehicle by 2030.

Toyota

At another Japanese stable, Toyota Australia says demand for new vehicles is at unprecedented levels, with varying wait times across individual orders.

Demand for hybrid vehicles continues to grow locally, according to the company, which in turn is lengthening waiting periods for key models such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Camry Hybrid.

There’s still long waiting times required for new orders of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and LandCruiser 300 Series.

Toyota says its dealers are best placed to provide updates to customers on delivery timeframes for individual orders.

Toyota Australia told carsales: “We are doing everything we can to get customers into their new Toyota vehicles as soon as possible. We are continuing to work closely with our global production team to secure the maximum possible number of vehicles for our customers during ongoing global supply challenges.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation regarding parts supply and are making every effort to normalise production plans to, where possible, avoid sudden production interruptions.”

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) is reporting mostly positive news for its passenger vehicle and SUV range, with the ongoing exception of its Volkswagen Golf small car and some safety/tech supply issues for certain models.

Both the entry-level Golf 110TSI and sportier GTI variants are in low supply, with no forecast on when supply restraints will ease.

VGA says stock of the Volkswagen Tiguan mid-size SUV (except Tiguan Allspace) is looking good, particularly for the top-spec 162TSI R-Line, with enough stock to see orders filled into 2023.

According to our sources, there’s good availability of the following models: Volkswagen T-Cross, T-Roc, Touareg and entry-level Polo.

Meanwhile, buyers in a rush for their news car could miss out on driver assistance aids including blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

That’s because VW will remove the two features from the following MY23-built vehicles for around six months: Polo Style, T-Cross Style, T-Roc Style and R-Line, Tiguan (except R), Tiguan Allspace, Passat and Arteon.

Models unaffected by this include the Golf, Touareg, R performance models and the German brand’s commercial range.

Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert will return in vehicles manufactured from December, which won’t flow into Aussie showrooms until early 2023.

In the meantime, buyers not willing to wait can have their deposit refunded or accept a credit for the missing tech ($550-$1300).

At the same time, aforementioned affected models will also miss out on Proactive Occupant Protection – a system that prepares vehicle occupants for an imminent accident by tightening the seat belts and closing the windows/sunroof – until around March 2023.

Some models will also have the previously standard electric tailgate moved to an option, including certain Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace variants.

According to our sources, Volkswagen Australia currently has around 4000 updated Tiguan Allspace models with the missing gear available for buyers.

As we’ve reported, VGA recently secured extra supply of the Volkswagen Touareg large SUV, with another 1000 units on the way Down Under.

Separately, the previously standard Harman Kardon audio system in the new Volkswagen Golf R and Tiguan R is now optional.