Purchasing a brand-new car is not an easy and overnight task as it requires your time, mind, efforts, research, and more research. You are well aware that a car is an essential asset for your daily lifestyle, therefore ensuring a risk-free process and an impeccable car in your garage means satisfaction of two (02) to three (03) years unless you decide to have another vehicle. Researching about the car you want and negotiating till you get the best deal is imperative too, but the due diligence on your car’s delivery or pre-registration check is when you’ll have to activate your Spidey Senses more than ever. Once it’s registered on your name, even though you discover a flaw in the car seconds after, it is unlikely that the dealer would replace it.
Although a new car appears flawless when you look at its exterior, engine, or interior, but that’s not all the factors you need to assure. If you are past the research and selection part, here’s a handy checklist before signing your registration documents.
Features and Budget Harmony
Even if you have selected your car after a thorough research, verify again that the model you selected includes all the features you wanted and the expenses, in the end, are in accord with the budget you decided. It’s essential to reassure with a salesperson, as he’ll guide you about the different functions and options of the car, that your budget and car’s features go along with each other so that you can proceed further without looking back at other brands, models, or trims.
Car Inspection
Now that you are 100% sure about your new vehicle, it’s time to inspect it from top to bottom. The best time to examine every inch of your car is in broad daylight. Remember, inspecting a new car doesn’t mean skimming through the exterior and looking at the tires. You have to conduct a complete examination with a professional and trusted mechanic. Your mechanic will then inspect the engine, interior, exterior, fluids, electronics, and all the meters through and through. Buying a car is an investment, hence take your time and note down any faults you or your mechanic witnesses. Just so you can ensure the process yourself or that your mechanic is doing it right, here’s what you’ll need to look into;
- Exterior
Check the bodywork for the tiniest details of seams, scratches, dents, and panel gaps consistency. Also, take a look at the paintwork and verify that all the lights are working. Keep an eye open for cracks near rubber seals, and check the tires for any sort of wear and tear. New tires have colored stripes in the middle that erode over time.
- Interior
In the interior, you’ll need to make sure there are no stains, moisture, and ripping in the fabric, mats, seats, or scratches on windows, windshield, or in the interior anywhere. Check the spare tire(s) and other tools that come with the vehicle.
- Engine
To inspect your engine, open the bonnet and examine all the fluid levels, wiring, and connections for cuts or splits. Also, start the engine and check its temperature and emission level from the exhaust as well. Check the health of the battery and ask the dealer to conduct a battery test if necessary.
Test Drive
Now that your car is overall inspected, it’s time for you to go for a test drive to experience, examine, and feel the performance and functions yourself. While you are driving, test the air conditioning, sound system, and the handling of your car at around 70 km/h (or at any high speed) to ensure it is running smooth and aligned without any unusual vibrations or sounds from the engine or suspension system. Shift gears and see if they switch properly enough and that your vehicle is picking up acceleration decently. Apart from them, test any new functions/options your car has and are working properly.
Complete Documentation
Last but not the least, once you are satisfied with your car after a detailed inspection, proceed to paperwork where you’ll have to be extra cautious. Make sure every detail you provide is exact, mainly your name and basic info are error-free in the documents. Certify that your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), chassis number, and engine number match the documents given by the dealer. Besides, get all the documents proofread by a person who is well aware of automobiles and all the legalities related.
Once after ensuring all the factors mentioned above are met, now you can sign all the documents and complete the registration process as soon as you wish to sit in the driving seat.
