[pool182]

Picking up my new car from the dealers on Tuesday what should I look for? Can you test drive the car first make sure it is ok? Does anybody actually bring a checklist with them and examine the car throughout? Last time I bought a new car dealer filled in the handover sheet and asked me to sign it!!

[chrisw]

I would ask for a few minutes to look around the car on your own. Check each panel of the car for scratches and dents etc. Check each alloy for any damage or defects. But as far as the mechanics of the car go - they will be covered under warranty and if there are any serious defects with the car you have the right to return it if it's serious enough.

Make them walk through their checklist with you - regardless of whether or not they tell you that 'everything's ok' - it's not their car, it's yours. Enjoy your new car... there's nothing like a new car to put a smile on your face!

[Honeywell1945]

Agreed on the above .

It is important that you have at least 15 mins to yourself to go over it with a fine tooth comb , look especially at the panels of the car side on along the length of the vehicle , your looking for any dents , scrapes , panel damage , paint defects . Look at it from 2 angles if you can , they can be hard to spot , if your happy with what you see then mechanically there is nothing to worry about , it will be covered under warranty . If you see any damage whatsoever reject it there & then & tell them to either repair it , if minor & you are happy to have it done , or ask for another car .

DO NOT hand any money over until your completely satisfied .

Finally , enjoy it .

[Del45]

Some helpful advice here, there is also a checklist you can download....

Taking delivery - Car Buying Advice & Tips - What Car?

[booyaka]

Mercedes took 60 mins to do a full hand over to me about 4 years ago when i bought a card from them. Check everything with me, showed me how everything worked, hooked up my bluetooth and everything. They were excellent. Also included a lovely bunch of flowers for my wife and some crystal glasses!

BMW on the other hand was a 5 min job and wanted me to sign. I told him to wait for 20mins till i checked the car over and then i would sign.

[FZR400RRSP]

I couldn't be bothered with an hour handover!
No car is so different from another that it should take an hour.
I did a new car collection in Birmingham a month ago, it took no more than 10 minutes.

[un1eash]

Originally Posted by booyaka

Mercedes took 60 mins to do a full hand over to me about 4 years ago when i bought a card from them. Check everything with me, showed me how everything worked, hooked up my bluetooth and everything. They were excellent. Also included a lovely bunch of flowers for my wife and some crystal glasses!

BMW on the other hand was a 5 min job and wanted me to sign. I told him to wait for 20mins till i checked the car over and then i would sign.

Farmers Skoda Leicester also give you a bunch of lovely flowers.

My hand over was straight forward and quick as i'd already gone over the car before and it had only been sitting in the showroom for a couple days before pick up.

[Lance H]

Got this from the RS Forum:

Before getting to garage:
Finances / method of payment sorted.
Insurance arranged for new car.
Trade in vehicle - Keys, V5, MOT, Manuals, Service docs all present.

External:
Paint Work (check door and bonnet edges).
Panel Gaps.
No Dents/Scratches.
Wheel arches and screws.
Suspension Packers have been removed
Tyres, pressures and Wheels.
Exhaust for rust.
Brake disc dust covers are not rubbing.
All lights and indicators work
Headlight washer jets working (if fitted)
Doors and Boot all shut first time.
Number plates correctly fitted.
Optional kit all fitted.

Interior:
Mats present (if ordered).
Interior trim all secure and damage free.
All electricals operate correctly.
Puncture Repair Kit (including pump) or Spare Wheel present.
Optional kit all fitted.
If SatNav fitted then provided with latest disc (2006)

Engine Bay:
All hoses firmly fitted.
New Battery.
Fluids all topped up.

Accompanied Test Drive: (If Possible)
Engine sounds and performs ok.
Brakes ok.
Clutch and Gearbox operate ok.
No rattles / strange noises
Steering ok.

Other Item Checks:
Vehicle registered and V5 provided or on route.
Vehicle Taxed.
Two flip keys provided.
Locking Wheel nut key provided
Correct manuals, instructions and service docs supplied based on vehicle spec
Final Invoice correct

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by Lance H

Number plates correctly fitted.

Funny that should be mentioned.
Squint numberplates drive me nuts, as do plates that use uncovered screws.
But as I am invariably fitting my own plates soon, I tend to just tut and let them off with it.