Advice on taking delivery

[bryson17]

I will be taking delivery of a manual/DI tomorrow. I have a checklist of things that need to be assured before the check is written, and I just want to make sure that my list is complete. Besides the obvious, here is what I have so far:

-Make sure everything is sturdy at >55mph.
-Listen for wind noise coming from the sunroof.
-Listen for any rattles (backseat, sunroof, etc.).

Any suggestions to add to my list before it is finalized tomorrow morning would be appreciated. TIA.

[dkozloski]

Get in the goddam thing and drive it like you stole it.

[malcolm]

and enjoy it, it's not a piece of jewlery. I am always curious about noise in a car, I never hear any because I usually have a kickin system and there is always a tune playing. Have fun in your new vehicle.

[Curious George]

But let the drive train, not just the engine coolant, warm up first.

[louiefl99]

Pre arrival:
- I always ask that during prep that they do not use any type of rotary buffer so they don't accidentally swirl the paint.
- I live in a one-plate state and asked that they do not install the front plate holder.
- I like my dealer, but not enough for them to install their logo tag on the front bumper, rear trunk lid, etc.
- My dealer made sure the onstar account and xm accounts were active

Upon arrival (prior to finalizing the paperwork)
- Take delivery in the daytime so you can check for scratches, dings, dents, etc. Second choice is in a well lit detail / repair bay.
- Open all the doors, trunk, hood, check for proper operation, closing, etc. After a test drive they couldn't get the hood to latch on one of the demonstrators that I drove.
- Check for cargo net, Ipod cable (if applicable), owner's manual, floor mats, spare / jack or inflator, two sets of keys and remotes. Make sure both keys and remotes work.
- Ask the sales person to take an initial ride with you to go over some of the features.
- All promises in writing. If they say they are going to give you a pine tree air freshener but are currently out, make sure it is writing.
- Get the window sticker - this way you can be sure that you got the right options, etc.
- I brought an audio CD to make sure that it worked properly (no reason to suspect it wouldn't), but turned it off during my initial drive.
- Check the interior for any scratches on the hard dash surfaces and seats for any rips or pulled seams.
- It is my understanding that GM has asked the dealers to drive the car 50 miles to shake out any issues, there might be more or less on the odometer.
- Full tank of gas
- Clean and shiny, inside and out (that should go without saying).
- Try to wipe the smile off you face as you drive off - good luck and enjoy!

[bryson17]

Originally Posted by louiefl99

- Check for cargo net, Ipod cable (if applicable), owner's manual, floor mats, spare / jack or inflator, two sets of keys and remotes. Make sure both keys and remotes work.

Thanks for the detailed post louiefl99. I knew I forgot about something small that would really bother me if they forgot (the iPod cable). All the other details were helpful as well.

[smokiejoe]

Make sure if they do put a dealer logo on the car, they do it in a professional manner, not crooked, centered in middle of trunk (looks stupid). Try for just a license plate frame instead.

If they want you to sign off on Dealer Survey, and insist of a 5 out of 5 rating, make sure you get some freebies such as Cadillac Mug, T-Shirts, etc.