How to Inspect a Newly Purchased Vehicle Before Delivery

Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: January 5, 2023 References Approved

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.

1

Gather the appropriate documents.

Make sure the seller provides Insurance and Vehicle registration. Never finalize the sale without receiving this documentation.

2

Keep a good rapport with the salespeople

Be cheerful and act cordially with staff.
- Be Patient. Minor delays are sometimes unavoidable.
- If you find anything not up to your mark during inspection, simply note it down on a piece of paper and bring it to the notice of staff. Your aim should be to rectify any faults and not to create any unpleasant scene during what should essentially be a joyous occasion for you.
- Exchange business cards with salesperson, and service personnel.

3

Take your time to inspect.

Buying a car is an investment and giving it due time is expected.

4

Get a complete demonstration from salesperson.

You should be aware of all functions before you take it to your inspection.

5

Note the mileage.

Usually, anything below 40 km (25 miles) is acceptable. 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.

Ensure you do it in daylight and in open space. 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.

Check all seams, panel gap consistencies, and door line. Be sure that they are aligned and match acceptable standards.

8

Check all doors, hood, & boot.

They should open and shut properly. In addition, all rubber linings should be soft (not cracked or brittle).

9

Open the Bonnet.

Check fluid levels and engine compartment cleanliness.
- Also look for any cuts or splits in electrical wiring and connections. Also, check that the ECU of car is properly shielded.

10

Check the Battery.

Usually, most trusted brands of batteries have indicators showing the health of the battery. If not, ask service staff to confirm the health of battery and perform a battery test.^{[2]
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11

Confirm that all tires are new.

Usually a new tire will have coloured stripes in centre. These wear off once the tire is used for some time.

12

Inspect the windshield and windows.

Check the windshields for any cracks, scratches or spots that may be difficult to remove later. Check wiper operations. Check and operate all windows. Ensure Power windows (if applicable) work properly.

13

Check the interior of the car.

Especially look out for any kind of soiling on the seats, upholstery and carpets. Make sure the cloth or leather of the interior is intact.^{[3]
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14

Turn on the ignition.

The car should start smoothly.
- Ensure that no warning lights are flashing on the instrument cluster.
- Ensure that fuel level is adequate and engine temperature is within acceptable range.

15

Crank the engine.

Lookout for any weird sound from engine compartment. 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.

16

Turn on the air-conditioning / heating.

Let it run for a moment. 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.

Try to operate and test all of them to ensure they work.

18

Switch on the headlights, fog lamps and parking lights.

Confirm that they operate properly. Ensure that headlights focus properly.^{[4]
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19

Check the A/V system.

If the car is old, use your favourite CD or tape to test the sound system. Otherwise, be sure that the bluetooth or other sound connection features work.

20

Request a short test drive before delivery.

Buckle Up and ensure the seatbelts work. 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.

Ensure that they slot properly. Also check if the vehicle has decent acceleration.

22

Listen for abnormal sounds.

On your test drive, ensure that there are no rattles and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels are acceptable.^{[5]
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23

Test alignment.

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.

Park the vehicle. Step out and open the hood. Check for any fluid leaks that may have popped up during trial.^{[7]
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25

Request car records.

Meet the service manager and get all possible information regarding service schedules. You can also ask about good driving etiquette for your car.^{[8]
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26

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

Do this calmly and clearly. If you are not sure about something, mention it anyway.

27

Double check the paperwork.

Note down the Chassis number and the Engine number of vehicle and confirm that it matches with the paperwork

28

Check tire pressure.

Before you drive away, make sure the tire pressure is at an appropriate level and consistent between all tires.^{[9]
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29

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

This could include a spare tire, CD Changer, tool kits, chains, or warning triangles.

30

Thank the service people.

You are now ready to go! 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

Don't be afraid to show off your new car!

Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.

Warnings

Remember! It may be a highly emotional moment for you but is routine for staff.

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Vehicle Delivery during late evenings and night is an absolute NO!

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