What Should You Pay Attention to When Picking Up a New Car?

[DeMadelyn]

When picking up a new car, you should pay attention to the following: 1. Park the vehicle in an outdoor area with sufficient light, inspect the body paint surface to ensure there are no scratches or wear, check if the paint is uniform, and observe whether the paint appears translucent under sunlight reflection; 2. Open the car door—the vehicle identification plate is usually located near the driver's side door or B-pillar—and review the relevant information on the plate; 3. Open the engine compartment to check if it is clean and free of dirt, and verify that the engine oil and other fluids are at adequate levels; 4. Manually test whether the doors open and close smoothly, ensure the windows can be raised and lowered properly, check for any strong odors inside the cabin, confirm the air conditioning cools effectively, verify the windshield wipers function correctly, and test that all lights illuminate properly.

[VonLeo]

On the day of picking up the car, I was extremely excited but didn't forget to be meticulous. First, I walked around the car to carefully inspect the paint for any scratches or stains—small imperfections are easier to spot under sunlight. Then, I got inside to check the interior, ensuring the seat fabric was neat and wrinkle-free, and tested all the screens and buttons to confirm their functionality, such as the air conditioning vents and audio system. After starting the engine, I listened for a smooth idle without any unusual noises; stable RPMs indicated no mechanical issues. I also verified that the odometer reading was low—generally, a new car should have fewer than 50 kilometers. Additionally, I checked that all included accessories, like the spare tire, tool kit, and warning triangle, were complete. Most importantly, I didn't rush to sign any documents; I carefully reviewed the purchase contract to confirm the price was correct and ensured all necessary paperwork—invoice, vehicle qualification certificate, and warranty card—was present to avoid future registration hassles. Finally, I took a short test drive to check the brake responsiveness and steering feel for safety. Taking the time to go through this entire process helps identify and resolve any issues early, making the new car experience much smoother.

[StArya]

The key focus when picking up a new car is to ensure all paperwork is in order. Carefully check each document, making sure the vehicle certification and invoice are clear at original prices to avoid future tax disputes. Verify that both keys can start the car normally – don’t end up flustered with one missing. Read every clause of the contract thoroughly, especially insurance and cancellation terms, to avoid hidden fees. Inspect the interior to confirm all ordered configurations are installed, such as the optional sunroof or navigation system – nothing should be missing. Quickly check exterior elements like tire pressure; too low can affect driving. After starting the engine, listen for smooth operation – no complex tools needed. Politely decline any unnecessary upsells from the salesperson to save money. Stay calm throughout the process to avoid oversight from excitement. Finally, prioritize safety by testing the brakes during your first drive.

[StGemma]

I'm used to taking a test drive for a few kilometers immediately after picking up the car, focusing on whether the brakes respond quickly without feeling mushy, and if the steering is smooth without hesitation during turns. Starting the engine to listen for any strange noises or vibrations indicates good condition. Check that the lighting system—headlights and turn signals—works properly, and don’t forget to test the fog lights in rainy conditions. Quickly scan the exterior to ensure door seals are aligned without gaps or light leaks. Test interior buttons to confirm the air conditioning fan and audio system function, and that seats are adjustable comfortably. Verify documents briefly to avoid missing keys or the vehicle certificate. New drivers can learn from these steps to prevent major issues later. Safety first relies on these initial checks.