What details should you pay attention to when buying a new car?
4 Answers
When buying a new car, pay attention to the following details: 1. Body appearance: Drive the vehicle to a well-lit area for inspection, focusing on the bumper and body gaps, and open the doors to check for any color difference between the interior and exterior paint; 2. Vehicle glass: Each car's nameplate corresponds to an engine number and chassis number—verify that these codes match the ones on the certificate of conformity; 3. Tire inspection: Normal new car tires should have no damage on the sidewalls and no puncture marks on the tread; 4. Check all lights, including daytime running lights, low beams, high beams, fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, high-mounted stop lamps, dashboard lighting, door lights, reading lights, and storage compartment lighting.
As someone who just changed cars, I really regret not inspecting the car properly when I took delivery. The most common pitfall when buying a new car is ending up with an overstocked vehicle. Check the nameplate under the co-pilot's door frame—if the production date exceeds six months, think twice. Test all the buttons in the car on the spot; last time I missed checking the sunroof switch and ended up finding it jammed when I got home. Also, inspect the chassis for any signs of rust or oil leaks. Don’t forget to verify the configuration list—a friend once encountered a promised 360-degree panoramic camera that turned out to be a single lens. Don’t be greedy with freebies; ask about the brand of the film and whether the dashcam is factory-installed. When negotiating, focus on add-ons like decoration fees and service charges—they’re easier to reduce than the base car price. During delivery, always idle the car with the AC on to listen to the engine sound; the quiet environment of the dealership makes it easier to spot any unusual noises.
I hate falling into traps when buying big-ticket items, and purchasing a new car is all about details from browsing to delivery. First, don't just focus on the online guide price—dealer discounts vary significantly by region, so it pays to shop around. Always schedule test drives during daylight hours, paying attention to tire noise and suspension damping on the road. Sales pitches can be over-the-top, so trust your own experience. Read contracts word by word, especially noting the fundamental difference between 'deposit' and 'down payment,' and ensure refund policies are clearly stated. The vehicle's nameplate and engine number must match the certification, or you'll hit snags during registration. Insist on a complete PDI inspection report—many dealerships cut corners, so supervise the full vehicle check. Inspect the paint surface against the light, as minor scratches are often invisible under showroom lighting.
Having helped family members purchase three cars, I've noticed that beginners often overlook hidden indicators. Don't just check the neatness of the engine compartment layout; pay special attention to whether there's oxidation on the battery terminals—a whitish new battery connection is absolutely abnormal. Always pull out the oil dipstick to inspect; some test drive cars are sold as new. Check the tire production date via the four-digit code on the side: the last two digits indicate the year, and the first two the week number. If it's earlier than the vehicle's manufacturing date, there's an 80% chance they've been replaced. Missing emergency tools and reflective vests are common; don't believe the salesperson's promise to mail them later. The invoice amount directly affects the purchase tax—underreporting might seem to save on taxes, but in case of an accident, insurance claims will be calculated based on the invoice price.
