Updated Date: 10/22/2025

Many people assume that building your own car, SUV, or truck with the exact options they want will cost way too much money. The reality? When you build your own car through a special order may actually save you more than buying a vehicle sitting on a dealer’s lot. You avoid paying for unwanted features, get precisely what you need, and often secure better pricing. In fact, choosing to build your own car can sometimes cost you less than buying off the lot.

Don’t Pay For Options You Don’t Want

When you buy a vehicle already sitting on a dealer’s lot, it’s often packed with features that you may not want or need, and you will be paying for those features. Some special features can add as much as $5,000 to $10,000 to the price tag alone. When you build your own car instead, it will come with exactly what you want–nothing more, nothing less.

Tailor the Features to Your Needs

New vehicles come with a wide range of available features, including parking assistance, Bluetooth, navigation, xenon-gas headlights, adaptive cruise control, heated seats, and headlight washers. You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time in your car, especially if you commute daily. The best reason to build your own car is to get exactly the options you want. That is priceless.

Current Dealer Inventory is Low

Due to the current tariffs and supply chain issues (at the time of writing), dealers may have less inventory than normal, and many in-stock vehicles are selling above MSRP. You may pay a premium for a car available on a dealer’s lot. Many manufacturers offer a discount on special orders because it saves dealers the insurance, lot fees and other costs involved with vehicle inventory.

Some Options Are Only Available If You Build Your Own Car

Take the BMW Individual Collection as an example. It offers exclusive options that are only available through special order, including custom exterior colors and premium interior options like full merino leather, smooth alcantara, fine-grain woods, silk, and precious stones.

Ready to Build Your Own Car?

Remember that special ordering your vehicle will take time. You can expect a build your own car order to arrive within two to four months, though the final delivery time is subject to your specific make, model, trim, and package selections. Please connect with an advisor for an estimate based on your desired configuration. 

Thinking about building your own car? Cartelligent’s expert advisors will help you order the right car, SUV or truck to fit your lifestyle with exactly the options you want. Whether you’re exploring the best way to buy a car or considering a lease, we’ll guide you through the process, inform you of the lead time to expect, and help you secure a great deal.