Buying a new car is an exciting experience. However, amidst the anticipation, it’s crucial to approach the delivery process methodically. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through inspecting your new vehicle before you drive it off the lot, helping you identify and address any potential issues upfront. Taking the time for a thorough pre-delivery inspection can save you headaches and ensure you start your ownership experience on the right foot.
Pre-Delivery Preparation
Before you even head to the dealership, a little preparation goes a long way.
1. Contact Your Salesperson and Schedule a Daytime Delivery
- Call Ahead: Inform your salesperson that you intend to perform a detailed delivery inspection and schedule your pickup during daylight hours. This allows for optimal visibility to spot any exterior imperfections.
- Allocate Time: Don’t rush the process. A thorough inspection can take an hour or more. Make sure you have ample time to dedicate to this important step.
2. Understand Your Financing and Insurance
- Review Financing: Re-examine all financing documents carefully. Ensure everything aligns with your agreed-upon terms.
- Secure Insurance: Contact your insurance agent well in advance and arrange for your new vehicle to be insured the moment you take delivery.
3. Gather Essential Items
Bring along a few items that can be helpful during your inspection:
- This Checklist: Print out this checklist to ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps.
- Notepad and Pen: To jot down any issues or questions that arise during your inspection.
- CDs (Audio): To test the sound system.
- Measuring Tape (Optional): Can be useful for checking cargo space if needed.
At the Dealership: Initial Checks
Once you arrive at the dealership, before getting into the nitty-gritty, address these preliminary points.
1. Paperwork and Vehicle Identification
- VIN Verification: The very first step is to confirm the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car matches the VIN on your purchase agreement. This ensures you are getting the exact vehicle you agreed to buy.
- Mileage Check: Note the odometer reading. Question anything significantly over 150 miles, as this could indicate excessive use as a demo vehicle.
- Repair History Inquiry: Ask dealership personnel directly if any repairs or alterations have been made to the vehicle. Honest dealerships will disclose any prior damage, even if it occurred during transit.
Exterior Inspection: Leave No Stone Unturned
A meticulous exterior check is paramount. Walk around the vehicle multiple times, from different angles, in good lighting.
1. Overall Body Condition
- Perfect Shape: Look for any blemishes, scratches, streaks, dents, or paint imperfections. New cars should be flawless.
2. Trim and Exterior Features
- Presence and Condition: Verify that all trim pieces, rub strips, decals, chrome elements, and hood ornaments are present, securely attached, and free of defects.
3. Doors, Hood, Trunk, and Liftgate
- Proper Operation: Open and close each door, the hood, the trunk, and the liftgate. Ensure they operate smoothly, latch securely, and align properly with the body panels.
- Sealing: Check for proper sealing to prevent wind and water leaks.
- Locks and Releases: Test all locks, including remote locking, central locking, and child safety locks. Confirm the hood release lever operates correctly from inside the vehicle. Ensure you can open the hood and that it stays open securely.
4. Engine Compartment
- Visual Inspection: Open the hood and examine the engine compartment. Check for:
- Completeness: Ensure all dipsticks, plastic covers, and wire harnesses are present and properly secured.
- Fluid Levels: Verify that all fluid levels (oil, transmission, power steering, brake, windshield washer, and coolant) are at the optimal levels.
- Leaks: Look for any signs of fluid leaks. Everything should be clean and dry.
- Component Condition: Check for any signs of wear or replacement on engine components that seem out of place on a new vehicle.
5. Battery
- Type and Condition: Determine if it’s a serviceable battery or a maintenance-free type. Check the fluid level or sight dot if applicable.
- Connections: Ensure battery terminals are clean, free of corrosion, and properly connected. Verify the battery is securely mounted.
- Jump Start Procedure: Ask about the proper jump-starting procedure for your vehicle.
- Warranty: Inquire about any specific battery warranty.
6. Trunk/Cargo Area
- Interior Condition: Inspect the trunk for cleanliness and proper carpet fastening.
- Lighting and Features: Test the trunk light and any internal opening buttons. Check the operation of the outside lock.
- Gas Shocks/Supports: If equipped, ensure gas shocks or supports for the trunk lid are functioning correctly.
- Ordered Accessories: Verify the presence of any ordered extras like cargo nets.
7. Fuel System
- Filler Door Location: Identify the location of the fuel filler door.
- Operation: Check if the fuel filler door opens from inside the vehicle and if it locks.
- Fuel Grade: Confirm the manufacturer-recommended fuel grade.
- Tank Capacity: Ask about the fuel tank capacity.
- Fuel Gauge: Note the fuel level indicated on the dashboard. Inquire if the dealer provides a complimentary first tank of fuel.
- Low Fuel Warning: Confirm the presence of a low fuel level warning light.
- Gas Cap: Check for any special features of the gas cap, such as a ratcheting sound when properly tightened.
8. Tires and Wheels
- Spare Tire Location and Condition: Locate the spare tire and jack system. Check if the spare tire is properly inflated. If it’s a “donut” spare, ask about its usage limitations.
- Jack and Tools: Ensure the jack and necessary tools are present and accessible. Request a demonstration on the jack’s usage and jacking points on the vehicle.
- Wheel Locks: If wheel locks are installed, locate the lug key.
- Tire Matching and Specification: Verify all tires are the same brand, model, and size as ordered. Check the speed ratings and specifications on the tire sidewalls.
- Tire Pressure: Inquire about the recommended tire pressure.
- Tire Warranty: Ask about the tire warranty and its details.
- Tire Condition: Tires should be new, scuff-free, and properly inflated.
- Hubcaps/Wheel Covers: Ensure hubcaps or wheel covers are securely attached.
Interior Inspection: Comfort and Functionality
Step inside the vehicle and meticulously examine the interior.
1. Cabin Condition
- Upholstery and Surfaces: Inspect the carpet, headliner, and seats for any tears, stains, or damage.
- Seat Belts: Test all seat belts to ensure they function correctly and latch smoothly.
- Floor Mats: Confirm the presence of the floor mats you ordered.
2. Glove Box
- Operation: Check if the glove box opens and closes properly and if it locks.
- Owner’s Manual: Verify that the owner’s manual is included in the glove box.
3. Lights and Signals (Interior and Exterior)
- Light Switch Familiarization: Locate and understand the operation of all light switches.
- Fuse Box Location: Ask about the location of the fuse box.
- Exterior Lighting: Test all exterior lights:
- Headlights (low and high beams)
- Tail lights
- Emergency flashers
- Brake lights
- Backing lights
- Trunk light
- Hood light
- Interior Lighting: Test all interior lights:
- Map lights
- Dome lights
- Glove box light
- Reading lights
- Running board lights (if equipped)
- Automatic Lighting Features: Check for automatic headlight shutoff and interior light dimming functions.
- Dashboard Lighting: Adjust dashboard light brightness. Verify the ignition switch is illuminated. Check for daytime running lights.
- Turn Signals: Test left and right turn signals (front and rear) and hazard lights.
4. Windows, Sunroof, and Mirrors
- Glass Condition: Inspect all windows, sunroof (if equipped), and mirrors for chips, cracks, or defects.
- Option Verification: Confirm the installation and operation of window options like rear defogger, wiper, and tinting.
- Window Operation: Test the proper opening and closing of each window, including power window controls and “rapid down” features.
- Wipers and Washers: Test front and rear wipers and windshield washer operation, including delay settings.
- Mirror Adjustment: Check the operation of both interior and exterior mirror adjustments.
5. HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
- Control Familiarization: Understand the operation of all climate control features and controls.
- Functionality: Test heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and defrost functions at various settings.
- Special Features: Inquire about special features like defoggers, filters, or multi-zone climate control. Test front and rear controls if applicable.
6. Sound System
- Operation and Sound Quality: Understand how to operate the radio, CD player, and any other audio sources. Test sound from each speaker. Evaluate sound quality.
- Features: Test any special sound system features like equalizers, amplifiers, and CD changers.
7. Safety Features
- Seat Belts and Airbags: Understand the operation and precautions related to seat belts and airbags. Locate all airbag locations.
- Child Safety Locks: Check the operation of child safety locks on the rear doors.
8. Driver’s Seat and Steering Wheel
- Seat Controls: Locate and test all seat position controls (power and manual), including lumbar support.
- Steering Wheel Adjustments: Check steering wheel tilt and telescoping adjustments, locking mechanism, horn, and cruise control buttons.
9. Dashboard and Controls
- Gauge Familiarization: Understand all dashboard gauges and warning lights.
- Digital Displays: If equipped with digital gauges, learn how to switch between English and Metric units and operate trip odometers.
10. Keys and Remote Entry
- Key Sets: Confirm you receive all sets of keys (typically two remote keys, a valet key, and any separate keys for accessories like roof racks).
- Remote Entry: Test remote key functionality for locking, unlocking, and trunk release.
- Alarm System: Understand how the alarm system works, including arming, disarming, panic button, and any cutoff switches.
The Test Drive: Putting it all Together
A test drive is crucial to assess the vehicle’s performance and identify any driving-related issues.
1. Initial Start-Up
- Ignition: Start the car and ensure it starts smoothly and promptly.
- Engine Idle: Listen to the engine idle. It should sound smooth and consistent without unusual noises.
- Exhaust: Observe the tailpipe. Check for any abnormal smoke or unusual colors or excessive moisture.
2. Braking and Shifting
- Brake Feel: Evaluate the brake pedal feel. It should be even and smooth.
- Parking Brake: Test the parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
- Gear Engagement: When shifting into gear (Drive, Reverse), listen for any unusual noises.
- Shift Indicator Alignment: Verify that the gear selector indicator on the dashboard accurately reflects the selected gear.
3. Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
- Radio Off: Turn off the radio to better hear any vehicle noises.
- Varying Road Conditions and Speeds: Drive over different road surfaces and at various speeds you’ll typically encounter.
- Listen for Noises: Pay close attention to:
- Buzzes, Squeaks, and Rattles (BSR): Listen for any unwanted interior noises.
- Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH): Be alert for loud thuds, shaking, or vibrations, especially at highway speeds.
- Wind Whistle: Listen for wind noise around the side mirrors or windows at higher speeds.
- Steering Wheel Groan: Listen for any groaning noises when turning the steering wheel.
- Vibrations in Turns: Feel and listen for vibrations during slow turns, which could indicate drivetrain issues.
- Rumbling Sounds: Listen for rumbling sounds, especially between 40-50 mph, which could point to drivetrain or tire problems.
4. Gauges and Controls During Driving
- Gauge Monitoring: Observe all gauges (speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel gauge) to ensure they are functioning and registering correctly during the drive.
- HVAC Performance: Operate the air conditioning and heating while driving to confirm they are working effectively.
- Acceleration and Braking: Test acceleration and braking performance for smooth and responsive operation.
- Cruise Control: Engage and disengage cruise control to verify proper functionality.
- Handling: Evaluate vehicle handling during turns and maneuvers. Perform a U-turn to assess turning radius. Listen for any unusual noises during turns. Check steering responsiveness.
5. Suspension and Ride
- Speed Bumps: Drive over speed bumps at low speeds (not in sport mode if applicable) with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) both on and off to assess suspension performance and listen for any unusual noises like clicking or excessive rebound.
Post-Test Drive and Final Steps
After the test drive, there are a few more crucial checks before finalizing the delivery.
1. Under Hood Inspection (Post-Drive)
- Fluid Leaks: Open the hood again and check for any new fluid leaks that may have appeared after the test drive.
- Radiator Cap: Ensure the radiator cap is securely in place.
- Fluid Levels (Re-check): Re-check oil and transmission fluid levels.
2. Under Vehicle Inspection
- Fluid Leaks: Take a quick look under the vehicle for any fluid drips on the pavement.
3. Option Verification (Final)
- Confirm All Options: Re-verify that every option you ordered and paid for is installed correctly and functioning as expected.
4. Dealership Service and Policies
- Meet Service Manager: Meet the service manager and, if possible, take a brief tour of the service area.
- Service Policy and Hours: Understand the dealership’s service policies, hours of operation, and appointment procedures.
- Service Plan Review: Have the service manager review the basic service plan for your vehicle, including any free check-ups and their coverage period.
- Roadside Assistance: Confirm if your vehicle includes a 24-hour roadside assistance program and understand its details.
- Warranty Information: Thoroughly understand all warranties, including their limits, coverage periods, and what is covered.
- Special Service Plans: If you purchased any special service plans, review what they cover.
5. Dealership Personnel Contacts
- Business Cards: Collect business cards from all dealership personnel you worked with (salesperson, service manager, finance manager).
6. Issue Resolution and Final Review
- Defect Correction: Ensure every defect or issue you noted during the inspection has been properly corrected to your satisfaction.
- Document Verification (Final):
- VIN Match: Confirm again that the VIN on the vehicle matches all your documents.
- Document Review: Carefully read all documents you are about to sign.
- Document Copies: Obtain copies of all signed documents.
7. Title, Tags, and Registration
- Title Holder: Clarify who will hold the title (you or the financing institution).
- Temporary Tags: Understand the duration of temporary tags and when to expect permanent plates.
- Plate Ordering/Transfer: Confirm if the dealership will order your new plates or if your plates will be transferred.
- Registration Location: Determine where the vehicle registration will be located.
8. Insurance Confirmation (Final)
- Insurance Coverage: Double-check that your insurance coverage is in place before driving off the lot. If leasing, confirm you have Gap Insurance if required.
By diligently following this checklist, you can ensure a smoother new car delivery experience and drive away with confidence, knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your investment.
