Taking Delivery of a New Car - Seeking Guidance

Hi,

This week I will be taking delivery of a new Subaru Crosstrek. Purchase was made through Motor Scout car broker. Advance paid but rest of the payment is pending. Seeking your inputs on following points.

When is the right time to pay the remaining amount ? After taking a look at the car and fully satisfied (no scratches etc.) or before?

Anything else I should be aware of (other than usual stuff I will be reminded of - Valid license, Insurance etc.)

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • +3

    Full payment after you have checked everything over and are happy with the vehicle.

    • unless you are buying a in stock car, this is next to impossible.

      • It’s through a broker and evidently not paid in full yet.
        If it’s in their yard ready for collection and payment, why wouldn’t you check it first?

        • +1

          It may be going to be delivered to you on a truck.

          • @Euphemistic: Context would suggest that its going to a yard.

            Not many people would bother asking the question about payment if it is getting delivered as common sense would tell them no one’s dropping off a brand new car without payment of finance finalised…

  • -5

    Maybe consider an on-site vehicle check by NRMA/RACQ, etc, before you hand over the final funds

    • +5

      for a new car ?

      • -3

        yep. it's not unknown for new cars to be delivered whilst missing critical parts, eg brake pads

        • +1

          Sauce Source?

          • @MS Paint: Tesla 3 missing brake pads

            I have personal experience with a Nissan Pulsar being pre-delivery checked and it having 1 rear drum brake and 1 rear disc brake.

        • +2

          The only thing my new car wasn't delivered with was a bootliner but that was easily rectified as they just got one from the spare parts department

        • +3

          or being sold an AWD and only getting a RWD.
          I whole heartedly agree with getting a pro to inspect a new car before final payment, because shiney things make brain go brrrrrrr

        • The power was cutting out on my partners Suburu. Turns out one of the battery terminals was loose.

  • +3

    I would inspect the car first before making any form of payment

  • +1

    In the excitement of the moment it's easy to forget stuff.

    Write a list of check items in your notes app to remind yourself.

    If you negotiated in the contract any non standard items like full tank of fuel, floor mats or other accessories make sure to add that to your checklist.

    • +1

      In the excitement of the moment it's easy to forget stuff.

      This is why I recommend taking someone else with you that's more impartial. They may notice something you miss.

  • +2

    Don't forget insurance either, once you take ownership the car is your responsibility.

    Give it a good check over on delivery day, look for any dents or scratches etc and that any accessories you paid for are installed.

    Then hand over the bank cheque for the remainder.

    • +1

      Always get insurance before you drive off in the car

  • Most Subaru Crosstrek owners have a Dog.

    YMMV.

    • Considering almost 50% of households have dogs, with the more affluent being higher, and more affluent people being able to afford a new Subaru, it’s likely more than 50% of Crosstrek owners do have a dog, so that probably checks out.

  • What does the broker have to say about payment? They’ll want funds cleared prior to you taking delivery, so if you want to inspect then pay you’ll need to allow extra days for payment to clear.

    Do you collect from a dealer or do they deliver in a truck? Whoever is delivering you the vehicle may not want to store the car between inspection and payment clearing.

    If you’ve paid up front a you can still refuse delivery until whatever problems are rectified. But also don’t forget it’s a new car with a warranty and minor things can be rectified after delivery, just get them noted in writing.

    You MUST get full comprehensive insurance prior to driving it away.

    • This. The dealer won’t let you take the car until payment clears. Bank transfer is not instantaneous, or are you paying balance in cash?

  • Generally you will have to make the payment for the dealer to register the car in your name.
    Dont stress too much about pre delivery inspection of the car. It will usually be fine. Enjoy your purchase.

  • As apple2016 said, full payment has to be made for the dealer to register the car.
    When you pick it up ,the dealer will do a handover,show you the controls and features
    and ask you to do final visual inspection for for scratches,damage etc before driving away.
    There is generally a free first month checkover where you can ask any questions or discuss any issues you have.

  • +1

    Take a diagnostic tool and make sure there are no existing faults or errors

    Once satisfied, ask for a quick test drive to ensure your car is AWD and not RWD. Yes, Subarus pioneered AWD in every car, but just to be safe, you know.

    Happy motoring.

    • +2

      Maybe it's a BRZ, so we can see if the dealer promised AWD but delivered RWD. /s

  • Do dealers give you a chance to drive before signing (with them in the car, I assume) or is it visual check only? I'm in a similar boat (though with no current ETA, was supposed to happen a month ago).

    Maybe also make sure they show you anything that is not every-car-has-one? Check any infotainment will sync with your phone if that is a feature that it has (potentially could be synced with a dealer's phone from when they tested everything). Maybe also take it right to a servo and check tire pressure- I've had dealer services where they've let down the tires for the lift but never repumped them, could happen in a new car as well?

    • Just purchased our first new car. Dealer ram through a whole bunch of stuff, including pairing phones for us.

    • +2

      No to the first question. I only got to drive it for the first time (with the updated engine) when I drove it away from the dealership (Toyota Corolla).

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