You can order a new Nissan directly from the factory with your choice of colors, features, and packages
Building a Nissan means configuring a vehicle to your specifications through Nissan's official ordering system, then having it manufactured and delivered to a dealership near you. This is different from buying a car already on a dealer's lot — you choose the exact trim level, exterior color, interior materials, technology packages, and optional features before production begins. The process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from order placement to delivery, depending on current factory capacity and shipping logistics.
Most buyers start this process at a Nissan dealership, where a sales representative helps you navigate the configurator tool on Nissan's website or uses their internal ordering system. You can also begin the configuration yourself online at Nissan.com, then bring your selections to a dealer to finalize the order and arrange financing or payment.
Key Takeaways
- Factory orders let you choose trim level, paint color, interior materials, and optional packages before the vehicle is built.
- Most orders take 8 to 12 weeks from placement to delivery at your local dealership.
- You will need to put down a deposit (amount varies by dealership) to lock in your order and configuration.
- Nissan's website configurator shows real-time pricing for each option you add, so you know the final cost before committing.
- Once your vehicle is built and shipped, the dealership will contact you to schedule pickup and complete paperwork.
Starting the configuration on Nissan's website
Go to Nissan.com and select "Build and Price" from the main menu. Choose the model you want — Altima, Rogue, Pathfinder, Frontier, or another current Nissan line. The tool will ask you to pick your starting trim level first, because each trim comes with a different base set of features and a different price.
Once you select a trim, the configurator shows you every option available for that model: exterior colors (including metallic and pearl finishes that cost more than solid colors), wheel designs, interior upholstery choices, and technology or convenience packages. As you click each option, the price updates in real time so you see the total cost climbing. You can save your configuration to your Nissan account or print it to bring to a dealership.
The configurator also shows you what features come standard with each trim and what you are adding as upgrades. This matters because some packages bundle several features together at a discount compared to buying them individually — for example, a "Technology Package" might include navigation, premium audio, and wireless phone charging as one purchase rather than three separate line items.
Taking your configuration to a Nissan dealership
Once you have built your vehicle online, visit or call a Nissan dealership in your area. Bring your configuration printout or the saved link to your account. A sales representative will review your selections, confirm they are available for the model year you want, and discuss any alternatives if certain colors or packages have longer wait times.
At this point, the dealership will ask for a deposit to place the factory order. Deposit amounts vary by dealership and by model — some charge $500, others $1,000 or more. This deposit is typically credited toward your purchase price when you take delivery, though you should confirm the dealership's specific policy in writing before handing over money.
The dealership will then submit your order to Nissan's factory system. You will receive an order confirmation number and a timeline estimate for when your vehicle should be built and shipped. The dealership will also give you a contact person who can answer questions about your order status as it moves through production.
What happens during the 8 to 12 week wait
After your order is placed, Nissan's factory schedules your vehicle into the production line. The exact timing depends on the model, the options you chose, and current factory demand. Some configurations (like a popular color and common trim level) may move faster than others (like a rare color or a trim with limited availability).
You can track your order's progress through the dealership or, in some cases, through your Nissan account online. The dealership will notify you when your vehicle has been built and is in transit to their lot. Shipping from the factory to the dealership typically takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on distance.
During this waiting period, you should lock in financing if you have not already. Contact your bank, credit union, or the dealership's finance department to pre-arrange a loan or lease. Having financing ready before delivery day speeds up the final paperwork and lets you drive home the same day.
Pickup and delivery at the dealership
Once your vehicle arrives at the dealership, they will inspect it for shipping damage, confirm all the features you ordered are present, and contact you to schedule a pickup time. Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and any financing documents your lender requires. If you are financing through the dealership, bring a blank check or be ready to sign loan paperwork.
At pickup, a dealership representative will walk you through the vehicle's controls, infotainment system, and warranty coverage. They will also explain how to register the vehicle with your state's motor vehicle department — some dealerships handle registration paperwork for you, while others require you to do it yourself or through a third party.
Before you leave the lot, make sure you have the window sticker (Monroney label) that shows the manufacturer's suggested retail price, all options and their costs, and fuel economy ratings. This document is required by federal law and is important for your records and for insurance purposes.
Customization options beyond the factory configurator
The factory configurator covers paint colors, wheels, trim packages, and technology bundles — the choices Nissan offers at the point of manufacture. If you want modifications after delivery, such as custom wheels, suspension upgrades, or aftermarket audio systems, you will need to visit an independent shop or a specialty retailer after you own the vehicle.
Some dealerships offer dealer-installed accessories that can be added during the ordering process, such as roof racks, floor mats, or protective film. Ask your sales representative whether these are available for your model and whether they can be included in your factory order to avoid having them installed after delivery.
Keep in mind that modifications made after purchase may affect your warranty coverage. Nissan's factory warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage caused by aftermarket parts or installation. Check your warranty documentation and ask the dealership which modifications are warranty-safe before committing to any work.
Comparing factory order versus buying from dealer inventory
A factory order gives you exactly what you want but requires patience — 8 to 12 weeks is a long time if you need a vehicle when ready. Buying a vehicle already on the dealer's lot means you drive home in days, but your choices are limited to what the dealership has in stock. Inventory vehicles may also have features or colors you did not want, which sometimes means paying for options you will not use.
Factory orders often have better pricing because you are not paying for dealer markup on inventory sitting on the lot. Dealers sometimes discount inventory vehicles to move them quickly, but they may also price them higher if they are popular colors or high-demand trims. A factory order locks in the manufacturer's suggested retail price plus your chosen options, with less room for dealer negotiation.
If you are flexible on timing and want the exact vehicle you will drive for the next several years, a factory order is worth the wait. If you need transportation within weeks, buying from inventory is the faster path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my order after I place it?
Changes are possible but depend on how far along your vehicle is in production. If your order has not yet reached the factory floor, the dealership can usually modify colors, packages, or options. Once production has started, changes become difficult or impossible. Contact your dealership when ready if you want to make changes — the sooner you ask, the better your chances.
What if I want a color or feature that is not in the configurator?
The configurator shows only the options Nissan is currently offering for that model year. If you want something not listed, ask the dealership whether it is available as a special order or dealer-installed accessory. Some colors or packages may be region-specific or available only in certain model years, so the dealership can tell you what is actually possible.
Do I have to buy from the dealership where I place the order?
No. You can place an order at one dealership and arrange to pick up at another, though this is less common. Most buyers order and pick up from the same dealership for simplicity. If you want to transfer your order to a different dealership, contact the original dealership first — they will need to release the order in their system before another dealership can take over.
What happens if the factory runs out of a color or option I want?
Nissan occasionally discontinues colors or options mid-year if demand is low or supply chain issues arise. If your chosen configuration becomes unavailable, the dealership will contact you with alternatives and ask whether you want to substitute a similar option or wait for the next model year. This is rare but can happen, so confirm availability with your dealership before placing a large deposit.
Can I order a vehicle if I have not decided on financing yet?
Yes. You can place a factory order and arrange financing later, as long as you put down the required deposit. However, locking in financing before or shortly after placing your order is wise because it lets you know your actual monthly payment and confirms you are comfortable with the total cost. The dealership can also sometimes offer better financing rates if you commit early.