Is it normal for a new car to have minor scratches upon delivery?
3 Answers
It is normal for a new car to have minor scratches upon delivery. Every newly delivered car has scratches to varying degrees because the hardness of the original factory paint is generally around H, while the hardness of dust and sand particles is much higher than that of the paint. Without paint protection and improper cleaning methods, minor scratches are inevitable. The precautions for car delivery are as follows: 1. Inspect the body paint: Park the vehicle in an outdoor area with sufficient light to check the body paint for any scratches, wear, unevenness, or transparency under sunlight reflection. 2. Check the nameplate: Open the door; the car's nameplate is located near the driver's side door or B-pillar. Verify the relevant information on the nameplate. 3. Inspect cleanliness and engine oil: Open the engine compartment to ensure it is clean, free of dirt or dust, and check if the engine oil and other fluids are at adequate levels. 4. Verify basic functions: Manually check if the doors open and close smoothly, if the windows roll up and down properly, if there is any strong odor inside the car, if the air conditioning cools, if the wipers function correctly, and if the lights turn on normally. 5. Engine inspection: Start the engine to feel if the idle is stable, if there is noticeable noise inside the car, and if the steering wheel vibrates significantly. 6. Check for complete documentation: Ensure all relevant vehicle documents are present, such as the purchase invoice, certificate of conformity, vehicle consistency certificate, vehicle registration certificate, warranty certificate, vehicle user manual, and new car delivery confirmation form.
I noticed a few very fine scratches on the car body right after picking up my new car, which made me a bit unhappy. I originally thought a new car should be flawless, but after talking to friends, I realized this situation is quite common. It might have happened during transportation from the factory to the dealership—perhaps the handlers weren’t careful enough, or the car was parked outside and scratched by tree branches. Sometimes, even the dealership’s car wash with stiff brushes can leave minor scratches. I remember hearing before pickup that you should inspect carefully, especially checking the paint surface for any abnormal reflections under bright light. I suggest bringing a flashlight when picking up your car to examine details from different angles. If you find scratches, don’t rush to sign—ask the salesperson to note them in the contract or provide free repairs. The value of a new car lies in peace of mind. If the scratches are minor, polishing can fix them without affecting the overall condition. But if there are multiple or large scratches, it might involve warranty claims—don’t let small issues ruin your mood; address them promptly. Daily car maintenance is also important—avoid rough car washes and keep it clean to minimize new damage.
When getting a new car, encountering minor scratches seems somewhat normal but shouldn't be ignored. From experience, there are multiple handling stages from factory delivery to pickup—like collision risks during transport carrier unloading, dust accumulation in storage warehouses, or workers applying uneven pressure when wiping the car, leading to marks. My previous car had similar issues upon pickup; I photographed them immediately and negotiated with the salesperson, who arranged free polishing. The key is understanding the paint type—coatings vary in thickness across brands, affecting scratch visibility and depth. It's best to research beforehand and inspect overlooked areas like door handles and hoods with a magnifier. While new-car scratches are common, they signal quality concerns—address them early to prevent oxidation or rust. Also, beware of dealerships using quick waxing to mask issues.
