I just purchased a 2K3 this month. The build date says 9/02 so I was wondering generally how long it takes from assembly to arrive at the port. My dealer says that they had the car on the lot for "about a month" but it seemed kinda dirty in the cracks and crevices for being there only a month or so. Also the wheels had some pitting/staining on the inside like it had been driven (16 miles at delivery) and not washed off. It was winter time so that may be from the road salt as the tie rod ends looked rusted as well. I know that vehicles sit in port awaiting delivery to the dealer but doubt this was for 6 months. Just wanted to know as I have some issues that relate to how long the car was in stock at the dealer.

 

Mine was built 10/02 and I bought it 12/02. I think yours has been in the states for a while. Maybe it had "issues" and had to be repaired, either at the port or the dealer?

 

It may have sat in the mfg lot until it was carried off to be shipped. It could also have been in one of many mfg holding lots right here in the USA after it was shipped over. There are many holding lots, usually located around the ports where cars come in. I know of 2 in Jersey City, NJ that are huge Ford lots. Gotta be thousands of Fords just waiting to hit the dealers in the tri state area.