How to Inspect a Newly Purchased Vehicle Before Delivery

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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.
1

Gather the appropriate documents.

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    Never finalize the sale without receiving this documentation.
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2

Keep a good rapport with the salespeople

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3

Take your time to inspect.

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4

Get a complete demonstration from salesperson.

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5

Note the mileage.

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    Though, this would vary depending on how your vehicle is delivered to the dealer from manufacturer's yard. [1]
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6

Inspect the bodywork.

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    Take your time and note down the smallest of imperfections. It is very difficult to justify scratches and minor dents to staff at later stage.
7

Pay close attention to areas of connection.

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    Be sure that they are aligned and match acceptable standards.
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8

Check all doors, hood, & boot.

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    In addition, all rubber linings should be soft (not cracked or brittle).
9

Open the Bonnet.

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10

Check the Battery.

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    If not, ask service staff to confirm the health of battery and perform a battery test. [2]
11

Confirm that all tires are new.

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    These wear off once the tire is used for some time.
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12

Inspect the windshield and windows.

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    Check wiper operations. Check and operate all windows. Ensure Power windows (if applicable) work properly.
13

Check the interior of the car.

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    Make sure the cloth or leather of the interior is intact. [3]
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14

Turn on the ignition.

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15

Crank the engine.

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    It is advisable to crank the engine and then step out of the vehicle to inspect the sound of the vehicle. While you are at it, also check the emission levels from exhaust.
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16

Turn on the air-conditioning / heating.

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    Ensure it provides you with sufficient cooling / heating.
17

Keep a list of all the extra bells and whistles that may have come with your car.

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18

Switch on the headlights, fog lamps and parking lights.

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    Ensure that headlights focus properly. [4]
19

Check the A/V system.

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    Otherwise, be sure that the bluetooth or other sound connection features work.
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20

Request a short test drive before delivery.

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    At this point, switch off the music system and put the air-conditioning on low speed so that you can listen to any abnormality.
21

Shift into gears.

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    Also check if the vehicle has decent acceleration.
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22

Listen for abnormal sounds.

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    [5]
23

Test alignment.

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    On a straight stretch, drive at a speed of 60 km/h and check that vehicle is properly aligned to road and there is no unusual vibration. [6]
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24

Return to service centre.

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    Step out and open the hood. Check for any fluid leaks that may have popped up during trial.
25

Request car records.

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    You can also ask about good driving etiquette for your car. [7]
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26

Bring to notice any faults that you may have encountered during the inspection.

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    If you are not sure about something, mention it anyway.
27

Double check the paperwork.

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28

Check tire pressure.

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    [8]
29

Make sure your vehicle has any promised "extras" present.

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30

Thank the service people.

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    But, before you leave, thank and take a picture with your purchase and all those people who made your dream car a reality.
31

Drive off

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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can you check if the car you bought is really brand new?
    Community Answer
    All 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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  • Question
    How do I test the suspension during a test drive?
    Community Answer
    Test 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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  • Question
    How do I check the underside of the vehicle to make sure it is not rusted?
    Community Answer
    You 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.
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      • 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.
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      • Call couple of days in advance and fix a delivery date and time so that there is minimum hurry.
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      Warnings

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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)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/picking-up-the-car/index.htm
      2. ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/how-to-test-a-car-battery/
      3. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/picking-up-the-car/index.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/headlights/how-consumer-reports-tests-car-headlights/
      5. ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/advice/car-maintenance/causes-of-car-noises-and-vibration
      6. ↑ https://www.jthughes.co.uk/Blog/View/What-to-check-before-you-drive-your-new-car-from-the-showroom/2963
      7. ↑ https://www.dmv.org/travel/driving-etiquette-safety-tips.php
      8. ↑ https://www.cars.com/auto-repair/diy/check-tire-pressure/

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