Taking Delivery of Your New Vehicle

The wait is over. Your new car is in. Taking delivery is an exciting and emotional event. But don't let your enthusiasm distract you from your purpose: Make sure the vehicle in front of you is the vehicle you bargained for.

Before signing a receipt and paying for a new car or truck, verify that:

• The vehicle you receive is exactly the one you agreed to purchase and that the dealer delivers it on precisely the terms you agreed to;
• The vehicle is in perfect physical and mechanical condition; and
• You completely understand how to operate every system you'll use.

When you placed your order you specified make, model, equipment, options, warranties, and so on. However, due to mistakes, availability, or other factors, you may not get exactly what you ordered. Sometimes options are missing. Sometimes the dealer or manufacturer makes substitutions.

Check your new vehicle against your order, item by item. Don't accept a vehicle that's missing items or features, or on which inferior items have been substituted. You have the right to refuse or to renegotiate a lower price. Also require that the seller specifies in writing all warranties and guarantees represented in your original deal.

Some new vehicles are damaged in manufacturing or transit. Make sure yours wasn't. Inspect every body panel, fascia, trim item, upholstery, plastic parts, carpets, and all other interior surfaces to verify that nothing's damaged or repaired.

Also test-drive your vehicle for at least 15 minutes with a dealership representative to make sure everything's operating and that there are no unexpected noises, vibrations, or odors.

Some new vehicles have been used by dealership employees as demonstrators or for personal use. Make sure yours wasn't. Inspect the odometer: More than 40 or 50 miles should raise questions that deserve answers.

Take time to thoroughly check your vehicle before you take delivery. That way predelivery discrepancies won't become postdelivery headaches.

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