When I brought a bank check to my bank they did tell me 3-4 days. I told them I needed to release car now and that's when they took a few minutes to verify (probably contacting bank named on check) and then told me check was cleared/money available. I released car. If you cannot go to bank named on check and cash it that's how I'd do it at my bank.

I would say wire transfer is better though just a lot more rigmarole and that's why people prefer the bank check.