I agree we should be able to order a bit earlier. Even before the present troubles, I only think my husband had a couple of his cars turn up within the 3 months, most where longer. The couple of times he had to give up the car for medical reasons resulted in him being carless for several months. In hindsight it may have been better to leave the car parked up for a few months, but at the time he did not know how long it would be before he was able to drive again.
My first (only) car took longer. Hopefully my new MINI should be here next month but that’s still over 6 months. I did look into the practicalities of buying/leasing privately, but for me it does not work out. Did a bit of maths (not math), and the lease works out about 260 a month after 5 years that is about 15000. This includes insurance, servicing, etc. that’s got to be a couple of grand (or more), plus another grand for GCB. That leaves about 12000 plus say 1000 AP/extras, back to say 13000. I know the AP are now a couple (or more) of grand higher. We’re looking at cars costing 28 to 32 grand still can’t find a better like for like deal out side the scheme. Second hand would be defeating the object of having a “reliable new car”.
Current lease: 2025 Omoda 5 Estate 1.6 TGDI [147] Noble 5dr 7DCT
Last lease: 2022 MINI Hatch 2.0 Cooper S Classic Premium 5DR Auto
First lease: 2018 SEAT Leon Sport Tourer 1.8 TSI FR Technology DSG