Is it too late to squeeze a factory order in before the VED change in April?

I collected a car 2 days ago that was ordered on 14th August so can be long lead times but I think these are coming down. A lot depends on what car & what options - the panoramic roof seems to cause most delays. Can you make it a condition of your order with the dealer?

Yes, it would have to be. The tax changes make a big difference on the 280 combi I'm looking at, it would be over £40k list too so get hammered there too.