I am trying to understand the dealership’s vehicle ordering process. On June 16th, I placed an order for a Kia Sportage hybrid SX Prestige, which was supposedly the first day dealerships could submit orders for this new hybrid model. Despite having paid a $1000 refundable deposit, I haven not received any updates from the dealership.
Could you explain the process once a dealer submits an order to Kia? I was informed that the dealer receives an acceptance confirmation from Kia, followed by a production confirmation, then a VIN number when the vehicle enters production, and finally a shipment date. Is this correct?
I recently contacted my dealership, and a salesman mentioned they haven’t received any updates on my order. However, another salesperson indicated they’ve received allocated hybrids that were sold at a premium. I am concerned that my ordered car might have arrived and been sold at a premium, with the dealership waiting for more allocations before informing me.
I believe I should receive a VIN number at the stage when the car is being built or shipped, so I can track its progress and be aware of its arrival.
Ordering a new car can feel mysterious. Here’s the usual flow: you place an order, the dealer sends it to Kia, Kia accepts and confirms production, then you get a VIN when it’s built, and finally a shipping date. It sounds like communication at your dealership might be off. With a deposit down, you should get updates. Those other salespeople getting hybrids are separate from yours, but it’s concerning they haven’t mentioned anything about yours. Definitely push for a status update – you deserve to know. Ideally, you’d get a VIN to track progress. If they’re not clear, consider reaching out to the sales manager.
Ordering a new car, especially a highly anticipated hybrid like the Sportage, can be a frustrating process.
While the steps you outlined are generally accurate, the reality is that things can vary between dealerships and based on model popularity.
It’s concerning that your dealership seems to have conflicting information. It’s possible they’ve received allocated hybrids and are prioritizing those sales, but it’s also possible there’s a miscommunication or delay in the ordering process.
To get some clarity, I recommend reaching out to Kia’s customer service directly. They can provide insights into the order status and help escalate the issue if needed.
Additionally, you might consider contacting other dealerships in your area to see if they have any information on availability.
You’re the customer, and you deserve transparency and timely updates. Don’t be afraid to be persistent in getting the answers you need.