How do you inspect the car diplomatically with a fine toothcomb at time of picking up car from dealer without insulting the dealership and embarrassing yourself?

 

Don't worry about insulting the dealer. He is getting tons of your money! Check it out thoroughly. Don't embarrass yourself though.

 

If you have a good dealer he already has inspected it with a fine tooth comb. Mine took it outside and said check it over carefully.

 

Take a friend with a keen eye, inspect it, drive it, test EVERYTHING. You do not have to be diplomatic about it.

 

I agree. Don't be ashamed to inspect $30,000 worth of work. It's your money, and you should be happy with the product you're buying. The dealer should be chomping at the bit to ensure you're happy with their product as well. It's not a waste of their time.

 

you can refuse delivery, if it is not right.. It is your money!

 

Show up early and plan to spend lots of time. They will want to explain every knob and button, so have a big breakfast/lunch before you go to the dealer.

 

I would suggest you don't go at night. When I picked up my car it was at night and I didn't see a pucker in the leather in the right rear seatback. Check the entire body for any dents or scratches (it could happen). Look at all the leather surfaces, carpeting, dash, controls, and trim pieces. If there are any problems you can refuse to take delivery of the car. If your dealer is good, they will take care of any problems you may find.

 

make a checklist of everything you want to check out - paint, leather, knobs, buttons, etc. Maybe also have someone else help you look for problems

 

Mine too, and she was on hand to make sure I was completely satisfied. And I do mean, completely!:p

 

I inspected and drove mine first as well. Like others said....it's a lot of money you're taking a depreciation hit on as soon as you take delivery!

By the way, Nicki, after all your trouble with screwy delivery dates, I'm glad you're finally picking up your car!

 

I am kinda the other way. I will take a close look at any obvious things that do not look right, but if it is small and you can not see it with a 10 to 15 minute look, it is not that big a deal. And, the dealer will fix things that are not right under warrenty. It might be a hassle to bring in, but will you not take deliver if you see one or two small things wrong with the car? I doubt it.

 

Formula 350, I agree. I'd rahter have the damned thing in my driveway and schedule the coreection of small stuff rather than not take delivery because of a missing clip or floor mat.

 

thanks for all the advice everyone :-)
its not in yet they said mid december just preparing myself for that 6MT. If they change the date on me again i may get another car. any suggestions which one?

 

I inspect each car I get from bumper to bumper inside and out. When I got my '99 STS, the dealer's jaw hit the floor when I got down on my hands and knees to inspect the paint. It takes me about an hour to inspect a car. It took me 1.75 hours to inspect our '03 MPV (all that interior space).

 

Again, I am not suggesting that you do not inspect the car. I know someone who was a car salesman and one car he delivered had been wrecked. They fixed it prior to delivery, but it was not new (in my opinion). You will point out the MINOR flaws you see to the dealership so they are aware of them when you bring it in to fix. You only REFUSE delivery if there is a major problem, like fluids draining from all system or a white hood on a black car . A missing clip or floor mat or mud guard would not have me stop delivery.

But then again, I am still waiting on a delivery date!!!:banghead:

 

Depends on the person. My TL had two "flaws" on it when I got it. There was a bubble in the fuel door, and a small bubble on the trunk. They took care of both before I left. Always get a "We Owe" BEFORE you leave for stuff like this.

 

I am expecting to take delivery this week. Is it necessary to test drive the car before you take delivery? Do they even let you do this? I am sure the car will be fine, but after all, it is a pretty big investment and I just want to protect myself. Any input is appreciated.