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It is important to properly inspect a new car before you drive it out of the showroom. If you are buying a brand new car, it shouldn't have any scratches, defects, or more than 50-100km on the odometer. However, knowing what else look for can be a little daunting for used cars. Whether your new car is brand new or previously used, this article will highlight the important things to check in your inspection.
Things You Should Know
- Exterior: In daylight, look for small scratches in the paint, windows, and windshield, plus dents in the metal or gaps between panels and doors.
- Interior: Look for clean upholstery, mileage below 40 km (25 miles), and functional sound and heating/cooling systems.
- Performance: Do a test drive and note any strange sounds or vibrations. Ensure the ignition and gears work smoothly and test the horn and headlights.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can you check if the car you bought is really brand new?Community AnswerAll new vehicles have an MSO or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. Ask to see it before taking delivery of your new vehicle. You can also check the Car Fax report generally.
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QuestionHow do I test the suspension during a test drive?Community AnswerTest it before you drive it. Rebound test: push hard down on the fender multiple times; if it is easy it is in need of attention. Sway test: push side to side; again, if it is easy it needs attention.
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QuestionHow do I check the underside of the vehicle to make sure it is not rusted?Community AnswerYou can just roll under the car or use a camera on a stick.
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Tips
- Be courteous to staff. After all, you may be returning there for all your service needs.Thanks
- Bring along a friend or colleague. A third person with little emotional attachment to your new car will provide a non-biased opinion during inspection.Thanks
- Call couple of days in advance and fix a delivery date and time so that there is minimum hurry.Thanks
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Warnings
- Remember! It may be a highly emotional moment for you but is routine for staff.Thanks
- Vehicle Delivery during late evenings and night is an absolute NO!Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Required documentation
- Delivery Order of Financier if required
- Pen
- Still Camera / Camcorder
- Pre recorded Audio Cassette / CD / DVD / USB Stick
- Gift for salesperson (Optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/picking-up-the-car/index.htm
- ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/how-to-test-a-car-battery/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/picking-up-the-car/index.htm
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/headlights/how-consumer-reports-tests-car-headlights/
- ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/causes-of-car-noises-and-vibration
- ↑ https://www.jthughes.co.uk/Blog/View/What-to-check-before-you-drive-your-new-car-from-the-showroom/2963
- ↑ https://www.dmv.org/travel/driving-etiquette-safety-tips.php
- ↑ https://www.cars.com/auto-repair/diy/check-tire-pressure/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 186,135 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Excellent information. Every single person who takes delivery of a new car should take note! I am taking delivery of my 4th new car, and it is the first time I am really taking charge of my vehicle's delivery. Great info, guys!" ..." more
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"Excellent information. Every single person who takes delivery of a new car should take note! I am taking delivery of my 4th new car, and it is the first time I am really taking charge of my vehicle's delivery. Great info, guys!"
..."
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"I am anxious and eager to be receiving a new car. Your inspection list is a welcome find on the internet, as it presents just what I need to be totally satisfied with my purchase a week after I sign the paperwork. Thanks!"
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"This article is really nice and important points were put in here. Even though we know many of these, at the delivery time we forget many things. Thanks for keeping things simple."
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"As I am buying a car for the first time, I absolutely had no idea what we need to check out during delivery of a car. Now I am fully aware of it. This article helped me a lot."
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"It was very helpful for me. Thank you very much! I made so many mistakes when I picked up my previous car. 90% of your tips I did not do, and paid hard bucks after."
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