New car delivery checklist
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Inspect the vehicle |
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- Examine the exterior for scratches, scrapes, dings, and dents.
Note any disfigurations carefully, and have the dealer repair them
before you take possession; or get a written commitment, signed by an
authorized
manager, describing the work to be done and a date when it will be completed.
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- Confirm that the vehicle is clean inside and out.
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- Check to see that a proper state inspection sticker is
affixed to the windshield.
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- Make sure that headlights, tail lights, parking lights,
and turn signals function properly.
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- Alarm system works properly and can be armed and disarmed
easily.
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- The gas tank should be full.
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- See that all standard accessories are included.
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- Ensure that all accessories purchased
from the dealer have been added.
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- Alarm or other security device
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- Other: __________________
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- The odometer should register no more than a few nominal
miles of use. If there are more than 100 miles showing, it is likely
that the
car was used as a demonstrator or by dealership personnel or family
members for occasional errands. If that is the case, the price should
be reduced
to reflect the car’s used status.
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- Owner’s manual is in glove compartment.
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Take a test drive |
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- Power accessories should function flawlessly
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- Heat/air-conditioner fan motor and settings
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- Steering should be fluid, quiet, and responsive.
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- Transmission should shift smoothly at appropriate RPMs.
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- Ride should be quiet, smooth, and free
of rattles, whines, or excessive engine noise.
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- Braking should be responsive and firm at all speeds. Try slamming
on the brakes to test the anti-locking feature.
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Check
the paperwork |
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- Read every clause of the contract and question anything you
don’t understand.
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- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on
the car should match VIN appearing on the:
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- registration certificate/owner’s card
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- financing or lease agreement.
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- Confirm that the engine size and transmission type are as ordered and
that this information is correctly entered on the contract.
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- Loan document should correctly state the:
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- Purchase price you and the dealer negotiated
(including any dealer-installed options)
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- State sales tax computed at appropriate prevailing
rate
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- Trade-in allowance for your old car
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- Down payment you have made
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- Annual percentage rate of the loan
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- Term of the loan (in months of payments due)
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- Lease document should correctly state the:
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- Capitalized cost (purchase price)
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- Trade-in allowance for your old car
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- Residual value at end of lease term
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- Capitalized cost reduction
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- Term of the lease (in months)
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- Payment book with monthly coupons for loan
reimbursement should accurately reflect the number of payments due.
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- State registration should have your full name, correct address,
and proper identification of the vehicle.
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- Warranty certificate is included, all terms are clear, and is
properly dated for the day you take delivery.
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