What to Look for When Picking up a Brand New Car?

rohitroygre on 19/01/2021 - 09:00

Hi.

I bought a brand new Mazda CX-5 on 02/01/2021 (Build Date Dec 2020 and Compliance Date Jan 2021) and the dealership said they will deliver the car around 28/01/2021. But the dealership told us last week that the car is now ready to be picked but when I received the tax invoice it says Build Date Dec 2020 and Compliance Date Dec 2020. So clearly the dealership was trying to be fraudulent and they were trying to deliver an old car to us. Anyway I brought this to their attention and they said the wrong compliance date got printed by mistake in the tax invoice (which I don't believe). Anyway, they have told us to wait until Feb 2021 now so that they can deliver the car to us which is Build Date Dec 2020 and Compliance Date Jan 2021.

I simply don't believe the dealership anymore and I just don't want to get cheated again. All I want to know from you guys is now what things I should look for when I will pick up the car in Feb 2021. I just want what was promised to us. I am not looking to complaint about them yet. And I don't know anyway how the complaint will help us.

I don't think I can cancel the entire purchase now otherwise I would have even considered to do this.

Thank you.

Automotive

Comments

  • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 09:05
    +17

    How long are you intendeding on keeping the car?

    At the end of the day it makes bugger all difference.

    It's the same MY which is really all you should care about.

    So clearly the dealership was trying to be fraudulent

    Most definitely /s

    • ATangk on 20/01/2021 - 23:17
      +12

      When they sell you the car - “compliance date is 2021 so it’s a 2021 car.”

      When you sell the car “build date is 2020 so it’s a 2020 car.”

  • Tee Rex Arms on 19/01/2021 - 09:05
    +2

    Wait till you physically see the build date stamped on the vehicle before you decide your next course of action

  • Danstar on 19/01/2021 - 09:07
    +59

    What's the big deal? It's one month

    The car was still built when they told you, the compliance date is just when it was 'rubber stamped' that it was checked and fit for Australian standards…

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 19/01/2021 - 09:30
      +15

      The car was still built when they told you, the compliance date is just when it was 'rubber stamped' that it was checked and fit for Australian standards…

      This.

  • Gronk on 19/01/2021 - 09:09
    +25

    So clearly the dealership was trying to be fraudulent and they were trying to deliver an old car to us.

    Whoaaaaah, calm down Captain Corruption, it's only a month, with the vehicle being Dec-2020 plated it's highly unlikely there's any financial benefit for the dealer.

      • onetwothreefour on 19/01/2021 - 10:06
        +7

        so this car is probably worth at least $5000 less.

        LOL for one month difference on the compliance date?

        The build date is more important but even 1 month difference on the build date wouldn't change the price by $5k.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2021 - 10:26
          +39

          I have owned a few December built vehicles. I think they're great value (to buy) but when it comes to selling them, every buyer looks at the year.

          • onetwothreefour on 19/01/2021 - 10:33
            +16

            @[Deactivated]: The OP is complaining about the compliance date, not build date. They bought a 12/20 built car and that is not changing, only the compliance date changed which means close to nothing.

            • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2021 - 10:36
              +8

              @onetwothreefour: I misread it. Ignore me and the OP

  • Euphemistic on 19/01/2021 - 09:16
    +13

    Are you for real? The compliance date means bugger all if you will keep the car for more than a couple of years.

    It’s still the same build date, same model same specs etc. once you go to sell that’s the important stuff not when someone stamped it as received into Aus.

    When you ordered the car on the Second day of the year they would have had a specific vehicle in mind that was ready to go, already stamped etc.

  • big1964 on 19/01/2021 - 09:23
    +14

    I would be more worried about be ripped off when you take it for a service!

  • Fredfloresjr on 19/01/2021 - 09:24
    +8

    So you prefer to wait than use your new car early because of that 1 month difference? I would be very happy if have been told my car is ready for pick up.

    • holdenmg on 19/01/2021 - 09:38
      +3

      I'm happy to collect the free brand new Mazda CX-5 and keep it if the Dealership haven't got space and the OP doesn't want it. :+)

      • capslock janitor on 21/01/2021 - 10:34

        ya, they'll make another sale off that too heh

  • holdenmg on 19/01/2021 - 09:29
    +7

    Why is the same spec, same MY vehicle any better with an 01/21 Compliance?

    Confused…

    • Danstar on 19/01/2021 - 10:17
      +7

      Correct. The car make, model and year is still the same regardless of compliance date.

    • modiika on 20/01/2021 - 09:11
      +2

      and same build date!

    • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 09:56
      +11

      I am not concerned about what compliance date means and how important it is

      So why did you request a new vehicle? It seems like a very important issue in your original post.

      So the main issue here for me is trust

      They are going out of their way now to keep the customer happy (by ordering another vehicle). Why is that untrustworthy?

    • Euphemistic on 19/01/2021 - 10:18
      +4

      They might hide few other things as well which are different than compliance date. So the main issue here for me is trust (and not compliance date).

      Do you also send food back regularly and wonder if it includes spit the next time?

      Being a complaining customer can go two ways depending on how you handle your percieved problem. Handle it like an adult with a real problem and you’ll get an improved outcome. Handle it like a big baby over a non-problem and you’ll get spit in your replacement coffee.

    • mab5125 on 19/01/2021 - 10:21
      +7

      So you had an issue, brought it to their attention, they recognised the issue and have rectified it with a car that matches what is written on paper?

      So you're getting what you've been promised - Am I missing something?

    • EightImmortals on 19/01/2021 - 10:40

      "They might hide few other things as well …"

      Like what?

      • Jono05 on 19/01/2021 - 21:02
        +1

        Some prawns in the engine bay?

        • CocaKoala on 20/01/2021 - 00:59
          +1

          They'd get fried in there!

    • modiika on 20/01/2021 - 09:16
      +2

      It appears to me, that your problem is you despite their apology you dont believe it was a mistake. I think what you should see from the comments here, is that basically no one else shares you view, for the simple reason there is no benefit to the dealership, as the compliance date is basically insignificant. Particularly when model, build date, specs, etc are correct.

      When picking up a new car, i'd check the odometer to make sure the reading is reasonable to make sure it wasnt used as a demo. Otherwise check the build date matches what they say and otherwise do a visual inspection.

      CX5 is a nice car, I hope you learn to enjoy it and stop worrying so much.

  • vietbargain on 19/01/2021 - 09:38
    +13

    I had a similar experience when i picked up my vw two years ago. it was a limited edition run and was expecting the car to be delivered in Feb, somehow delivered in Dec.

    Found a 5 mm paint chip in the door. Was too excited to drive it and dealer said they will handle it, so I stupidly accepted delivery. Long story short, I was without a car for 6 weeks whilst it was in-and-out of the repair shop, and the car has been repaired even though i didn't cause the damage. Where was the dealer during the 6 weeks? No where to be found, no apology for the inconvenience and head office brushed off my complaint.

    Dealers are your best friend until you've paid your deposit.

    • vietbargain on 19/01/2021 - 09:50
      +11

      to answer your original question, get a copy of the delivery report and re-do the check. most of the time the pre-delivery people will pick up things before it hits the showroom for delivery, however if you really want to get into it:

      • check all panels for chips and dents (cars get moved and driven around alot during the loading and shipping process). pay attention to the doors.
      • steering wheel and drivers seat for tears, rips and nicks in the leather
      • km's on clock, whilst google says between 50-300kms is ok, my personal view is that anything over 15kms is too much
      • spare tire is there
      • any optional extras that you ordered

      tbh, most things will be covered under warranty anyways, however to get back at their untrustworthiness:

      1. head office normally conducts survey's about your experience once you've taken delivery, you can destroy them in the survey
      2. google review
      3. take your car to get serviced at another dealer
      • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 09:52

        and nicks in the leather

        Let's not go down this rabbit hole

      • PepperedAngus on 19/01/2021 - 11:22
        +1

        Why is anything over 15km too much?
        I have never seen a new car on display at a dealer with the odometer under 20km. Is there something I'm missing?

        • holdenmg on 19/01/2021 - 11:31

          Some km are incurred just getting the Vehicle off the Boat, to the Dealer yard and on Dealer Delivery.

          If you ordered a Car it is reasonable to expect this but at some point you have to wonder if the Car has been used as a Demo and should be sold as such.

          What that number is and whether it bothers you is individual.

          The number could be 42. lol

          • vietbargain on 19/01/2021 - 12:28
            +6

            @holdenmg: yep. just personal experience. my vw was 14kms. MIL's CX-3 was 12kms.

            so ymmv… quite literally

        • Gumster on 20/01/2021 - 08:08
          +2

          Other than moving it between showroom and getting washed it should be put on the back of a truck to be moved around.
          You pay a premium for a 'New Car' if its got more than 50km's someone probably had a demo in it.

          saying that its a bit more subjective with regards to total cost of the car a Hyundai Getz new might have up to 50km.

          A new BMW or Merc better have less than 1kms or its not new IMO

          • apsilon on 20/01/2021 - 08:19

            @Gumster: Even I'll say 1km is unrealistic. They get driven out of the factory, onto trucks, trains, RORO etc. I've been involved in the purchase of dozens of cars. Easy 75% of them have been under 10km, most between 6 and 9, least that I can recall is 4. I'd be happy with under 20 but as spackbace said, in WA they're driven at least 25km (which IMO is unreasonable, no way they should be driven that distance, they should be shipped).

          • PepperedAngus on 20/01/2021 - 08:20

            @Gumster: Well, I have heard that some car brands(VW anecdotally) allow the dealer to reset the odometer once or twice before it hits 100km to keep the feeling like new.

            I have no idea if that is true or not but it doesn't seem farfetched.

            If you get a new car with 1km or under, ^^^seems like the most likely scenario considering how these cars are transported.

            I would be more concerned with how the cars are treated by the transport companies taking them off the ship. I would be surprised if the performance cars don't get redlined before it reaches the dealer. Even soft limiters are easily deactivated.

      • spackbace on 19/01/2021 - 11:37
        +1

        km's on clock, whilst google says between 50-300kms is ok, my personal view is that anything over 15kms is too much

        Holy crap I hope people don't believe a new car should be under 15kms.

        For starters, here in WA the vehicles are driven from the wharf to Kewdale, a roughly 25km run

        • apsilon on 19/01/2021 - 12:07
          +1

          I've never had a car over 21km and most have been under 10km. If there's a reason for more that's fine but it needs to be explained and shown that other new cars match.

          • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 12:36

            @apsilon: What in particular would you be concerned about if your new car was delivered with say 40km?

            • apsilon on 19/01/2021 - 14:01
              +3

              @MS Paint: Why it was delivered with 40km. Probably used for a test drive or two and I'm not buying an ex demo for new prices. If on the other hand I'd ordered it with things like tint and other accessories I know it gets driven to those places so the km would make sense. It's relative.

        • Randolph Duke on 20/01/2021 - 12:27
          -1

          Dealers can reset the delivery km’s anyway can’t they?

          • spackbace on 20/01/2021 - 12:29
            -1

            @Randolph Duke: Nope

            • Randolph Duke on 20/01/2021 - 12:34
              +1

              @spackbace: Or more specifically - don’t some cars have a delivery mode where this has an impact on odometer? From memory, XR4 had a manual line item about returning to dealer if odometer wasn’t ticking over.

              • spackbace on 20/01/2021 - 12:36

                @Randolph Duke: Toyota - no

                Can't comment on other brands

                Lowest mileage cars I've seen delivered were from local manufacture (Holden etc), which would have <10kms on the clock most times.

    • berry580 on 20/01/2021 - 08:02

      How many ks did they end racking on your car?

  • apsilon on 19/01/2021 - 09:55
    +1

    You shouldn't trust a dealership or for that matter anyone trying to sell you something, especially a significant purchase. They're not your friends despite the act. That said, same build date different compliance makes little difference.

    Anyway, what to look for - essentially damage. Scuffs and scratches inside and out and ordered accessories fitted (if anything was thrown in expect the "not in stock but it'll be fitted at first service" line). Check km match. Check log book and manual are there. Basic roadworthy (lights, tyres etc), check windows and reverse sensors/camera works. Check if there's been any recent recalls and ensure they've been done. Check the VIN on your paperwork matches the actual vehicle, make sure you're getting two keys, tank is full if you included that, remember to organise your insurance.

  • skid on 19/01/2021 - 10:01

    Same thing happened to me at Mazda. Though I took it anyway as it's only one month. Maybe Mazda have a bug in their system where the compliance date is one month off.

    When you get the car, check the km's on the odometer and make sure it's reasonable.

  • cloudy on 19/01/2021 - 10:07

    How much did you pay for the car?

  • bloom on 19/01/2021 - 10:22
    +2

    Don’t forget the paint thickness gauge :)
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/570908#comment-9407773

  • Hithere on 19/01/2021 - 10:39
    +2

    I simply don't believe the dealership anymore

    Why did you in the first place? They are only there to sell you a car and make the most profit they can, they are not your friend and never will be.

    However it's still a brand new car and unless you intend on selling it in the next few years you are overthinking the issue, it'll make SFA depreciation difference when making your next purchase.

    • Euphemistic on 19/01/2021 - 12:21
      +2

      They are only there to sell you a car and make the most profit they can, they are not your friend and never will be.

      While this is true, it can only be to a point. The dealer needs to maintain a decent number of customers. That’s only going to happen if they provide decent service.

  • jv on 19/01/2021 - 10:42
    +10

    trying to deliver an old car

    old ??

    Dec 2020 is last month…

    • Danstar on 19/01/2021 - 10:53

      Not even, 20 days ago :P

      • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 11:01
        +5

        But as of tomorrow there was a different US President between the two cars.

        MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 11:01 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
        • holdenmg on 19/01/2021 - 11:04
          -2

          Amen.

          Pity the OP's Car hadn't run over the Trump then it would be worth more, possibly timeless or even a classic.

          • jv on 19/01/2021 - 11:09
            +1

            @holdenmg: Would be worth more if a Triumph ran over Trump….

            • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 11:36
              +1

              @jv: News headline…

              Triumph trumps Trump

              • jv on 19/01/2021 - 11:46
                +1

                @MS Paint: If it's his new girlfriend's car, the news headline might be:

                Tramp's Triumph trumps Trump

                • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 12:06
                  +1

                  @jv: Tranny Tramp's Triumph trumps Trump

                  • jv on 19/01/2021 - 12:29
                    +1

                    @MS Paint: Trolling Tranny Tramp's Triumph trumps Trump

              • endotherm on 22/01/2021 - 03:55

                @MS Paint: More likely the news headline would be "Trump riotously incites mainly peaceful Triumph to run over him, causing murderous damage to poor cars undercarriage, because it was black."

            • Guybrush57 on 20/01/2021 - 14:00

              @jv: You forgot to bold the "m" jv

    • stratbargain on 19/01/2021 - 14:12
      +1

      First time I've agreed with jv…. hell freezing over

    • capslock janitor on 21/01/2021 - 10:43

      Dec 2020 is last month…

      Dec 2020 is last year!

      • jv on 21/01/2021 - 11:24

        It's also 3 weeks ago…

  • spackbace on 19/01/2021 - 11:34
    +5

    Check VIN on Tax Invoice #1 and #2, see if they're the same vehicle.

    Tax Invoice normally gets done up by the Business Manager, who has nothing to do with stock control.

    And stress less.

    • Hargain Bunter on 20/01/2021 - 00:49
      +1

      Would a previous year’s compliance date effect resale/trade in?

      • spackbace on 20/01/2021 - 02:57
        +3

        Depends how soon. 3-5yrs, yes. 10+yrs, miniscule

  • skid on 19/01/2021 - 12:13
    +1

    So, how much did you get it for?

    • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 12:47
      +5

      A good price I'm hoping after 7 months of negotiations

    • SF3 on 19/01/2021 - 21:13
      +1

      That was May 2020, OP gets a Dec 2020 built vehicle.

      Storm in tea cup.

  • bobbified on 19/01/2021 - 13:26
    +16

    Is this about the fifth or sixth post you've created about your little adventure to get a car? And you still haven't even got your hands on it yet! 🤣

    I'd understand if you were trying to choose a wife, but… this is a car. Also, unintentional mistakes sometimes happen, so please don't just go around throwing words like "fraudulent" and "cheat" at the drop of a hat. It really doesn't help anyone and just makes you sound like a douche.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 19/01/2021 - 13:50
    +5

    Sorry to make your purchase a little bit less fulfilling but you are buying an outdated CX5, given a refreshed and updated model is only around the corner…..

    https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2021-mazda-cx-5-and-cx…

    • jv on 19/01/2021 - 14:22
      +2

      Thanks, might get one.

      When in the Compliance Date ?

      • MS Paint on 19/01/2021 - 14:49
        +4

        7pm tomorrow night. My shout. Ill pick you up at 6:45

        Don't forget the 2 for 1 voucher this time.

        xx

    • capslock janitor on 21/01/2021 - 10:45

      I preferred the 2016 design anyway :)

  • rohitroygre on 19/01/2021 - 15:11
    -4

    Thank you everyone.

  • lainey13 on 19/01/2021 - 19:26

    How much and for what model? Curious about 2021 pricing compared to 2020

  • Brick Tamland on 19/01/2021 - 20:11
    +1

    Not worth kicking up a fuss unless you can get a 2021 build date. Compliance date is just the month it clears customs.

    • Commander Shepard on 19/01/2021 - 21:29
      +3

      Agreed. Compliance date means nothing. Its the build date that matters.

      • spackbace on 20/01/2021 - 02:58
        +2

        Just to follow on from this, WA sells/advertises from compliance date, not build

  • pogichinoy on 19/01/2021 - 20:19

    Check the colour. Make sure it’s the colour you ordered. They are trying to rip you off!

    /s

  • yellowfever on 19/01/2021 - 20:37
    +16

    Hey mate, since you care so much about 1 month difference, here are some suggestions for checking new car at handover

    • check the air pressure in all 5 tyres is bang on 32psi. If it's 1 psi less defienty lodge a dispute

    • check if the mirror have been adjusted greater than factory angle. If it has, you have the right to get a full refund

    • check the windscreen wiper washer water is exactly on Max level indicator. Anything less you are definitely scammed. I would jump on Today Tonight, tomorrow.

    • bring a thermometer (can easily get from the Mazda reception) and check the heated seat temperature set on High on both front seats. If the heat varies by more than 36 degrees it definitely has Covid 19 traces.

  • Commander Shepard on 19/01/2021 - 21:45
    -5

    In my eyes, if the contract you signed in January 2021 stated you are getting a 2021 Built/Stamped CX5. You should be entitled to wait for another 1-3 months until a 2021 built car arrives in your spec.

    Are there any new car salesman here that can clear this up?
    OP are you able to share some of the details in the contract you signed? Did it state 2021 CX5?

  • ribze1 on 19/01/2021 - 22:31
    +2

    OP asks a question, doesn't like the answer.

    • johnno07 on 20/01/2021 - 15:29
      +1

      This wouldn't be the ozbargain forums if it didn't play out this way.

  • Myone888 on 20/01/2021 - 07:32
    +2

    You should be getting what you agreed on and paid for, no more no less. Never trust car dealerships.

  • gromit on 20/01/2021 - 10:10
    +5

    confused, in both cases you are getting a Dec 2020 car. Compliance date is irrelevant. talk about making a mountain out of a molehill, could understand if the build date was different.

  • OzHunterNSW on 20/01/2021 - 10:17

    You live in Victoria, right?

  • Leeroy Jenkins on 20/01/2021 - 10:29

    I've never gotten a brand new car in the same month as the compliance date. They'd have to really rush it for you to get it.

    I see absolutely no difference between a Dec and Jan compliance date. That's the date when the car is checked to be inline with AU regulations and stuff.

    If the car was built in Dec 2020, then the car has just arrived in Aus. It really makes no difference. If it makes you sleep at night, then negotiate, but I don't think you are gonna get anything out of it.

    What to check during inspection? The plate that says build date and compliance date in the engine bay. Make sure what you are getting is what they promised. And also look for imperfections and damages to the panels and wheels, just your usual inspection stuff.

  • dealsucker on 20/01/2021 - 10:41
    +3

    Melodrama much! "Fraudulent" "Lost Trust". If I was a business, I would hate customers like you.

  • pegasusx on 20/01/2021 - 12:06
    +4

    Make sure you can fit roof racks on it.
    Heck bring your kayak to make sure it mounts as well.

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