Pre-Delivery Check list for your NEW car

1. Am i waiting for the NEW car for the last few weeks or months ?
2. Is there anything i should do on the delivery day or even before registration the car

If YES, then this blog is exclusively for you.

As this is the most expensive machine you are buying in your life time, its better to take some precautions before driving away your brand new car. Here are some of the tips.

1. Before Registration:

Once the car is registered in your name, its your liability. So i strongly recommend visiting the dealerships stockyard and inspect your car prior to registration.  Check the car manufacturing month, year, especially when buying in the first quarter of any year. You can ask for the "Form 22" certificate (issued by the manufacturer).

Also check for any repair jobs, body damage. There are always chances for damage to some cars in transit. Also check the tax calculations on the dealership invoice. Many Indian dealerships used to overcharging for RTO lifetime tax.


2. Preparations:

2.1. Fix the date of delivery of your car and better reach the showroom only after the car has been ready. If we have a preference for a particular day / time (for auspicious reasons), inform the sales person.

2.2. Daylight: Its better to accept delivery in daylight, since dents may not be visible in the dark. Also we may not get good service in the evening since dealership agents are in a hurry to wrap the day up.

2.3. Documentation: Take the quotation documents to check whether all accessories that are offered are installed. Also take the advance receipt and remember to deduct that before the final settlement.

2.4. Payments: If any payment formalities are to be completed, take enough cash / credit card.

2.5. Third Person: It’s better to take a relative / friend who owns a similar car for suggestions, observations and comments.

2.6. Memories: Take a camera and remember to take snaps of you big moments.

2.7. Music: Carry a CD to check the working of the stereo.

2.8 Minimum four lemon to put under each the tyre just before the first drive, agarbatti, match box etc.



3. At the Showroom:

3.1 Get a Demo - Its the salesperson's job is to give you a full demo of your brand new car's features and how each one operates. Ask him to demonstrate the car fully, top to bottom, in order to understand how everything works on the vehicle. Get familiarized with switches, wiper operations, AC, Horn, Fuel indications, Hood parts, Stereo, internal lighting, seat adjustments etc

3.2 Visit the Service Department: Meet the Sales Manager and Service manager and also get familiarize with the service center facilities.

4. Final Inspection:

4.1 Inspect the car again: Something can happen between the pre-registration inspection and today. It’s best to walk around the car and confirm that the car is clean. Look for any defects in lights, water in lights, signs of repair work / damage such as paint difference, dents etc. Even the interiors should be super clean.

4.2 Check that all lights and electric accessories are working fine.

4.3 Confirm that all the accessories you are offered/ordered are fitted on the car.

4.4 Check that the spare wheel is fresh. And that all related tools (spanner, jack, jack lever) are present.

4.5 Check Wipers, floor matting, first-aid kit and hazard sign board are present.

4.6. Check the odometer reading. It should be less than 100 km.

4.7. Ensure that there is enough fuel in the car. At least to get you to the nearest petrol pump. Also most showrooms used to give FREE fuel coupon, ask whether they have such an offer.


4.8. If the car is already registered cross check your car's registration number on the R.C. Book, with the number plate.

Documentation:

Read the following paperwork carefully. There are chances for spelling mistakes.

1. Invoice. (Check that the Chassis and Engine number of the car matches with the Invoice).

2. Sales certificate.

3. All payment receipts.

4. Registration book or temporary certificate.

5. Insurance: Mostly they will issue a temporary Insurance if the car is not registered. Ensure that coverage is valid and active.

6. Original Pollution Under Control [PUC] certificate. This is valid for one year.

7. Owners Manual.

8. Duplicate Keys.

9. Original warranty with all relevant dealership stamps.

10. Extended Warranty (If opted for).

11. Warranty of third party items such as battery, tyres etc if available.

12. Roadside assistance Contact details.

13. Business cards of dealership and service personnel.


Don't forget to say Thanks to everyone. Drive Safe. Happy Driving.