What to Pay Attention to and Check When Picking Up a New Car?

[DeLevi]

When picking up a new car, the following checks should be performed: 1. Inspect the body paint: Visually examine the car's paint for scratches, spots, dents, and wear. Check for color differences under ample sunlight by opening the doors and viewing from various angles to ensure the sheet metal is smooth and free of repair marks. 2. Check the vehicle's nameplate: Located on the driver's side door or in the engine compartment, verify the manufacturing date is not too old. Generally, if it's over six months, the car might be stock or a demo model. Ensure the nameplate details match the vehicle's certificate of conformity. 3. Check the glass production date: Numbers indicate the production year, and dots represent the month. Dots on the left of the number mean production in the first half of the year—subtract the dots from 7 for the exact month. Dots on the right indicate the second half—subtract from 13. If the glass dates differ significantly from the car's production date, it may have been replaced. 4. Check tire wear: Look for obvious wear. New tires typically have intact tread hairs, though some manufacturers remove them. Also, inspect the undercarriage for scratches to rule out rough handling during transport. 5. Inspect the engine bay: Ensure it's clean; dust or grime may indicate prior use. Check oil and fluid levels. After running the engine, look for leaks and recheck oil levels once cooled. 6. Test vehicle functions: Verify lights, AC, audio, wipers, and windows work properly. Upon starting, observe if the engine idles smoothly, the steering wheel vibrates, seats shake, or there's unusual noise. 7. Examine the interior: Smell for strong odors (musty smells may indicate water damage) and check for damage or stains. 8. Review documentation: Purchase invoice, conformity certificate, registration, warranty, manual, delivery checklist, etc. If the dealer handles registration and insurance, obtain policy copies, insurance invoices, tax receipts, and compulsory insurance labels.

[MatteoFitz]

I'm most afraid of buying a problematic car when picking up a new one, so I'll inspect it thoroughly from the outside in. First, I walk around the car body to carefully check for scratches, dents, or color differences in the paint, especially on the front and rear bumpers and door edges—areas prone to impacts. Then, I open the doors to inspect the interior, feeling the seats and steering wheel for wear or stains, and testing the smoothness of the infotainment screen, audio system, and air conditioning controls. I start the engine to listen for smooth operation, rev the accelerator a few times to check responsiveness, and take a short test drive in an open area to assess brake sensitivity and steering stability, paying attention to any unusual noises or vibrations. Lights, wipers, and windows are all tested to ensure they work properly. For documentation, I verify the purchase invoice, vehicle conformity certificate, warranty card, and both keys are present, and cross-check the VIN and engine number for consistency. I also make it a habit to take photos on the spot as evidence to prevent disputes later. I ask the salesperson about maintenance details and don’t rush to drive off—resolving any issues immediately gives peace of mind.

[MacJohnny]

I always bring a checklist when picking up my new car. For the exterior, I focus on checking the paint for any damage, especially looking for scratches in corners and seams. I pop the hood to inspect that engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels are clearly within standard. I check tire pressure is balanced and tread depth is sufficient, while noting the production date shouldn't exceed six months. For the interior, I test all button functions including AC cooling/heating performance, seat adjustment flexibility, and sunroof operation smoothness. After starting the engine, I listen for steady operation sounds. During a short test drive, I evaluate acceleration smoothness and brake response time, watching for any abnormal noises from the chassis or suspension. Documentation must be thoroughly verified: purchase contract, invoice, vehicle license, and manual should all be complete, with no accessories missing. Don't forget to test the lighting system (high/low beams), wiper operation stability, and ensure everything is perfect before signing to avoid after-sales issues.

[JosephMarie]

I'm buying a new car mainly for my family's safety and comfort. Check if the rear seat space is spacious enough, test if the child safety locks are sturdy, and whether the seat belts can be securely fastened. Test the air conditioning for quick airflow and temperature control to ensure the kids are comfortable in the car. Inspect the interior for clean floors and carpets without stains, and open and close all windows to ensure good sealing. Start the engine to listen for low operational noise, and take a short test drive to feel if the braking is smooth without jerking. Don’t forget to check if safety indicators like airbags and ABS display normally. Verify the warranty covers key components, and ensure the invoice and keys are complete. Take some extra time to observe—safety first to avoid risks on the road.

[SanAnderson]

I'm quite knowledgeable about cars, so when taking delivery, I focus on mechanical and electronic details. Open the hood to check if the pipeline connections are secure and the fluid colors are clear without impurities; start the engine to listen for any abnormal noises, rev the throttle to test smooth power output. Test the electronic systems: the center console touchscreen responds quickly without lag, navigation positioning is accurate, and the reversing camera displays clearly. During a short test drive, experience the steering flexibility and brake feedback, paying attention to any abnormal steering wheel vibrations. A quick visual inspection of the chassis shows no signs of oil leaks. For documentation, verify the invoice information is correct, the warranty manual and user manual are complete, and the VIN code matches. Ensure the lights, horn, and wipers are functioning properly—don’t overlook these small details to prevent potential issues.

[ArianaMarie]

When picking up a new car, I prioritize rights protection, and document verification is crucial. First, check that the purchase invoice amount and model specifications are accurate to avoid overcharging or incorrect configurations. Verify that the VIN codes on the windshield and door stickers match. Ensure the warranty manual and vehicle user manual are complete, and clarify maintenance intervals and warranty coverage details. Take a photo of the odometer reading as original evidence. Conduct basic tests on functions like air conditioning and lights to ensure smooth operation. The core principle is to confirm all documents are error-free before signing, and address any questions with the salesperson on the spot. Allocate extra time for thorough review to prevent future disputes and hassles.