Car delivery day checklist
What should you check before you drive your new car home? Use this checklist at the dealership: the VIN and kilometres, damage, keys and features, the paperwork, and everything you were promised. Anything you mark as a problem becomes a list to raise before you leave.
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Walk around the car
The VIN on the car matches the VIN on your contract
It is on a plate at the base of the windshield and on a sticker in the driver's door frame.
The odometer matches the contract
A new car should have very few kilometres. Ask about any more than a few dozen.
No new scratches, dents or chips compared with when you saw it
Look in daylight. Photograph anything you find before you drive away.
The windshield and glass have no chips or cracks
Wheels and tires are as agreed, including any winter tires you were promised
Inside and under the hood
You received every key and fob that came with the car
Most cars come with two. Ask for the second even if it is a used car.
The owner's manual and warranty booklet are in the car
Lights, wipers, heat and air conditioning, screen, camera and driver aids all work
Try each one while you are still at the dealership.
The fuel or battery level is what you agreed
The spare tire or repair kit, jack and tools are there
For an electric or plug-in car: the charging cable and any adapters came with it
Skip this one if your car is not electric or plug-in.
Paperwork
You have a complete signed copy of the contract and the bill of sale
You have the ownership or registration paperwork, or a clear plan for when it arrives
You have plates or a temporary permit so you can drive legally
Your insurance is in place and starts today
You cannot legally drive without it. Have your insurer confirm before you leave.
You have the service records or inspection report, if the car is used
Anything you were promised
Every accessory, repair or extra you were promised is done or is in writing with a date
Nothing you declined has been added to the final price
If you traded in a car, the payout on your old loan is confirmed in writing and your plates are removed
Sort these out before you drive away
No problems marked yet. Anything you mark appears here.
Keep going with Uobo
Uobo is your personal car agent. Text it what you need and it does the research and the checks, asks dealerships about availability, condition and price for you, and helps you decide. This is the text you would send:
You can edit this text before you send it.
On a computer? Text (289) 819-4586 from your phone and paste what you copied. Standard message rates apply. Reply STOP any time to stop.
How it works
Do the walk-around in daylight, with the contract beside you. Tap Checked when an item is right and Problem when it is not. A count at the top shows how far you have got, and your marks stay on this device.
Raise anything you mark with the dealer now, while you still have the car on their lot and they still want your good review. Get any fix or promise in writing, with a date.
It is much easier to settle a problem before you drive away than after.
What this does not cover
- A walk-around finds obvious problems, not hidden mechanical ones. For a used car, an independent inspection before you buy is the better check.
- Requirements differ by province, including the plates, safety certificate and ownership paperwork. Ask the dealer what you need to leave with.
- It cannot replace your own reading of the contract. The car purchase contract checklist helps with that.
Common questions
What should I check when picking up a new car?
That the VIN and kilometres match the contract, that there is no new damage, that every key, manual and accessory is there, that all the features work, and that you have the signed paperwork, plates and insurance.
Can I refuse delivery if the car has damage?
You can raise it before you take the car and ask for it to be fixed or for a lower price, in writing. Once you drive away, proving the damage was there is harder.
Do I need insurance before I drive the car home?
Yes. You cannot legally drive without it. Call your insurer with the VIN before delivery and ask for confirmation that the cover starts today.
How many keys should come with a car?
Most cars come with two keys or fobs. If you only get one, ask for the second, even on a used car. A missing fob can be costly to replace.