Understanding Dealership Inventory: In-Transit vs. On-Lot

When browsing dealership websites, you'll often encounter various inventory statuses. Understanding what these mean can give you an edge in your car buying journey.

On-Lot (Available Now)

These vehicles are physically present at the dealership and ready for a test drive. They are the most straightforward to purchase, but they also incur holding costs for the dealer. If an "On-Lot" vehicle has been there for a long time, the dealer may be highly motivated to negotiate.

In-Transit

An "In-Transit" vehicle has been built by the manufacturer and is currently being shipped to the dealership. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

• **Why it matters:** You can often reserve or put a deposit on an in-transit vehicle before it arrives. This is a great way to secure a specific trim or color without having to compromise on what's currently available on the lot.

Built (Awaiting Shipment)

The vehicle has rolled off the assembly line but hasn't yet been loaded onto a train or truck for delivery. The wait time here is longer than "In-Transit" and can be unpredictable due to logistics delays.

Dealer Ordered

The dealership has placed an order for this vehicle, but it hasn't been built yet. These listings are often used to gauge customer interest or to pre-sell high-demand models.

How Motorscrape Helps

Motorscrape allows you to filter your search by inventory scope. You can choose to see "All" inventory, or restrict your search to "On-Lot Only" if you need a car immediately. If you're planning ahead, including "In-Transit" vehicles gives you the widest selection of options.