What Are the Precautions for New Car Buyers When Taking Delivery?

[VanLeila]

Precautions for new car buyers when taking delivery include: checking the odometer mileage, verifying the vehicle's manufacturing date, inspecting the engine compartment, and examining the tires. Specific precautions are as follows: Check the odometer mileage: When taking delivery, turn on the ignition and check if the new car's mileage is within the normal range. Generally, the mileage from the manufacturer to the 4S store should not exceed 20 kilometers, and in most cases, it should not exceed 10 kilometers. Check the vehicle's manufacturing date: Ideally, the vehicle's manufacturing date should be as close as possible to the delivery date. The manufacturing date can be found on the vehicle's nameplate, usually located on the door frame on the driver's side. Inspect the engine compartment: Open the engine compartment to check if it is clean, start the engine, and listen for any unusual noises. Additionally, ensure the oil level is within the normal range and check if the oil is dirty. Check the tires: Tires with intact tread hairs and minimal wear are generally fine, but if the tires show significant wear, it's necessary to inquire with the 4S store.

[Daedalus]

I still remember when I picked up my first car, I was so afraid of getting scammed. Now, every time I accompany friends to pick up their cars, I remind them to walk around the car three times, paying special attention to areas like door seams and bumpers for uneven paint or small scratches. Check the tire production date and the presence of tire hairs to avoid being tricked with old stock. Once inside the driver's seat, test every button—some resistance when rolling up windows is normal, but if the infotainment screen freezes, demand a replacement. Pop the hood and listen to the cold start sound; it shouldn’t rattle like a tractor. Don’t forget to check the spare tire and tool kit in the trunk—someone once missed the jack. Finally, verify that the VIN matches the contract letter for letter. This step must not be rushed.

[OElizabeth]

A while ago, my cousin asked for advice when picking up his new car, so I made him a checklist. Check the car's paint under sunlight—small dents are especially noticeable; the tire manufacturing date shouldn’t exceed six months. Smell the interior—a pungent odor might indicate low-quality materials; test the seat adjustments for smoothness. After powering on, first check the dashboard warning lights, then test the lights and the AC’s heating/cooling. I emphasized bringing a phone to check the VIN to avoid buying a transport-damaged car, and the warranty manual must be stamped on the spot. Newbies tend to get excited, so I suggested bringing an experienced driver to double-check.

[AndersonLee]

I made quite a few mistakes when I first picked up my car, but now I've learned from experience. For exterior inspection, use your fingers to feel the edges—repainted areas have a different texture. Crouch down to check the wheels for scratches. Press on interior plastic parts and listen for sounds; loose ones may show signs of disassembly. After starting the engine, open the oil cap to check for a milky color—that indicates water contamination. When testing the AC, don’t just adjust the temperature; switch between recirculation and fresh air modes to check for unusual noises. Finally, verify all documents, including the warranty card and maintenance manual—don’t sign if even one is missing. It’s best to schedule pickup in the morning when the light is good for spotting details.

[LeSamuel]

The worst thing about picking up a new car is rushing and missing steps. I usually follow a four-step process. For the static inspection, check if the body waistline is even and look for hidden cracks in the windows. For the dynamic inspection, rev the engine in neutral to see if the RPM is steady. Don’t forget the seatbelt tug test and checking the cigarette lighter for power. Open the spare tire in the trunk to check for signs of use—missing tools like a wrench can be a hassle. A crucial reminder: take photos of the VIN and engine number to verify them later at home. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to test the windshield wipers—this step is often overlooked.