Car Delivery Checklist: What to Check Before Driving Off the Lot

When you pick up a new car, the car delivery checklist, a step-by-step verification process to confirm the vehicle’s condition, features, and documentation before finalizing ownership. Also known as a pre-delivery inspection, it’s the last chance to catch problems before you sign anything and drive off. Too many people skip this step and regret it later—missing a scratch, a missing accessory, or even a software glitch that wasn’t caught during manufacturing.

A proper car delivery checklist isn’t just about looks. It’s about function, safety, and legal compliance. You need to verify the vehicle identification number matches the paperwork, check that all factory-installed features like blind-spot monitoring or wireless charging actually work, and confirm the tire pressure and spare tire are present. Many buyers forget to test the infotainment system, climate controls, or even the trunk release. These aren’t luxuries—they’re part of what you paid for.

Don’t rely on the salesperson’s word. Walk around the car with a flashlight, look for paint mismatches, check the gaps between panels, and open every door, hood, and trunk. Sit inside and test every button, switch, and seat adjustment. Bring your own checklist—don’t trust the dealer’s version. If the car came with a manual or owner’s kit, make sure it’s there. Same with floor mats, charging cables, and any optional extras you paid for. Even small things like a missing key fob cover or a dirty interior can be fixed right then and there.

Under the hood, check fluid levels—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid—and look for leaks or signs of tampering. Look at the tires: are they the correct size and brand? Is the tread depth even? Are there any sidewall bulges? These aren’t just cosmetic checks. A mismatched tire can throw off your stability control system. A leaky brake line could be dangerous. And if the car is electric, confirm the charging port works and the battery is at a reasonable charge level—most dealers leave them around 50% to preserve battery life.

Take it for a short drive—no more than a mile or two—just to test steering, brakes, and acceleration. Listen for odd noises. Feel for vibrations. Make sure the transmission shifts smoothly. If it’s a used car, compare the odometer reading to what was promised. If it’s new, confirm the mileage is under 100 miles. Anything higher could mean it was used as a demo or loaner without your knowledge.

Finally, get everything in writing. The dealer should hand you the title, registration, warranty documents, and a signed delivery form. If they say you’ll get it later, push back. Don’t leave without it. And if you find an issue, don’t accept a promise to fix it next week. Make them fix it now or give you a different vehicle. Your car delivery checklist isn’t just a formality—it’s your protection.

What you’ll find below are real-world guides from owners and mechanics who’ve been through this process—covering everything from inspecting electric vehicles to spotting hidden damage on luxury models, and how to handle pushback from dealers who’d rather you just drive away. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re the exact steps you need to take before you hand over your money.