What to Check When Picking Up a New Car?
2 Answers
When picking up a new car at a 4S dealership, the following inspection items should be performed: Odometer mileage reading: Generally between 20 to 80 kilometers. Check for any debris in the radiator fins, whether the seat protective covers and front plastic sheets are intact, and if there are any stains on the interior seats and dashboard. Check the date: When picking up a pre-ordered car, pay attention to the manufacturing date (must be within one month). If there's a significant gap between the manufacturing date and the pickup date, the car might be a display vehicle (placed in the showroom for customer viewing) or a test drive vehicle. Compare dates: Remember to request the manufacturing date and shipping date when picking up the car, and compare them carefully with the vehicle you're picking up. Inspect the exterior: When selecting a new car, you can request to see two vehicles of the same model. Pay attention to the body panel gaps and paintwork. There are techniques for this observation: focus on the gaps between the bumper and body panels, open the doors to check for color differences between the interior and exterior paint, etc. For paint inspection, good lighting conditions are crucial. Daylight is ideal as it reveals all imperfections. If you're in a showroom, you can observe the car at an angle against the daylight direction for similar results.
Every time I pick up a new car, I follow a thorough inspection routine. First, I examine the exterior paint under daylight or with a flashlight to ensure there are no scratches, dents, or color discrepancies, as dealership lighting might mask such flaws. I open and close all doors to test their smoothness and listen for unusual noises. Inside, I check seat adjustment functions for comfort and mobility. Starting the engine, I listen for uniform sound without harsh rattles. All lighting systems—headlights, turn signals, fog lights, and brake lights—must be tested for road safety. Tire pressure and tread wear are checked, including the spare tire's presence. A short test drive evaluates brake response, steering flexibility, and cabin noise to catch mechanical issues early. Documentation like keys, vehicle registration, warranty cards, and manuals must be verified to avoid future registration or service hassles. Though time-consuming, these checks prevent costly repairs and disputes.
