What should be paid attention to when picking up and inspecting the car?

[VonBenjamin]

When picking up and inspecting the car at a 4S store, attention should be paid to two parts: checking the vehicle and verifying the documents. The following is a related introduction about picking up and inspecting the car: 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. 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. 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 differences in the vehicle's paint, insist that the 4S store replace the car. The interior of the vehicle should not have any flaws. After turning on the power, all functions of the vehicle must be checked and must work properly, such as the navigation, wipers, and headlights. Check if all buttons are flexible and functional, and if the headlights can be turned on normally.

[CeciliaMarie]

When helping my cousin pick up his new car last time, we spent nearly 2 hours inspecting it. Walking around the car body three times to examine the paint surface is particularly crucial, focusing on checking for color differences on the bumpers and door edges, and squatting down to inspect the wheels for scratches. Remember to bring your phone and use the flashlight to check the tires; abnormal wear on the tire hairs might indicate test drives. After starting the engine, don't rush to turn on the AC—first check the dashboard for warning lights, then test the power windows for any unusual noises, and have the salesperson turn on all the vehicle lights for inspection. Don't forget to check the spare tire and tool kit in the trunk. Finally, pull out the oil dipstick in the engine compartment—if the oil is black, there's definitely an issue. Oh, and make sure the manufacturing date on the door sill plate matches the contract; be especially cautious with cars that have been in stock for over six months.

[StOlive]

A decade-long auto repair veteran shares some common pitfalls: First, check the production date dots on the windshield and headlights—if they're significantly older than the vehicle's manufacturing date, it's suspicious. Wipe leather seats with a wet wipe to test for color bleeding, and feel under fabric seats for rusted springs. Start the engine, turn the steering wheel to full lock to listen for driveshaft noises, and test the electronic parking brake by engaging and releasing it three times. During reverse, have a friend observe if both side parking sensors respond simultaneously; reject the car immediately if the rearview camera shows static. Insist on stamped receipts on the spot, and ensure the PDI checklist specifies 'pre-delivery mileage under 50km'.

[SanHarrison]

Document inspection is more important than checking the car. The vehicle certificate must have anti-counterfeit gold lines like a bank card, and the engine imprint number must match the invoice. The insurance policy should ideally take effect one hour before pickup, and the warranty certificate must clearly state the warranty period for major components. The VIN must be identical in three locations: the lower left corner of the windshield, the engine compartment, and the door frame—any signs of tampering can serve as evidence for returning the car. Don’t lose the environmental compliance list included with the car; missing this document during registration will require a replacement. After testing the remote key to lock the car, remember to use the mechanical key to open the door once.

[SophieLynn]

We women pay more attention to details during car inspection. First, smell if the interior has any pungent odor—low-quality leather emits formaldehyde when heated by the sun. Check that every vanity mirror light works, and repeatedly open/close the sunroof to listen for seal friction sounds. Pull seatbelts all the way out to check for frayed edges, and test cup holder anti-slip pads with a water bottle. When adjusting mirrors, listen for smooth motor operation, and ensure windshield washer jets don't spray onto the roof. Finally, test all USB ports with charging cables and format the dashcam's memory card on-site.

[JulianLee]

Discovering hidden flaws has its tricks. Use a magnet to check the lower edge of car doors; resin parts pretending to be metal will be exposed immediately. Fully pull out the rear seat belts for inspection—water-damaged cars will show rust on the buckles. Look for the DOT code on the tire sidewall to check the production date; question it if the difference in weeks between the four tires exceeds 30 days. Place a tissue at the exhaust pipe during idle; if it turns black, it indicates oil burning. Remember to inspect under the car with a lift—any reflective oil stains on the transmission or oil pan are definitely abnormal. These are the spots dealerships fear you'll check the most.