Thread: What do you check on a new car?

Originally Posted by Wilbur

Hi all,

In a couple of weeks I hope to collect my first ever new car, a 2.7 D4. I expect I will have to sign some sort of paper saying that it is in perfect condition as collected.

What sort of things should I be looking for before signing? Also, I live 600 k's from the dealer, so taking it back for little fixes would be a pain.

So any suggestions of what to look for on delivery will be very welcome.

Cheers,

Paul

Hi Paul,
First thing I did when I arrived home after picking up my D4, was check the oil level.
Had a nasty experience about 25 years ago whereas I picked up my new 4WD ute only to find out later that the pre-delivery check wasn't carried out properly, resulting in a new transfer box & I suspect some engine wear (due to very low oil levels). It was all fixed under warranty, but was a pain to have to go through.
Cheers, Craig

Originally Posted by Disco4SE

Hi Paul,
First thing I did when I arrived home after picking up my D4, was check the oil level.
Had a nasty experience about 25 years ago whereas I picked up my new 4WD ute only to find out later that the pre-delivery check wasn't carried out properly, resulting in a new transfer box & I suspect some engine wear (due to very low oil levels). It was all fixed under warranty, but was a pain to have to go through.
Cheers, Craig

Ouch!! That's nasty, hard to conceive how anyone could be so slack about a pre-delivery. Thanks, I will check everything I can before I head for home.

Cheers,

Paul

There was a test procedure for D3's around somewhere,,
Driving off the boat's gotta be a good start!

Sounds like your D4 is on the same boat as mine....can't wait

cheers
Lucas
Nearly a D4 owner

Originally Posted by irondoc

Sounds like your D4 is on the same boat as mine....can't wait

cheers
Lucas
Nearly a D4 owner

Likewise, it's a long impatient wait!! Won't be long now......

Looking forward to comparing notes.

Cheers,

Paul

I think I would check the wheel nuts, to ensure that they are tight. While at it, look at the wheel brace with the view of is it good/strong enough? Then raise the jack to make sure that it raises the vehicle sufficiently, bearing in mind that if you have to use it, the vehicle could be on a slight camber on the road or on an angle. Possibly a bigger slope but you can not have a massive jack just in case.
Look at the fuel gauge. One car I puchased I am sure had enough fuel to just make it to the first service station.
Have champagne at home being chilled for when you arrive home.

Originally Posted by Dahai

................
Have champagne at home being chilled for when you arrive home.

Now you're talking! Can't believe I hadn't thought of that, but I hadn't!

My main concern was really what I should check on the car before signing off on it as being in good condition and driving away.

Has anyone had any problems from the start? For me it is a 600 kilometre trip back if I find anything wrong when I get home.

Paul, a couple of other things (from experience).
Spare keys and check that the service books etc are in the glovebox.
Cheers, Craig