Buying a new car is an amazing experience. Whether it is your first car purchase or you are upgrading to an advanced model, it is important to know the details. In the zeal of buying a new four-wheeler, you may miss noticing some factors and regret later.
Hence, if you have a checklist available, you will not miss anything worth noting. This will help avoid costly errors, and a wise use of your hard-earned money can be assured.
Schedule the pick-up at the right time
Choose a time when there is less or no rush in the showroom. You will get more attention from the staff. Mid-week or mid-day usually has fewer crowds, and it is possible to inspect the vehicle properly.
Always avoid night pick-up, as you may miss noticing the surface flaws, paint and upholstery properly. Also, this is the time when some of the important staff members may leave.
Usually, there is a rush to get things finalised. This creates a sort of pressure, which is certainly not good for such a big decision that includes a large amount. Especially, if you are planning to apply for car loans for bad credit in Ireland, be cautious. These loans have higher interest rates as compared to the standard loans available to those with a good credit score.
Don’t forget to bring the right documents
Keeping the right documents with you is vital. This helps avoid delays due to hold-ups because of incomplete documentation. The following are the usual requirements.
- Proof of payment or financing
- Sales agreement / invoice
- Driving license and Photo ID
- Registration papers (in case the vehicle is pre-registered)
- Insurance documents
- Document checklist print out (Car dealer’s or Yours)
Inspect the interiors of the car carefully
Not everything that looks bright outside is always better inside. Besides, this is your last chance to raise your concerns. Once the car is out of the showroom, it belongs to you. In case of a big issue, getting the vehicle changed or repaired can make you do more hard work.
- Check for any marks, stains or tears. The carpet, roof and seats may have some imperfections.
- Test seat functions, warmers and coolers. Reclining, headrests and reclining function.
- Try each window switch.
- Test heating, air conditioning, defoggers.
- Check the infotainment system, see if the touchscreen works.
- Dashboard should be sealed perfectly with no scratches
- Ensure the moon roof or sun roof is working properly
- Check and open the storage bins, glove box and centre console.
Thorough exterior inspection is also needed
First impression is the last. Just like the interior of your car should be functional, the exterior should be attractive. For that, you need to inspect the new car from the outside as well. A smart tip is to take a video while taking a round around the car.
- Inspect all glass to see if there are no cracks or chips.
- Check for dents, scratches or paint mismatches.
- Check under the vehicle for any possible leaks.
- Look at panel alignment, such as boot, bonnet and doors.
- Inspect indicators and lights fog, hazard, front, rear.
- Check tire condition, such as type, air pressure, and tread depth.
- Ensure trims or alloy wheels are not scratched
Verify functions and features
Make sure the functions mentioned in the company brochure are present in the vehicle too. In the case of modern cars, it is vital to check the tech features as the new models are full of tech functions. Don’t hesitate to check everything as you are going to own the same car.
- Reverse camera and parking sensors
- Remote key and central locking function
- Voice commands and Bluetooth connectivity
- Touch screen responsiveness and navigation.
- Reverse camera and parking sensors.
- Headlights and high beams.
- Apple or Android car play functionality.
- Wipers and wash jets.
- Cruise control and lane assist.
Check under the hood
A visual check is required. However, you may not be a mechanic, but using your knowledge is good. Ask required questions.
- Check for loose wiring or leaks.
- Make sure the required level of fluids is met.
- Make sure battery terminals are secure and clean.
- Look at hoses and belts for visible damage
Review all accessories
Whether the accessories are company-installed or added by the dealer, make sure you get everything as per their commitment. After all, you are paying for everything. Cross-check the items using the invoice.
- Floor mats. Front and rear
- Boot, mat or trade?
- Jack and tools.
- Mud flaps
- Spare tire or puncture repair kit
- Charging cables for EVs or Hybrids
- Navigation SIM or SD card,
- Warning triangle.
- First aid kit.
- Owner’s manual and service book.
A test drive is a must
Yes, before you take the final delivery of the car, a test drive is vital. You need to make sure that things are working fine. Investigate any abnormal vibration or noise immediately.
- Drive to a road nearby.
- Check for unusual sounds.
- Test acceleration and deceleration.
- Check brakes, gear shifts, steering, and suspension.
- Ensure instrument cluster functioning is normal.
Ensure valid paperwork
This is actually the most important work you need to do at the end, after you are satisfied with the inspection. Without proper paperwork, you will not be able to claim any issues later. Check every detail twice.
- Name, contact details and address are correct.
- The correct vehicle identification number should match the car
- Warranty terms and service schedule should be there.
- Correct variant model, colour, and engine type as listed.
- Insurance information should be correct.
- Tax and registration details should be accurate.
- The loan instalment schedule should be clear.
- Finance documents properly stamped and signed.
Conclusion
The above checklist is quite important when you decide to pick up your new car. Yes, the work may sound boring and time-consuming, but it is a one-time investment. Do things carefully at the time of delivery, and you will never regret your decision. Later, you will be doing only two things: enjoying the car drive and paying its loan instalments. The need for caution is greater in the case of bad credit car loans. From a smaller amount of 15000 Euro loans with bad credit to millions of Euros, a car loan is available now.
However, the interest rate is high, but customisation as per your repayment capacity makes the deal affordable.
