Buying a new car is an exciting process which usually has you waiting with bated breath. Quite understandably, in the excitement of acquiring the keys to a new set of wheels, buyers tend to rush through the sign-off process. Most buyers tend to forget that before leaving the showroom with your new car, it is important to inspect the car thoroughly and ensure that the exteriors and interiors are devoid of any damage.
Often, a new car could get damaged while it is being transported from the manufacturer’s factory to the dealer’s stockyard. And it is not uncommon for some dealers to use new vehicles as ‘demo cars’ by disconnecting the odometer, causing some amount of wear and tear. Not to forget, manufacturing defects.
The exhaust should not emit any smoke at start up.
Additionally, although we believe that the showroom is selling us a recently manufactured car, the reality could be different. A new car could have been lying parked in the stockyard for months and exposure to the elements could have taken a toll. With so many things that could go wrong, it is vital to conduct a pre-delivery inspection. The important bit is that the car must be checked and cleared from your end before the dealership registers it in your name. We have briefly listed the different checks that you need to perform before taking delivery.
Before closing the deal with the salesperson at the showroom, give them a written statement and also send a mail stating that an invoice should not be made in your name until you complete the pre-delivery inspection. Make it clear that you will conduct a detailed examination of the car in daylight hours. Ensure that the dealership gives you sufficient time to complete the inspection.
It is advisable to take along a friend or a relative for the pre-delivery inspection. An additional set of eyes always comes in handy and can help you spot any anomaly. If you can, take along your trusted car mechanic. He is likely to do a better job of gauging the condition of the car and will easily point out any dodgy areas like repainted panels.
Check the exteriors thoroughly for any signs of damage like dents, scrapes or dimples.
Start by inspecting the exterior of the car. Walk around it slowly while carefully checking all the body panels especially the bumpers and along the sides of the car. Look out for any disfigurations on the bodywork like ripples, dimples, dings, scrapes or dents. Check for any symptoms of re-painting around the corners which could indicate that a repair job has been carried out in haste. Ask the salesperson if the car suffered any damage during transit and if it has been repaired. The showroom will obviously try to conceal this information and reveal it only if you ask them about it. If you notice any bodywork damage, then bring it to the dealer’s notice. Get a written confirmation from the dealer about the same and that they will be repaired before the car gets delivered to you. If it is too badly damaged, replace it.
