How to check a recently purchased vehicle before delivery

You just got a new car, but don't know how to get it inspected? Here are some helpful tips so you don't end up buying a faulty vehicle.

Steps

Step 1. Make sure all relevant documents are provided to you before final delivery

Among these papers are the insurance and vehicle registration.

Step 2. Stay in a good mood

You must act cordially with the staff.

Step 3. Be patient

Sometimes minor delays are unavoidable.

Step 4. Write down any details that do not meet your expectations during the inspection on a piece of paper to notify staff later

The goal of this procedure is to rectify any flaws you find and not a pretext to ruin what should be a happy moment for you.

Step 5. Take the time to inspect the vehicle

Buying a car is an investment, so you are expected to spend enough time on it.

Step 6. Ask the seller to run a full demo

The seller should inform you of all the functions of the vehicle before you perform the inspection.

Step 7. Check the mileage

Any measurement below 40 km (25 miles) is generally considered acceptable. This detail may vary depending on the way in which a vehicle is moved from the manufacturer's warehouse to the dealer's premises.

Step 8. Examine the bodywork

You should make sure to carry out this procedure in broad daylight and in an open space. You should take your time and write down even the smallest of imperfections. It will be very difficult to justify minor scratches and dents to personnel if you do this at a later stage after delivery of the vehicle.

Step 9. Check internal details

You should verify that all seams, the uniformity of the body joints, and the line of the doors match acceptable standards.

Step 10. Check external details

You should verify that all the doors, hood and trunk open and close properly and that all rubber liners are soft.

Step 11. Open the hood

You should check the fluid levels and cleanliness of the engine compartment.

Step 12. Detect any cuts or splits in electrical wiring and connections

Also, you should verify that the car's engine control unit has good protection.

Step 13. Check the battery

Generally, the most reliable brands of batteries have indicators that indicate the health of the battery. If this is not the case, you should ask the service personnel to confirm the status of the battery and perform a test.

Step 14. Confirm that all tires are new

Usually a new tire has colored stripes down the center that wear out once it is used after some time.

Step 15. Check the windshields for cracks, scratches or stains that may be difficult to remove later

You must verify the correct operation of the windshield wipers. Check and manipulate all the windows. If your vehicle has power windows, you need to make sure they work properly.

Step 16. Check the inside of the car

You must detect if there is any type of dirt on the seats, the upholstery and the carpets. Make sure each fabric or leather is intact.

Step 17. Turn on the ignition

Step 18. Make sure there are no flashing lights on the instrument panel

Step 19. Make sure the fuel level is adequate and the engine temperature is within an acceptable range

Step 20. Start the engine

You should detect any strange sounds in the engine compartment. We advise you to start the engine and then get out of the vehicle to inspect its sounds. Also, you should check your tailpipe emission levels while inside the car.

Step 21. Turn on the air conditioning or heater

You need to make sure it provides enough cooling or heat.

Step 22. Try to operate and test all the accessories that your vehicle may have

Step 23. Turn on the headlights, fog lights, and parking lights

You must confirm if they work correctly. Make sure the headlights are in proper focus.

Step 24. Check the audio and video system

You can bring your favorite record to test the sound system.

Step 25. Buckle up and request a short test drive prior to delivery

At this point, you should turn off the music system and turn on the air conditioning at low speed so that you can detect any abnormalities.

Step 26. Change gears

Make sure the gears engage properly and the vehicle has decent acceleration.

Step 27. Detect any abnormal sounds in the engine or suspension system during the test drive

In addition, you must ensure that there is no rattle and that the system levels for noise and vibration reduction are acceptable.

Step 28. Drive at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour

Check that the vehicle is correctly aligned to the road and that there are no unusual vibrations while traveling on a straight stretch.

Step 29. Return to the service center

Park the vehicle. Then open the hood and check for any fluid leaks that may have appeared during the test.

Step 30. Meet with the manager

Get all the information you can regarding service hours and protocols for proper driving.

Step 31. Exchange business cards with the salesperson and service personnel

Step 32. Point out any flaws you found during the inspection

Step 33. Write down the chassis number and engine number

This information must match the vehicle documents.

Step 34. Check the air pressure on the vehicle

Step 35. Start driving your car

Before leaving with the car, you can take a photo with your new acquisition and all those people who made your dream come true.

Step 36. Drive your new car

Now, you can show off all you want.

Step 37. Verify that all additional accessories are present inside the vehicle

These items include the spare tire, CD swap tray, tool box, and warning triangles.

Advice

• Be respectful of the staff. After all, you probably need to come back for some service.
• Ask a friend or colleague to join you. A third person who has little emotional attachment to the new car can provide an unbiased opinion during the inspection.
• You must call a couple of days in advance to schedule a delivery date and time for the vehicle. In this way, you will avoid rushing and delays.
• You must have ready all the documents that may be necessary to carry out the delivery of the vehicle.
• You can bring a camera or a camcorder to capture this moment of joy. In addition, it can be used to record the evidence of any defects that you find.

Warnings

• You must flatly refuse to deliver vehicles during the afternoons or nights.
• Although this moment can be a very emotional one for you, you must remember that for the staff it is something very routine.