New Car Acceptance Checklist

[DCBuckeye]

Hey all. I'm stealing this from the Camaro6 forums; I'd have asked for permission from the original author but his account was last active about 6 years ago. Anyway, a lot of folks there found this helpful advice, so I thought maybe folks would here as well.

• Pre Delivery
  • Request no "dealer emblem" (the painted advertisement for where you bought it)
  • Request no detailing (if you're going to do your own wax or ceramic coat)
  • If you don't need a front license plate, tell them not to drill / install mount for it. (Personally, even if you do need a front plate, I'd tell them not to drill and find yourself a no-drill alternative.)
  • Ensure no extras you don't want (e.g., VIN window etching, LoJack, dealer-installed PPF/ceramic, ADM)
  • Research X-Plan and Mustang Club of America on this forum for discount pricing after 90 days of membership.
• Exterior
  • Paint
    • All surfaces / panels have consistent color, coverage
    • Scratches / swirls - Inspect using bright light, note locations
    • Note any orange peeling
    • Look for any other imperfections
  • Body
    • Dents
    • Missing / incorrectly installed trim (GFX, pony, emblems, decals, etc)
    • Gas cap closes flush with body
    • Gaps between panels are uniform and appropriate (Problems reported with hood alignment and side doors rubbing on panel in front when opened).
    • Headlights / taillights unscratched, unbroken
    • All LPO items installed / factory versions made available to take home.
    • Correct wheels
    • Correct brakes
    • Trunk
      • Check interior paint coverage (around seal, hinges, interior of trunk)
      • Roadside Assistance Kit? First Aid Kit? Cargo Net? Tow hook? (if ordered)
      • Check trunk open / close / lock /unlock
      • Confirm special funnel for gas can/additive fills
    • Under hood
      • Condition / presence of paint where paint should be
      • Check hood for open / close
      • Check fluids
    • Check front suspension. ensure shipping blocks removed
    • GT PP or DH: Underbody strakes installed (not in trunk or backseat)?
  • Correct Tire Pressure
  • Front / back turn signals work
  • Brake lights work
  • Backup lights work
  • Is the battery fully charged?
• Interior
  • Check all infotainment system functions (radio, xm, play from usb, wireless charger)
  • Check ambient lighting, if installed
  • Check heated seats / ventilated seats / heated steering wheel if installed
  • Run adjustable seats "stop to stop" in all directions
  • Check center console (open /close, interior)
  • Check AC/Heater function
  • Rear window defrost
  • Fit / finish of all interior trim
  • Window operations, both windows
  • interior lighting
  • Door locks / remote unlock
  • Backup key (in fob) works
  • Check fuses to ensure all fuses fully seated.
• Test Drive
  • Remote start (if equipped)works
  • Gas gauge works
  • Active Valve Performance Exhaust works (if equipped)
  • Cycle through drive modes
  • Alignment (car doesn't pull to one side or another)
• Paperwork
  • Confirm price - no ADM and check document fees if using A, D, X, or Z plan as these fees are capped.
  • XM Subscription confirmed for 6 months
  • tax, tag, title, loan documents
  • Get your window sticker
  • Get the "event history" for your car
  • Check warranty start date
  • Personal preference but decline extended warranty and look into alternatives (e.g., Granger's Prices cannot be beat if you live in the USA (except Florida).
  • Consider GAP, tire & wheel, windshield, dent coverage before you are in the hot seat. Do you really need/want this coverage? Again, Granger's is accepted in the US and CAN for service, you just need to buy it in the USA (not FL)

Anything else? Let me know and I'll edit this.

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[jamespmoran]

Great job

 

[steveo1960]

Hey all. I'm stealing this from the Camaro6 forums; I'd have asked for permission from the original author but his account was last active about 6 years ago. Anyway, a lot of folks there found this helpful advice, so I thought maybe folks would here as well.

• Pre Delivery
  • Request no "dealer emblem" (the painted advertisement for where you bought it)
  • Request no detailing (if you're going to do your own wax or ceramic coat)
  • If you don't need a front license plate, tell them not to drill / install mount for it. (Personally, even if you do need a front plate, I'd tell them not to drill and find yourself a no-drill alternative.)
• Exterior
  • Paint
    • All surfaces / panels have consistent color, coverage
    • Scratches / swirls - Inspect using bright light, note locations
    • Note any orange peeling
    • Look for any other imperfections
  • Body
    • Dents
    • Missing / incorrectly installed trim (GFX, bow ties, emblems, decals, etc)
    • Gas cap closes flush with body
    • Gaps between panels are uniform and appropriate (Problems reported with hood alignment and side doors rubbing on panel in front when opened).
    • Headlights / taillights unscratched, unbroken
    • All LPO items installed / factory versions made available to take home.
    • Correct wheels
    • Correct brakes
    • Trunk
      • Check interior paint coverage (around seal, hinges, interior of trunk)
      • Roadside Assistance Kit? First Aid Kit? Cargo Net? Tow hook? (if ordered)
      • Check trunk open / close / lock /unlock
    • Under hood
      • Condition / presence of paint where paint should be
      • Check hood for open / close
  • Correct Tire Pressure
  • Front / back turn signals work
  • Brake lights work
  • Backup lights work
• Interior
  • Check all infotainment system functions (radio, xm, play from usb, wireless charger)
  • Check ambient lighting, if installed
  • Check heated seats / ventilated seats / heated steering wheel if installed
  • Run adjustable seats "stop to stop" in all directions
  • Check center console (open /close, interior)
  • Check AC/Heater function
  • Rear window defrost
  • Fit / finish of all interior trim
  • Window operations, both windows
  • interior lighting
  • Door locks / remote unlock
  • Backup key (in fob) works
  • Check fuses to ensure all fuses fully seated.
• Test Drive
  • Remote start (if equipped)works
  • Gas gauge works
  • Active Valve Performance Exhaust works (if equipped)
  • Cycle through drive modes
  • Alignment (car doesn't pull to one side or another)
• Paperwork
  • XM Subscription confirmed for 6 months
  • tax, tag, title, loan documents
  • Get your window sticker
  • Get the "event history" for your car
  • Check warranty start date

Anything else? Let me know and I'll edit this.

Thank you!
Great job!

 

[Pdaddy1280]

Thanks for that! I may get to use it one day if they ever finish building my car!

 

[Decio]

Great write-up! I would consider adding:

• Pre-Delivery
  • Document No VIN window etching, no LoJack, no PPF/ceramic (literally go anywhere else), no ADM - confirm the retail price and any A, D, X, or Z plan incentives if buying anything but a DH.
  • Research X-Plan and Mustang Club of America on this forum for discount pricing after 90 days of membership.
• Paperwork
  • Confirm price - no ADM and check document fees if using A, D, X, or Z plan as these fees are capped.
  • Decline extended warranty - Granger's Prices cannot be beat if you live in the USA (except Florida).
  • Consider GAP, tire & wheel, windshield, dent coverage before you are in the hot seat. Do you really need/want this coverage? Again, Granger's is accepted in the US and CAN for service, you just need to buy it in the USA (not FL)
• Delivery
  • Are the tires inflated to proper PSI (over-inflated purposely for transit)?
  • GT PP or DH: Underbody strakes installed (not in trunk or backseat)?
  • Is the battery fully charged (many at partial charges after long delay from build to ship)?

 

[DCBuckeye]

*snip*

Thanks! I added them with just some light edits.

 

[martin]

I have never allowed the dealer to use my car for free advertising.

 

[steveo1960]

Great write-up! I would consider adding:

• Pre-Delivery
  • Document No VIN window etching, no LoJack, no PPF/ceramic (literally go anywhere else), no ADM - confirm the retail price and any A, D, X, or Z plan incentives if buying anything but a DH.
  • Research X-Plan and Mustang Club of America on this forum for discount pricing after 90 days of membership.
• Paperwork
  • Confirm price - no ADM and check document fees if using A, D, X, or Z plan as these fees are capped.
  • Decline extended warranty - Granger's Prices cannot be beat if you live in the USA (except Florida).
  • Consider GAP, tire & wheel, windshield, dent coverage before you are in the hot seat. Do you really need/want this coverage? Again, Granger's is accepted in the US and CAN for service, you just need to buy it in the USA (not FL)
• Delivery
  • Are the tires inflated to proper PSI (over-inflated purposely for transit)?
  • GT PP or DH: Underbody strakes installed (not in trunk or backseat)?
  • Is the battery fully charged (many at partial charges after long delay from build to ship)?

Great !
Thank you!!!!!!

 

[Stratman397]

Hey all. I'm stealing this from the Camaro6 forums; I'd have asked for permission from the original author but his account was last active about 6 years ago. Anyway, a lot of folks there found this helpful advice, so I thought maybe folks would here as well.

• Pre Delivery
  • Request no "dealer emblem" (the painted advertisement for where you bought it)
  • Request no detailing (if you're going to do your own wax or ceramic coat)
  • If you don't need a front license plate, tell them not to drill / install mount for it. (Personally, even if you do need a front plate, I'd tell them not to drill and find yourself a no-drill alternative.)
  • Ensure no extras you don't want (e.g., VIN window etching, LoJack, dealer-installed PPF/ceramic, ADM)
  • Research X-Plan and Mustang Club of America on this forum for discount pricing after 90 days of membership.
• Exterior
  • Paint
    • All surfaces / panels have consistent color, coverage
    • Scratches / swirls - Inspect using bright light, note locations
    • Note any orange peeling
    • Look for any other imperfections
  • Body
    • Dents
    • Missing / incorrectly installed trim (GFX, pony, emblems, decals, etc)
    • Gas cap closes flush with body
    • Gaps between panels are uniform and appropriate (Problems reported with hood alignment and side doors rubbing on panel in front when opened).
    • Headlights / taillights unscratched, unbroken
    • All LPO items installed / factory versions made available to take home.
    • Correct wheels
    • Correct brakes
    • Trunk
      • Check interior paint coverage (around seal, hinges, interior of trunk)
      • Roadside Assistance Kit? First Aid Kit? Cargo Net? Tow hook? (if ordered)
      • Check trunk open / close / lock /unlock
    • Under hood
      • Condition / presence of paint where paint should be
      • Check hood for open / close
    • GT PP or DH: Underbody strakes installed (not in trunk or backseat)?
  • Correct Tire Pressure
  • Front / back turn signals work
  • Brake lights work
  • Backup lights work
  • Is the battery fully charged?
• Interior
  • Check all infotainment system functions (radio, xm, play from usb, wireless charger)
  • Check ambient lighting, if installed
  • Check heated seats / ventilated seats / heated steering wheel if installed
  • Run adjustable seats "stop to stop" in all directions
  • Check center console (open /close, interior)
  • Check AC/Heater function
  • Rear window defrost
  • Fit / finish of all interior trim
  • Window operations, both windows
  • interior lighting
  • Door locks / remote unlock
  • Backup key (in fob) works
  • Check fuses to ensure all fuses fully seated.
• Test Drive
  • Remote start (if equipped)works
  • Gas gauge works
  • Active Valve Performance Exhaust works (if equipped)
  • Cycle through drive modes
  • Alignment (car doesn't pull to one side or another)
• Paperwork
  • Confirm price - no ADM and check document fees if using A, D, X, or Z plan as these fees are capped.
  • XM Subscription confirmed for 6 months
  • tax, tag, title, loan documents
  • Get your window sticker
  • Get the "event history" for your car
  • Check warranty start date
  • Personal preference but decline extended warranty and look into alternatives (e.g., Granger's Prices cannot be beat if you live in the USA (except Florida).
  • Consider GAP, tire & wheel, windshield, dent coverage before you are in the hot seat. Do you really need/want this coverage? Again, Granger's is accepted in the US and CAN for service, you just need to buy it in the USA (not FL)

Anything else? Let me know and I'll edit this.

We actually had to take 4 lbs of air out of all the tires

 

[martin]

The salesperson suggested that he does not drill holds in the front , in fact he suggested to not put the front plate on at all, even though my state ? requires it. He said hw has never been pulled over for having no plate. So that is what I am going to try

 

[Skye]

Great list. Consider adding the following:

- while under-hood, check fluids
- check front suspension. ensure shipping blocks removed

Edit:

- in the trunk, confirm special funnel whereabouts
-- needed for gas can/fuel additive (like stabil) fills

 

[Skye]

The salesperson suggested that he does not drill holds in the front , in fact he suggested to not put the front plate on at all, even though my state ? requires it. He said hw has never been pulled over for having no plate. So that is what I am going to try

Roll with your front plate inside the car, just in-case. But yes, no drill. They can throw the bracket in the trunk.

 

[Zig]

Roll with your front plate inside the car, just in-case. But yes, no drill. They can throw the bracket in the trunk.

Agreed. Fortuitous for us the plate was damaged when we received it. Both the bracket and plate with assigned stickers are in the back with tow hook.

 

[martin]

That is what I did
It i in my trunk

 

[DCBuckeye]

*snip*

Added!

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