New Car Pickup Preparation

kavinfrost on 06/10/2020 - 23:51

Hey guys, previously you helped me with my car buying now time has come to pick it up from the dealer.

I am wondering if you please help me again with preparation so the deal will be smooth.

My understanding is before signing the document I would need to check below for any defects:

  • A visual inspection of the paintwork — no scratches, no swirls, no patchy patches.
  • Ensure the panels are all aligned and blemish-free.
  • Inspect the windshield and window glass for cracks or chips.
  • Check all the lights – interior and exterior.
  • Check all the controls work – like windscreen wipers, demisters, radio, air-con etc.
  • Check under the bonnet and ensure all fluids are topped up.
  • Check the fuel tank is full.
  • Car Kilometres should be under 100km
  • Verify the build year

Is there any other consideration you guys can recommend?

Thanks again and I will appreciate your response.

Automotive

Comments

  • Hybroid on 07/10/2020 - 00:05
    +7

    Is it a RAV4??

    If so, check out Toyota's guide: https://www.toyota.com.au/buyers-guide/ready-to-collect

    • kavinfrost on 07/10/2020 - 00:10

      Yes, it is Rav4. Thanks for sharing the link.

      • websterp on 07/10/2020 - 09:32
        +7

        You forgot the most important check then - Roof rack compatibility.

  • SF3 on 07/10/2020 - 00:34
    +6

    Buy your comprehensive insurance (if you already planned to do so) before you drive the car out of the dealership.

    • kerfuffle on 07/10/2020 - 04:37

      This!

    • Danstar on 07/10/2020 - 06:41
      -8

      They won't let you drive it out unless you show them your insurance for the new car.

      (That's what happened when I bought my last new car years ago anyway, I'm assuming it's the same with every dealer)

      • Muzeeb on 07/10/2020 - 06:48
        +12

        Lol. You must have financed the car. The dealership don't give a sh!t.

        • Euphemistic on 07/10/2020 - 06:54

          And must have financed at the dealer.

      • apsilon on 07/10/2020 - 07:03
        +8

        I've bought a lot of cars, for myself as well as family and friends, and not once have I had anyone ask let alone check my insurance.

        Odds are fuel tank won't be full unless you negotiated that as part of the deal. Similarly if there were any accessories thrown in there's a good chance of them being missing and when pointed out they'll say "oh those will be fitted at the first service".

        Take someone with you if possible, more eyes are better, especially someone who isn't as invested. Take a torch so you can more easily see the darker areas of the interior etc. Scuffs are common. IMO km at delivery (unless you've had paint "protection", tint etc applied) should be under 25km, not 100. Most I've ever had on a car was 18km.

        Personally I take a paint thickness gauge, a quick check for consistency is a good way of determining if there's been a repair (damage in transit does occur) or if they've buffed a particular area very thin (trying to remove damage/marks from bird droppings etc). Otherwise your list is pretty good. Take your time and don't let them rush you but also have the courtesy of telling them you intend to spend some time to go over it. On weekends they frequently have several cars to deliver.

        • Muzeeb on 07/10/2020 - 07:22
          +3

          I've never seen or heard of someone checking the transmission fluid levels on pick up day.

          • apsilon on 07/10/2020 - 07:30
            +1

            @Muzeeb: I would if it had a dipstick. Most are sealed units now or require you to check the level via the fill plug so isn't practical anymore. Personally I've never found a mechanical issue at collection, just cosmetic issues, but it doesn't take long to check at least the basics.

            • DoctorCalculon on 07/10/2020 - 23:15
              +1

              @apsilon: What would you do if you find a cosmetic issue, or a tiny dent, or even if the delivery km was sitting around 70km?
              Would you walk away from the deal and forfeit your deposit?

              • apsilon on 09/10/2020 - 06:32
                +3

                @DoctorCalculon: I've refused delivery for two vehicles due to cosmetic damage (one interior, one exterior). I got my deposit back in both cases. It does depend on how fussy you are though. In the case of interior damage the only way it could be fixed was by replacing the panel and then you run the risk of rattles etc if they don't change out the clips. The dealer actually wasn't interested in doing that anyway. The other had a large scratch across the front bar that wasn't there two days earlier when I first checked the car so was done during pre delivery. They were very apologetic. Again an easy repair but it does effect resale so I walked.

                I'd do the same for km. As I said, I've never had one over 18km and have had as low as 6km so I've never actually come across it. I never get tint etc through the dealer so there's no reason for it to be higher unless it's been used for test drives at which point it's not new. Depending on what it was and who it was for I'd try to negotiate on this first.

        • kavinfrost on 08/10/2020 - 21:44

          @apsilon Thanks mate, appreciate your suggestion. Just a thought if the car km is over 100 what are my rights, can I reject the deal/car?

          • apsilon on 09/10/2020 - 06:37
            +1

            @kavinfrost: I'm not sure about rights but I'd certainly be questioning it. If they say it's normal ask to be taken to their holding yard and shown the km on several vehicles. If it's normal they'll all be around the same. Use it as a bargaining point if it doesn't bother you too much. As I mentioned you do have to make allowance for anything you've asked to be done to the car as it'll get driven around to those businesses but if it's just on and off the RORO and the truck then there's zero reason it should have anywhere near 100km.

    • kavinfrost on 08/10/2020 - 21:32

      @SF3Thanks mate, yeah that I might do it on the day as I haven't been provided the name plate yet.

  • PissLUR on 07/10/2020 - 01:13

    Insurance.

  • iforgotmysocks on 07/10/2020 - 06:20
    +1

    Collect your branded dealer and/or manufacturer branded merchandise. Leave in cupboard for 3 years, or use once and throw it out as it's broken (your choice)

    • DoctorCalculon on 07/10/2020 - 23:18

      I took the dealer branded registration plate holders out immediately.
      Rest of the world doesn't need to know where I bought my car from, and besides no stealerships deserve free advertising.

  • Muzeeb on 07/10/2020 - 06:50
    +1

    You have already paid for 90% of this list in your $1500 delivery fee. Just chill and enjoy your new car. Ohhh, and get insurance and a dashcam.

    When WA wakes up I'm sure spackbace will tell us about his strangest hand over experience.

    • robberbutton on 07/10/2020 - 12:57
      +2

      You have already paid for 90% of this list in your $1500 delivery fee. Just chill and enjoy your new car.

      A car salesman is the last person I'd trust to not try and hide something dodgy on my expensive new car. Absolutely checking everything myself. Twice.

      • Muzeeb on 07/10/2020 - 13:57

        Your going to check coolant and oil levels as per above on delivery day. Then do it all over again. C'mon give me a break.

  • thatonethere on 07/10/2020 - 08:02
    +1

    If you have ordered extra items make sure your bill of sale has them itemised and then check them all off.

    • kavinfrost on 08/10/2020 - 21:34

      thanks mate, on my list now. Cheers.

  • Austaurean on 07/10/2020 - 08:24
    +2

    as an ex car guy, there are some interesting ones… though mostly are straight forward.
    definitely check the build and model year matches what you ordered.

    you will be lucky to have 1/3 to 1/2 in the tank, petrol is still a cost to the business.
    by the time you take into cars getting on and off boats, trucks, to and from the detailer for its initial cleanup, then into the workshop for its pre-delivery and accessory fitment, the klm's can add up.

    I once bought a new car years before being in the industry and it was delivered with 26klm on it, it had been ordered in, although possibly from another dealer interstate. Its also not unusual for quite a bit more, particularly if you bought one that is already on the floor, as even though its not a demo, some cars can be driven on a dealer plate for test drives…

    The front screen also should be checked from inside looking out, as the new car I bought years ago had a 'wobble' in the glass along its length, and while you couldn't see it immediately, once you saw it, there was no unseeing it… right at my viewing height too so it was very annoying, I finally had it replaced under warranty.

    Everything does get checked at its pre-delivery service, and we in sales (when I was in the industry) would also do a visual check as soon as it was released to us and checked things like cleanliness inside and out any marks or dents etc, that the radio worked and is tuned in, that all accessories were on the car, and if not, why not and get them on if we could prior to delivery. We would have a checklist which we had to complete and sign off on. Its damn embarrassing when something isn't right.
    When there were lots of deliveries or the onsite new car detailer (yardie) was off, we the sales guys would prep the car for delivery, i.e. wash, dry, clean it inside and out etc

    • kavinfrost on 08/10/2020 - 21:35

      Thanks mate for sharing. Cheers.

  • Sterio on 07/10/2020 - 08:26
    +6

    Good luck in not having swirl marks on the paintwork.

    99% of new cars have swirl marks due to the incompetence of the dealers detailers. They don’t change their pads / applicators regularly. This is not limited to your Toyota’s, Hyundai’s etc but extends to high end luxury cars. You are better off taking delivery of the car in an unprepped state, negotiating a reduction in the dealer delivery fee and getting it done yourself by someone who is a bit more professional in car detailing.

    Definitely check the build date of the vehicle, not the compliance date. Hopefully your contract stipulated a 2020 build vehicle.

    Lastly, enjoy your new vehicle.

  • dirtybigbjelke on 07/10/2020 - 08:54
    +1

    Check the interior for cleanliness the truck drives can put their big greasy hands on the interior

  • 87percent on 07/10/2020 - 09:36

    if you're getting a Toyota, ask for one of their golf umbrellas

    • SBOB on 07/10/2020 - 09:42
      +8

      And if you're getting a VW, ask for one of their Camry umbrellas….

  • Hithere on 07/10/2020 - 09:38
    +2

    Don't forget to check out the Ming Moll.

  • dasher86 on 07/10/2020 - 09:45
    +5

    don't forget to rip off any dealer advertising on your vehicle before leaving the lot and handing it back to them.

    • Muzeeb on 07/10/2020 - 10:30
      +1

      Why do people keep dealership number plate surrounds on their car?

      Everyone reading this… Please do me favour and remove them this weekend. Cheers

      • skid on 07/10/2020 - 10:44

        I want to, but it's stuck on. Thought about painting over it or plastidip. Any better ideas?

        • netjock on 07/10/2020 - 11:16
          +1

          scratch off letters to rename them a funny name if you can.

        • Muzeeb on 07/10/2020 - 11:39
          +1

          Buy new plates. It's worth it. What's your PayPal? I'll transfer the funds for new plates.

      • Hithere on 07/10/2020 - 12:29
        +5

        I had a new set of number plate surrounds waiting in my shed before I even took delivery of my new car.

        If the dealership wants me to advertise them they'll have to pay me first.

        • DoctorCalculon on 07/10/2020 - 23:23

          If the dealership wants me to advertise them they'll have to pay me first.

          Well said.

    • SF3 on 07/10/2020 - 10:45

      maybe ask/swap of dealership umbrella that you can hide in boot/rear of car, at least it is useful on a rainy day :D.

    • apsilon on 07/10/2020 - 11:28

      You should be instructing them not to put them on in the first place. If they've still put them on tell them they need remove them before you can accept delivery.

    • robberbutton on 07/10/2020 - 12:59
      +1

      These annoying dealership license plates NSW has been offering the last few years make this impossible without replacing the plates.

      Funnily enough, when I bought my 2nd hand bike, the dealer I bought it from had used white-out over the original dealer's logo on the license plate!

    • Elppa8 on 07/10/2020 - 13:59

      I had to take my front plate surround off as it was causing misreads on carpark number plate recognition at shopping centres

  • greencomet on 07/10/2020 - 10:05
    +1

    Yeah, be sure to check inside and outside thoroughly. My sisters car had a very clean cut on the back seat about 5cm long, you couldn't see it until you pushed down on the seat and the fabric spread open where the cut was. I assume they'd accidently hit it with a razor blade when removing the plastic. Also our car had a paint blemish inside one of the door jambs which had to get fixed up.

    • DoctorCalculon on 07/10/2020 - 23:27

      I assume they'd accidently hit it with a razor blade when removing the plastic.

      Geez! So, the unscrupulous stealership sold it like that to your sister without even mentioning it before/during the handover?

  • Marcsie on 07/10/2020 - 10:18
    +1

    For me, the most important part is get a comprehensive insurance cover before pick up the brand new car :)

  • twww on 07/10/2020 - 11:18
    +2

    Make sure you got all the things you had agreed to.

    Imagine coming to pick up the new car and a feature is missing! Example: auto tail gate.

    It does happen.

  • nephilim on 07/10/2020 - 11:23
    +1

    Check for nail scratches on front door handle areas, be surprised how many new cars are already pretty scratched up by sales ladys.

  • Willco88 on 07/10/2020 - 23:19

    Check for any unwanted DNA

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