A car showroom or a salesman may try to fool you into buying a defective car or selling something unnecessary. We are here to help you with how to inspect a new car before buying. Here is a list of all car accessories which you should install in your new car to protect and get the most out of it.
What to inspect in a new car?
You are paying a hefty hard-earned amount to own a car. And it is your right and responsibility to check the car properly before making full payment. There’s a separate guide for inspecting a used car but some points are common. Here’s how you should check a car before buying:
For new cars:
These are some of the tips for inspecting a new car:
Ask the VIN and chassis number beforehand
Many cars will be in store in the godown of the dealer. If you are booking a car and the showroom says it is available in their storeroom then ask for the VIN and chassis number. From these two you can figure out how old the car is.
For example, if the car is sitting there for about 6 months then you can ask for a discount as compared to a car of 1-month storing period.
You should know that it is advised to properly inspect a car if it is sitting in the dealer’s stock for about 10-11 months. And if your order is in waiting then you don’t need to worry as it will be new and you won’t be able to get the VIN and Chassis number beforehand in this case.
But when you get the delivery of a car which was in the waiting period, enquire about the VIN and chassis number and tell him you won’t purchase a car more than 3 months old as it should be newer if it was in waiting period.
Printed and signed booking deal
When you are booking a car and striking a deal, you should ask the dealer to mention all of those in the booking forms and sign it. They may refuse some deals later as verbal talks are useless.
Check for any signs of damage, dents and scratches
Before finalizing your car, check the exterior of the car properly as once sold, you cannot easily repair a scratch or dent like new. So, check everything when you have the chance. Take your own sweet time and check the exterior.
Check the corners properly for any repaints. Also, make sure they properly give you a polished car.
Exhaust smoke colour
Start the engine of the car and look at the exhaust. You shouldn’t be able to see the smoke. Seeing the smoke means it is not colourless and the engine is defective. A colourless smoke is healthy and no new car should emit any kind of coloured smoke.
Even for inspecting a used car, this point is immensely important. If your car is giving white or black smoke, then it may fail a fitness or pollution test and it will be rendered useless.
Interior inspection
Many dealers use new cars as demo cars by disconnecting the odometer. Don’t forget to check the seats and steering wheel for stains. A stained seat means it has been used for some time for test drives or who knows why.
In that case, complain to the owner and ask to get everything cleaned and ask for discounts for trying to cheat you.
Take a test drive
Finally, take the car for a test drive. If you don’t know how to drive properly then take an expert driver along with you and see if the car runs properly. Check the gears properly, and check the AC function and braking performance.
Listen to the noises properly. Many cars will have some engine noise coming inside the cabin. That’s fine. But if you hear something abnormal then be aware. Also, there should be no rattling sound. A rattling sound can indicate a broken or loose part.
Check all the functions like headlights, wiper and parking lights properly. Check out all the lights, even the cabin light.
Before buying any used car, you should always test drive it. And if possible take a mechanic along with you to inspect the car.
Check the mileage (odometer) of the car
This is a very important step. Although a dealer may disconnect the odometer wire and use the car, still it is better to check the odometer reading. The odometer reading can be a few kilometres as they need to drive some distance for bringing the car inside the showroom etc. but it should never be more than 100 km.
Accessories
Ensure all the accessories which were promised are present. If you had to deal with floor mats, check if they are present or not. Chrome garnishing on the side view mirrors and bumpers may also be included in your offer. So, check all of that.
Many dealers will try to skip some accessories to save some bucks. Some dealers may also give some cheap accessories and keep the original and costlier promised ones. Inspect everything properly.
These tips will ensure that you get a healthy new or used car and won’t get cheated. Make a checklist of these points and act accordingly. You can install accessories for car exterior which will provide a different look to your car and also protect it.
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