If the dealer has the actual VIN number, then that means they have been allocated that vehicle in their coming allotment, and generally they cannot take a deposit if they do not have an actual vehicle allocated. So the dealer having the VIN and taking a deposit on that VIN is key.
Given this... generally they receive their deliveries about 2 to 3 weeks after the allocation list is received by the dealer, and they can pre-sell (via deposit holds) to buyers. Deposits are supposed to be refundable as well.
