Why in stock car leasing is the road to a quicker delivery

In stock car lease deals could be your shortcut to a quicker delivery.

Choosing your new car is one of the most important decisions you could be making this year.

You probably think about the usual considerations: whether to lease a car, or buy one, what your budget is, what body of car you like most…

Hatchback?

Saloon?

Coupe?

You can do it all with the right car lease. But there’s one more factor you need to think about when you compare car lease deals.

And that’s your delivery timeline.

Because your beloved family hatchback, the one you took the kids home from the hospital in?

It’s just wheezed its last exhaust fume.

And you’re heartbroken.

But the daily commute, the school run, the three-hour long slog on the motorway to visit your sick mum – these obligations didn’t die with your car.

You can’t afford to wait weeks (or even months) for your next one. You need a replacement, fast.

And this is where choosing an in stock car leasing deal will really butter your bread for a super-fast delivery.

No long build times, no shipping delays – just hassle-free ordering that gets your new car from the dealer compound to your driveway as soon as the ink is dry on the contract.

When you urgently need to get back in the driver’s seat, an in stock car lease makes it so easy.

But what is it, how does it work, and what are the drawbacks?

We’re breaking down everything you need to know to put the ‘ease’ into your next lease.

What is in stock car leasing? 

In the world of leasing, it’s all about available stock.

Our dealer partners provide the car, our funder partners purchase it, and we pair the two together to bring the best car lease deals to your doorstep.

Whether it’s a factory order, part of a batch deal, or an in stock order, we’ve got so many options to get the right car to your driveway.

And at the right price.

But knowing what these terms mean is key to choosing the right deal and achieving your ideal delivery timeline.

Because while we have some incredible deals in our top offers page, not all of them will work on your timeline.

So, what is an in stock car lease and how can it help you with a quicker delivery?

It’s simple.

If a car is in stock, it means it’s already been built at the factory, shipped (when said factory is abroad) and arrived in the UK.

The car is physically ‘in stock’ with one of our dealer partners – and waiting for your order.

Because production has already happened, there’s a whole lot less waiting around.

All that needs to happen is finance approval, contract signature and an agreed delivery date – and then the car is yours.

Depending on how quickly you get approved, complete the paperwork, and considering the availability of the delivery company, your new car could be with you in one to two weeks.

(And though it’s not a standard offer, we have in the past achieved next-day delivery for some in stock batch deals).

But a factory order is a totally different animal. The car you’ll eventually have delivered hasn’t been built when you order it.

So, you have to wait for it to be assigned a build week, go through production, be shipped to the UK and arrive at the dealer – often before you even get to sign the contract.

Basically, an in stock car is physical stock, and the other is a bespoke order.

And depending on which option you go for, it can really make a difference when it comes to delivery timelines.

Why should I choose an in stock car lease? 

If your main priority is speed and convenience, we’re not exaggerating when we say in stock car leasing is your holy grail. It’s quick, simple and easy: just like ordering a new phone.

But the quick turnaround on delivery isn’t the only reason to go for it.

Sometimes an in stock car will be registered before it’s been ‘sold’ to a customer. This is called a pre-registered vehicle.

Dealers often do this to secure a cheaper rate on finance, usually before plate changes in March and September.

This means you could be hopping in on a really good car lease deal, that wouldn’t otherwise be available anymore.

An in stock, pre-registered vehicle can lock down the rental at a lower rate.

And sometimes, it means getting ahead of policy changes by the government too.

Like the changes to road tax in 2025, which made EVs liable to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for the first time if they were registered after 1st April 2025.

Any in stock electric cars that were registered before 1st April 2025 avoided this change, making any pre-reg stock literal gold dust for anyone looking to lease an EV after the date.

It’s literally cheaper, quicker leasing.  And in a time when we’re all feeling the pinch, what could be better?

How to choose the best in stock car lease deal

Whether you’re after a Polestar 3, a Jaecoo 7, or an MG4, there are plenty of in stock offers to choose from.

The trick is finding them.

Our in stock car leasing page lists all our current in stock offers in one easy-to-find place. Just scroll through the offers to find a car (or two) that takes your fancy and start comparing the details.

You’ll want to think about things like:

• Your budget
• Your lease term
• Your mileage
• Other practical considerations, like your lifestyle

Compact city cars, family-friendly hatchbacks and SUVs with big boots all work for different needs.

You should also think about cars you’ve driven before. What did you like? What was expensive to run?

What would you die to drive again - and on more affordable terms? Buying a classic Ford Capri, for example, may be out of your price range, but leasing a brand-new Ford Capri is a nice (and greener!) alternative.

Compare, contrast, consider...and when you’re ready, send your finance application our way.

Once it’s approved and you’ve paid our admin fee, all you need to do is sign your finance documents and book a delivery date that works for you.

Your new car could be with you within a week or two; talk about hassle-free leasing.

The drawbacks of in stock car leasing

There’re two sides to every coin and in stock car leasing is no different.

While there are numerous tasty benefits, there are drawbacks too. Namely, more limited options for customers.

Because in stock cars are pre-built, there is a real lack of customisability. You can’t tack on additional packs to elevate your driving experience, and depending on how much stock is left, you could be really limited in terms of available spec and colour.

It’s the perfect choice if you need a quick turnaround, but aren’t too fussed about the specifics of the car itself.

If you’ve got your heart set on specific spec and a more expensive paint colour, in stock leasing means you may have to compromise on your vision in return for the quicker delivery time.

And if your order is pre-registered stock, then you need to be wary of manufacturer warranty running out before your lease is up. This is because the warranty starts when the car is registered. 

If the car has been sitting in a compound for a few weeks or months before it’s assigned to your order, this is something you’ll need to consider. 

If you don’t want to assume the risk, you may have to think about taking out an extended warranty to cover the last bit of your lease. 

And don't forget, new cars don't need an MOT for the first three years of life. If your car is pre-registered and you have a three year lease (or longer), you'll also need to plan for the first MOT. 

Which you wouldn't otherwise have to do. 

When should I consider a factory order? 

In stock orders are quicker to deliver because the car already exists. It’s just a matter of sorting out the paperwork and getting the car to your door.

Literally easy, peasy, leasy – just how we like it.

Factory orders take longer because the car hasn’t been built when you order it. And while this does mean a longer wait for delivery day, there are some positives that make it a road worth travelling down.

Where in stock cars are not customisable, you can choose any option you like with a factory order.

You can pick the exact spec you want, and the factory will build it specifically for you. 

That means adding in any available packs you want, choosing your preferred paint colour, and getting to pick and choose your trim level.

It’s a longer wait, but if you like having plenty of options, it’s a road with greater reward.

But, as we found out first-hand in 2022, those longer waiting times can turn endless when things go wrong. Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine both had big impacts on factory production a few years ago, delaying factory orders for months on end.

Some dealers even cancelled existing factory orders, as they had no hope the cars would ever be built.

It was a dark time, and hopefully these extenuating circumstances won’t be repeated (setting aside the parts shortage completely, it goes without saying that we wouldn’t wish the pandemic, or the on-going war in Ukraine, on anyone.

All the same, if we never heard the words ‘semiconductor shortage’ again, it’ll be too soon.)

And if you are faced with a long delay, there’s no guarantee the rate on your order will be secured unless your contract has been signed.

Some finance companies won’t send the paperwork until the car arrives onsite, because the contract must include the registration and chassis numbers.

If you do decide to go for a factory order over in stock car leasing deals, it’s worth checking with us how this will work.

Your Leasing Consultant will walk you through everything from the order process to the delivery timeline – and you’ll be kept updated once you’ve placed your order.

Placing your order

So, now you know the difference between in stock and factory order leasing, you’re all set to start your search and find the best lease deal for you.

And on your timeline.

What are you waiting for?

Frequently asked questions

Is there a difference between in stock and factory order car leasing?

Yes, one is physical stock ready for your order and the other is a bespoke order that is built just for you.

What kind of order should I choose for a quicker delivery?

In stock car leasing has a shorter lead time, as the car is available and in stock at the supplying dealership. It’s just a matter of making payments and signing the contract before booking a delivery date that suits you.

How does warranty work on an in stock car lease?

Depending on the term of your lease and if your in stock car has been ‘pre-registered’, the manufacturer’s warranty may end before your lease.

You can ask your Leasing Consultant to clarify this for you when you place your order, and they will confirm if you need to think about an extended warranty to cover the end of your lease.

Extended warranties are optional add-ons to give you peace of mind, just like GAP Insurance. You are not obligated to purchase one if your manufacturer warranty runs out before your car goes back to the funder.