What are the precautions for inspecting a car when buying one?
2 Answers
When picking up and inspecting a car at a 4S store, pay attention to both checking the vehicle and verifying the documents. Below are the relevant introductions about car pickup inspection: 1. Check the engine: After cold-starting the engine, let it warm up for about 2 minutes. If the engine sound is steady without any strange noises, take a short test drive to ensure there are no unusual noises when shifting gears, no abnormal sounds from the body, and that electronic devices like the air conditioning and audio system function normally. 2. Check the body: The paintwork of a new car is sprayed by computer automation and should be flawless. If there is uneven protection or color difference in the car's paint, insist that the 4S store replace the vehicle. The interior of the car should also be free of any defects. After turning on the power, all functions of the vehicle must be checked and must work properly, such as the navigation, wipers, headlights, etc. Check if all buttons are flexible and functional, and if the headlights can be turned on normally.
I was quite nervous with my first car too. You need to inspect it carefully from head to tail. First, walk around the car to check for any scratches or dents on the body, especially since new cars often have minor transportation damages that are easily overlooked. For the interior, don't forget to sit inside and test the seat comfort and the responsiveness of all the buttons, like how quickly the air conditioning blows air and whether any warning lights on the dashboard are on. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises—excessive vibration at idle might indicate a problem. Document verification is a must: for a new car, check that the invoice matches the VIN number; for a used car, review the registration certificate and insurance records. It's advisable to bring a friend along for a test drive to assess the brake responsiveness and steering feel, ensuring there are no issues on both smooth roads and at high speeds. Take your time and go step by step—it's better to be thorough now than to regret it later.