Disclaimers

Date Published: February 17, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 4 minute read Verified by Jill Tresch at Redwater Dodge

The Great Debate: Should You Factory Order or Buy Off the Lot?

Buying a new vehicle, especially a powerhouse like a RAM 1500 or a Jeep Wrangler, is a significant milestone. But it often leads to a fork in the road: Do you drive home today with a truck from the lot, or do you wait for a custom factory order?

At our dealership, we believe in giving you the straight goods. Jill is here at Redwater Dodge with everything you need to know to decide which path fits your lifestyle.


The Reality of Modern Options and Packages

Many customers believe that to get the "perfect" truck, they have to hand-pick every bolt from the factory. While customization is great, Stellantis has mastered the art of the Option Package.

Most of the features you’re looking for—like the Level 2 Equipment Group, Night Edition styling, or specific towing tech—are bundled into popular packages. Because of this, nine times out of ten, we already have a truck on our lot that matches 100% of your "must-haves." Even if we don’t have it sitting right in front of the showroom, our network allows us to source your specific build within 24 hours. In the automotive world, that’s "no biggie."


The Prestige of the Factory Order

There is one perk to factory ordering that you simply can't get off the lot: Your name on the window sticker. When that truck rolls off the line in Michigan or Mexico, it’s already yours. Seeing your name printed on the official Monroney sticker is a badge of honor for many enthusiasts. It signifies that this vehicle wasn't just "found", it was created for you. While Jill notes that "most people won't care," for the true truck aficionado, it’s the ultimate finishing touch to a premium purchase.


The "Waiting Game" Advantage

Let’s be real: a factory order takes time, sometimes even a couple of months. In an age of instant gratification, waiting can feel like a drawback. However, there is a psychological "win" here. There is a unique sense of excitement in tracking your build, receiving updates from the plant, and knowing that the very first person to put meaningful miles on that odometer will be you. It’s the difference between buying a suit off the rack and having one tailored.

The Bottom Line: Incentives and Pricing

A common misconception is that factory ordering costs more or that you miss out on "lot-only" deals. That is a myth.

Whether you choose a vehicle from our current inventory or wait for a factory build, you are eligible for all the same manufacturer incentives, rebates, and financing rates available at the time of delivery. You don't have to sacrifice your budget to get exactly what you want.

The Verdict?

Buy off the lot if: You need a truck today, you prefer seeing the physical color in the sunlight, and you want to take advantage of our massive 24-hour sourcing network.

Factory order if: You have a very specific "unicorn" build in mind, you aren't in a rush, and you want the bragging rights of having your name on the factory paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. Does a factory order require a larger deposit?

A1. Generally, no. While a commitment deposit is standard to ensure the build is serious, it is typically applied directly to your down payment upon arrival.


Q2. Can I lock in current incentives if I factory order?

A2. Incentives are usually applied at the time of delivery. However, Stellantis occasionally offers "Price Protection" programs. Contact our finance team at 780-942-3629 to see what the current protection status is.


Q3. What happens if my trade-in value changes while I wait for my order?

A3. We provide a transparent trade-in appraisal at the time of your order. While market conditions can fluctuate slightly, we work with you to ensure your trade value remains fair and reflective of the mileage added during the wait.


Q4. Can I change my mind after the order is placed?

A4. Once a vehicle enters the "D1" status (sequenced for production), changes to the build are usually locked in. We recommend double-checking your spec sheet with Jill or our sales team before we hit "submit."

Jill Tresch -- Sales at Redwater Dodge