Before driving away, inspect the exact car, confirm it matches your order, test its fitted features, and record anything damaged, missing, or faulty. Ask the dealer to document any promised fix in writing before you accept delivery. The checklist below covers practical checks for most new cars; paperwork and your options if a problem arises depend on your location and contract.
Inspect the car’s condition in good light
Look over the vehicle before it leaves the dealership. If possible, inspect it outdoors in daylight or in a well-lit area, where paint and glass damage are easier to see. Consumer Affairs Victoria advises buyers to check bodywork, paint chips, and interior trim; its delivery guidance was last updated on 13 October 2023 and applies to Victoria, Australia.
- Walk around the car and inspect each body panel, bumper, lamp, and glass surface for scratches, dents, chips, cracks, poor fit, or signs of repair.
- Check wheels and tires for visible damage, and look at seals and panel edges.
- Inspect seats, upholstery, trim, and cabin surfaces for marks or damage.
- Open and close the doors, hood, and trunk to check that they operate normally.
Take clear photos of any concern and write down its location and a brief description. Do this before moving the vehicle off the lot.
Match the vehicle to your order
Confirm that the car in front of you is the one you bought, not merely the same model or color. Compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the car with the VIN on your order and delivery paperwork. Then check the make, model, trim, color, and ordered options or accessories.
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- Package Includes: Comes with a 2.05" round mirror and a 3.94" x 1.96" rectangular mirror, Both provide sharp views into tight spaces, giving you options for detailed or wide-angle inspections
- Durable Stainless Steel Build: Made of stainless steel and glass for clear, distortion-free reflection, The rod resists bending and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting use in tough inspection tasks
- Adjustable Reach: The round mirror extends from 9.6" to 28", while the rectangular mirror extends from 11" to 30.5", Perfect for accessing hidden spots under vehicles, appliances, or machinery
- 360° Swivel Head: Both mirrors rotate freely for full coverage at any angle, Easily view undercarriages, equipment, or furniture without constant repositioning. Saves time during checks
- Comfort Grip & Versatile Use: Non-slip cushioned handle provides comfort and control, Great for mechanics, inspectors, and DIY users in automotive, plumbing, HVAC, or home repair work
The U.S. General Services Administration’s fleet-delivery guidance says to compare the VIN with the Certificate of Origin or order information and confirm ordered options. That guidance is for government fleet deliveries; private buyers should use the equivalent documents provided in their country. A detailed Karma pre-delivery inspection (PDI) form also checks VIN locations and configuration against the vehicle label, but it is a manufacturer checklist, not a universal customer requirement: Karma PDI checklist (ver. 16).
Check tires, equipment, and included items
Compare what is present with your contract, order, and the vehicle’s literature. Equipment varies by vehicle: some cars have a spare tire, while others use a puncture-repair kit or another arrangement.
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- Rectangular Mirror Size:2.5"*1.7" Extended Length: 34" Collapsed Length: 7.5"
- Telescoping mirror has 2 extra bright LED lights facilitate the inspection of hard-to-see and hard-to reach areas
- Not only is the mirror telescoping and lighted, it also features a 360 degree swivel double ball joint for extra viewing capabilities
- Inspection mirror comes with two CR2032 batteries, Comfortable molded poly handle with soft, nonslip rubber grip
- Inspection mirrors are ideal for toolmakers, machinists, inspectors and mechanics; lights make it especially useful for dark and hard to see places
- Check the wheels and tires for visible damage.
- Confirm the spare tire or repair kit, jack, and tools are included if specified for your car.
- For an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, check for the charging cable if it was included or is part of the vehicle’s supplied equipment.
- Check floor mats, keys, and any other accessories listed in your agreement.
Consumer Affairs Victoria’s checklist names a spare tire, tool kit, and jack. The Karma PDI form includes wheel condition, a tire-repair kit or charging cable if equipped, floor mats, and keys. Neither list means every item belongs with every model.
Operate the controls and fitted features
Ask the salesperson to demonstrate unfamiliar controls and features. Test what is fitted to your car rather than expecting every feature on a generic checklist to be present.
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Rank #3
- 4 Types in 1 Set: The package includes 2 packs vehicle inspection mirrors and 2 pieces LED inspection mirror, you can choose different style for different occasions, enough to meet your inspection needs
- Easy to Use: With the retractable rod and the neck mirror, the length of the handheld rod can be adjusted and the neck mirror on a stick can be rotated 360 degrees according to your needs, facilitating the inspection of hard-to-reach areas
- LED Lighted: the 2pcs LED inspection mirror has 2 extra bright LED lamp on the top of each mirror, which provides convenience for night observation, and helps you to inspect the dark and hard-to-see areas
- Comfortable to Hold: Designed with the stainless steel rod and the grooved rubber handle, the telescoping mirror is not easy to break, non-slip, comfortable to hold and easy to operate, so you can easily perform checking and adjust makeup
- Wide Application: The telescoping mirror is suitable for toolmakers, machinists, engineers, mechanics, inspectors and dentists. And the inspection mirror can be stored in garage, toolbox, vehicle, car, dressing table or bag
- Switch on the headlights, indicators, hazard lights, and interior lights; test the horn and wipers.
- Check the windows, locks, mirrors, seat adjustments, and seat belts.
- Run the climate control and infotainment system, and check cameras and parking sensors if fitted.
- For an electrified vehicle, inspect the charging port and confirm any supplied charging equipment is present.
- Start the vehicle and watch the instrument cluster for warning lights or fault messages that remain after startup.
Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends that dealers examine the car and demonstrate its features at handover. Manufacturer PDI checklists cover additional functional tests, but the relevant checks depend on the car’s equipment.
Review the paperwork and record the odometer
Note the odometer reading at delivery and check the documents and items you receive against what you were promised. Relevant paperwork and document names vary by country, so confirm local requirements rather than relying on a generic list.
Rank #4
- Foldable and Extendable Inspection Mirror: The telescoping inspection mirror is a tool for under car/truck or over shelf security check for airports, prisons, police stations and border checkpoints
- Lightweight Under Vehicle Inspection Mirror: This under car search mirror adopts lightweight sturdy stainless steel pole that can be extended to 65 inches
- Crystal Clear Under Car Inspection Mirror with Light: Equipped with a 9-inch big PMMA mirror that provides super clear images and a built-in torch for use in dark conditions
- Telescoping Inspection Mirror for Various Tasks: Suitable for under car/truck search, under and over heavy equipment, over shelves and building corners security check applications
- Durable and Portable Inspection Mirror: Built with tough rigid swivels and a hanging hole on pole for easy carrying and travel to work locations
- Check the invoice and registration or ownership documents for the correct vehicle details.
- Confirm that warranty information, owner literature, and service documents are included as applicable.
- Check that the number of keys and the accessory list match your agreement.
A low or high odometer reading alone does not establish a universal rule for whether a new car is acceptable. No single mileage cutoff applies to every buyer or jurisdiction; raise a reading you are unsure about with the dealer and have the explanation recorded if needed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Take an accompanied test drive if practical
Ask whether you can drive the car with a sales representative before completing handover. Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends a test drive to help identify mechanical faults. On a suitable short route, pay attention to:
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- Powerful Magnet: Maximum suction weight up to 5 lbs; easily finds and grabs lost items in hard-to-reach areas. Ideal for automotive, construction, HVAC, and home projects—making it one of the most practical gifts for men (Note: Suction strength depends on the contact area and material of the item)
- Telescoping Handle: Made from durable aluminum alloy with a shockproof design. The telescoping inspection mirror and magnet handle extend up to 34.65 inches to reach tight spots. Features an anti-slip, oil-resistant ergonomic grip for effortless control
- Super Bright Flashlight: Features 3 bright LED bulbs, a magnetic head/base, and a bendable led flashlight stick with a 360° swivel neck. Holds up to 2.5 lbs and includes a 2-inch stainless steel pocket clip to illuminate and retrieve tools in dark, narrow places
- 360° Rotation Round & Square Inspection Mirrors: Premium glass mirrors for flawless reflection. The all-angled ball joint provides 360° free viewing without swinging. Includes both a round telescoping mirror and a square telescoping mirror with light to serve as an indispensable mechanic mirror for dark engine bays and tight spaces
- Compact Portable Tool Bag: Small size with large capacity, made of wear-resistant Oxford cloth. Features an extended hand strap, an extra pocket with hook-and-loop fasteners, and internal elastic bands to keep your inspection mirror telescoping set neatly organized
- Braking and steering response.
- Whether the car tracks as expected.
- Unusual noises, vibration, or warning messages.
- The operation of fitted systems that are practical to check while driving.
Whether a test drive is available and how it is arranged depends on the dealer and local rules. Do not use the drive to test a feature in a way that distracts you from safe driving.
Document problems before accepting delivery
If you find damage, a missing item, or a feature that does not work, show it to the dealer immediately. Photograph the issue, write a clear description, and ask for the proposed repair, replacement, or other remedy to be documented. Get the scope and timing in writing before deciding how to proceed.
For U.S. federal fleet deliveries, GSA instructions require damage to be recorded on the delivery receipt or bill of lading at handover and specify a claims deadline. Those instructions apply to GSA transactions, not automatically to private purchases. For private buyers, the contract and local consumer-protection rules govern what options are available. Consumer Affairs Victoria refers Victorian buyers to Australian Consumer Law guarantees; buyers elsewhere should consult the relevant local consumer authority.
Decide whether to proceed, delay, or seek advice
Not every concern has the same significance: a documented, correctable cosmetic issue may call for a different response from a serious fault or a mismatch with the order. Do not assume that every buyer has an unconditional right to reject a car, or that accepting delivery has the same effect everywhere. Before you decide, read your contract, get the dealer’s proposed remedy in writing, and check the rules that apply where you bought the vehicle.
If you want general background on buying cars, Consumer.gov’s car-buying information includes material on used-car history, recalls, tests, and mechanic inspections; it is not a new-car delivery checklist.
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