Main Areas to Inspect During Delivery?

[XLTMAV]

Hello MTC,

After 606 days from order submission, the Ford Order Tracker shows the vehicle is in final preparation at the dealership. What are some of the main areas that I should thoroughly inspect or review before finalizing the transaction? I am ready regarding the financing, insurance, rebates, etc., but never inspected a new vehicle.

I appreciate any insight!

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[OleFordGuy]

some of might be overkill IMO but this might help. Definitely check for scratches etc inside and out, matches what you ordered.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rior-to-leaving-dealership.31458/#post-573479

 

[WildHorse]

I just grapped the key and got into the driver seat. Then I didn't know how to started the engine: after not driving a newer car for ten years, I didn't know there had been the push-button start. That's the only thing I went back to office and asked the salesman.

 

[bbhaag]

Make sure the VIN matches the one you received from Ford. This insures that the vehicle you ordered is the same.

Beyond that just look for any blemishes on the exterior and interior. Make sure everything works like lights, power seats, power mirrors, heated seat, AC, defrost, infotainment, ect....I think you get the idea. Then take it for a 20-30 minute test drive to ensure the powertrain is functioning properly.

The one thing NOT to do is get wrapped up in the excitement of getting a new vehicle and just forgo all the things I just mentioned. You're putting down some serious cash and this is a big purchase so just take your time and go over everything.

If it all checks out then complete the purchase.

 

[Billkowski]

For me I wished I had checked the glass better, had a scuff mark on the drivers window and I thought it was just dirt and it was a couple of days later after I drove it home(2 hours away) that I discovered it wasn't dirt. Dealership was not eager to assist at that point.

 

[XLTMAV]

some of might be overkill IMO but this might help. Definitely check for scratches etc inside and out, matches what you ordered.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rior-to-leaving-dealership.31458/#post-573479

Thank you!

 

[XLTMAV]

Make sure the VIN matches the one you received from Ford. This insures that the vehicle you ordered is the same.

Beyond that just look for any blemishes on the exterior and interior. Make sure everything works like lights, power seats, power mirrors, heated seat, AC, defrost, infotainment, ect....I think you get the idea. Then take it for a 20-30 minute test drive to ensure the powertrain is functioning properly.

The one thing NOT to do is get wrapped up in the excitement of getting a new vehicle and just forgo all the things I just mentioned. You're putting down some serious cash and this is a big purchase so just take your time and go over everything.

If it all checks out then complete the purchase.

Great suggestions!

Thank you!

 

[XLTMAV]

For me I wished I had checked the glass better, had a scuff mark on the drivers window and I thought it was just dirt and it was a couple of days later after I drove it home(2 hours away) that I discovered it wasn't dirt. Dealership was not eager to assist at that point.

Will do, thank you!

 

[lajlmt]

I just grapped the key and got into the driver seat. Then I didn't know how to started the engine: after not driving a newer car for ten years, I didn't know there had been the push-button start. That's the only thing I went back to office and asked the salesman.

I’m going from push button back to key, why FoMoCo why??????

 

[Montana]

Body damage and parts alignment. Like, the cut and alignment of the hood and such. Make sure gaps are not crazy on one side and non existent on the other... Blemishes, scratches, paint chips, even windshield dings. Usually a dealer will disclose anything they find up front but not all dealers are created equal and most are not going to document every single little scratch - but you should, as much as you can anyways.

But most of that kind of stuff you notice later on like during your first couple washes. A good dealer will take care of you after the fact.

I try to keep it simple but I write out a checklist that starts me at the front, works to the back, inspecting under (just a quick visual inspection), wheels and tires, then under the hood (I check things like the date on the battery and fluid levels), then inside for blemishes and such. Most the little stuff you won't catch right away, but having a checklist written down is nothing to be embarrassed about. You have plenty of time to organize your thoughts and initial walkthrough when ordering lol... plan ahead.

Then the functions checks - lights, blinkers, A/C, heated elements (put the heated mirrors on and check them in about a minute with the back of your hand, assuming it's not already 120 degrees outside lol), your infotainment center, the gauge cluster menu. Just give it all a good initial check - volume, crank it. Don't be shy, they are used to it. Audio is a big selling point to a lot of people. Lift up the seats, put the seats down. Play with the controls. Cycle the drive modes and gears - then drive it like you stole it.

Seriously. Don't baby it. You will baby it for the first 500 or so after the initial check. If it doesn't shift properly or something doesn't feel right, you want to know early. Don't take their pre-planned route unless it's a good one that mimics your normal commute (up hills, stop and go, highway etc etc). I always deny them the passenger seat. They don't need to ride along. Your insurance should cover it and theirs should too. Don't take it personal if they deny, just tell them up front you have a pre-planned route you want to take.

I personally don't let them touch it aside form their initial required inspection. No dealer scratch rags and overspray on the thick tire shine... I'll clean it myself. Vacuum and all. Just please, no. I'm going to detail it anyways.

If your state does not require a front license plate, advise them you don't want the bracket. You don't need their stickers, mud flaps, and emblems unless they are paying you to market for them. Say no to that crap too. They shouldn't take that personal either, most people remove it anyways.

Totally agree with @bbhaag on this one. Very easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and sometimes knowing the process can take a while, all day or half the day, you may want to play the nice guy and humor the dealer. Trust me, they are used to people giving thorough inspections - they won't take it personal if you take your time.

I say keep it simple.. then I write a book. Seriously though, start a checklist and organize it. Bring your water bottle and a snack maybe even offer them lunch if they are good people

 

[XLTMAV]

I’m going from push button back to key, why FoMoCo why??????

Me too!

 

[lajlmt]

Me too!

So are we ordering Lariats July 17th

 

[XLTMAV]

Body damage and parts alignment. Like, the cut and alignment of the hood and such. Make sure gaps are not crazy on one side and non existent on the other... Blemishes, scratches, paint chips, even windshield dings. Usually a dealer will disclose anything they find up front but not all dealers are created equal and most are not going to document every single little scratch - but you should, as much as you can anyways.

But most of that kind of stuff you notice later on like during your first couple washes. A good dealer will take care of you after the fact.

I try to keep it simple but I write out a checklist that starts me at the front, works to the back, inspecting under (just a quick visual inspection), wheels and tires, then under the hood (I check things like the date on the battery and fluid levels), then inside for blemishes and such. Most the little stuff you won't catch right away, but having a checklist written down is nothing to be embarrassed about. You have plenty of time to organize your thoughts and initial walkthrough when ordering lol... plan ahead.

Then the functions checks - lights, blinkers, A/C, heated elements (put the heated mirrors on and check them in about a minute with the back of your hand, assuming it's not already 120 degrees outside lol), your infotainment center, the gauge cluster menu. Just give it all a good initial check - volume, crank it. Don't be shy, they are used to it. Audio is a big selling point to a lot of people. Lift up the seats, put the seats down. Play with the controls. Cycle the drive modes and gears - then drive it like you stole it.

Seriously. Don't baby it. You will baby it for the first 500 or so after the initial check. If it doesn't shift properly or something doesn't feel right, you want to know early. Don't take their pre-planned route unless it's a good one that mimics your normal commute (up hills, stop and go, highway etc etc). I always deny them the passenger seat. They don't need to ride along. Your insurance should cover it and theirs should too. Don't take it personal if they deny, just tell them up front you have a pre-planned route you want to take.

Totally agree with @bbhaag on this one. Very easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and sometimes knowing the process can take a while, all day or half the day, you may want to play the nice guy and humor the dealer. Trust me, they are used to people giving thorough inspections - they won't take it personal if you take your time.

I personally don't let them touch it aside form their initial required inspection. No dealer scratch rags and overspray on the thick tire shine... I'll clean it myself. Vacuum and all. Just please, no. I'm going to detail it anyways.

If your state does not require a front license plate, advise them you don't want the bracket. You don't need their stickers, mud flaps, and emblems unless they are paying you to market for them. Say no to that crap too. They shouldn't take that personal either, most people remove it anyways.

I say keep it simple.. then I write a book. Seriously though, start a checklist and organize it. Bring your water bottle and a snack maybe even offer them lunch if they are good people

This excellent and thorough advice!

Thank you!

 

[XLTMAV]

So are we ordering Lariats July 17th

Too poor for a Lariat. Lol

The Corolla Hatchback came with it and it cost less than the XLT. Yes, Ford is a little antiquated.

 

[Montana]

This excellent and thorough advice!

Thank you!

I buy too many vehicles

Lets hope this is the last one I need my checklist for

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