Crucial things to check before taking delivery of a new car

Taking delivery of a new car is easily the most exciting part of the whole buying process, but it’s also the time when you need to be extra careful. Inspection at the dealership is important before taking delivery, as it allows buyers to identify issues before the vehicle is handed over and registered. Problems overlooked at this stage can be harder to address later. It is advised to carry out a detailed pre-delivery check, including examining the exterior for damage, ensuring the interior is free of defects, and testing all features and electronics. Buyers should also verify documents, accessories, and essentials such as the spare wheel and toolkit to ensure the car is delivered as expected.

Here are the simple tips

A thorough inspection before delivery is essential to ensure the new car is free from defects and matches the promised specifications, as issues identified later can be harder to resolve after registration. Buyers should begin with an exterior check in natural light, examining the paintwork for scratches, dents, uneven finish and inconsistent panel gaps, while also inspecting bumpers, door edges, roof, boot area and all glass surfaces. All exterior lights should be checked for damage or moisture.

The tyres and wheels should be verified for condition, specification and manufacturing date, along with checking for any damage to alloys or covers. The spare wheel, jack and toolkit must also be present and in proper condition. Inside, the cabin should be inspected for seat condition, upholstery quality and proper fitment of panels and trims. All storage areas, buttons and switches should be checked for smooth operation.


Electronic systems should be tested by turning on the ignition and checking the infotainment system, connectivity, audio, power windows, mirrors, sunroof and air conditioning. The instrument cluster should be monitored for any warning lights. All exterior lighting, including headlamps, DRLs, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights and fog lamps, should be verified for proper function and consistency.

Under the bonnet, buyers should look for visible issues such as leaks or loose wiring and confirm that fluid levels and battery condition are as expected. The odometer reading should be low, typically under 50 km, with any higher figure clarified with the dealer. The VIN must match the vehicle documents, and all paperwork, including invoice, insurance, registration and warranty details, should be checked for accuracy.

Accessories and features should be verified against the booking details to ensure nothing is missing, while the boot area should be inspected for proper finish, spare wheel, toolkit and functional lighting. Addressing issues at the dealership stage helps avoid complications later, and a brief but careful inspection before handover can ensure the vehicle is delivered in the expected condition.