Is it normal for a new car to have minor scratches upon delivery?

[Anthony]

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.

[LeCooper]

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.

[LaCecilia]

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.

[ElizabethMarie]

Minor scratches on new cars are actually uncommon, most occur during transportation or storage. I've seen experts discuss that if the equipment is unclean or has hard objects during factory testing or car washing, it's easy to leave marks. If you find scratches when picking up the car, don't tolerate it—request the 4S store to document and address the issue, as this falls under initial maintenance. Light scratches can be quickly resolved with polishing, but avoid attempting it yourself to prevent damaging the coating. Regular paint maintenance can prevent new issues.

[StephenDella]

It's really annoying to find fine scratches on a brand-new car, especially when compared to the shiny models in advertisements. From a detail-oriented perspective, a new car should be flawless; even minor scratches hint at quality control issues or handling negligence. I once encountered this during inspection when I noticed abnormal reflections under sunlight, revealing several marks. Possible causes include friction during transport packaging or exposure to weather during dealership display. My advice: don't rush during pickup—walk around the car multiple times to thoroughly inspect the paint, using a soft cloth to check for variations. If scratches are found, refuse to sign for acceptance and prioritize obtaining a repair certificate from after-sales for free fixes; sometimes compensation like free maintenance can be negotiated. A new car holds high value, and small issues can escalate into hidden risks.

[Rocha]

Buying a new car is exciting, but discovering scratches upon delivery requires rational handling. Scratches commonly originate from the logistics chain—from factory to dealership, forklifts or loading platforms inevitably cause minor abrasions. Poor inventory management at 4S stores also contributes. My experience dictates essential delivery steps: meticulous inspection from bumper to taillight, checking for tactile anomalies by hand, as subtle marks reveal themselves under shifting light angles. Document any scratches with photos immediately, demand on-site repairs before signing. New car paint is fragile; verify if deep scratches reach metal before polishing to prevent future corrosion. Also, consider long-term usage: park in shaded areas to avoid UV rays and minimize new scratch formation.