New Car Delivery: What to Check and How to Avoid Common Mistakes

When you finally get your new car delivery, the moment you take ownership of a brand-new vehicle from the dealer or manufacturer. Also known as new vehicle handover, it’s not just about signing papers and driving away—it’s the first real test of your purchase. Too many people skip the inspection and regret it later. A scratch, a missing feature, or a software glitch might not show up until weeks later—and by then, the dealer’s not as eager to fix it.

Before you leave the lot, you need to inspect the vehicle inspection, a detailed check of the car’s condition, features, and functionality before accepting delivery. Look for paint imperfections, mismatched panel gaps, or dents you didn’t see during the test drive. Check every button, screen, and dial. Test the infotainment system, Bluetooth, climate controls, and adaptive cruise. If it’s an EV, confirm the charging port works and the range estimate matches what you were told. Don’t trust the salesperson’s word—do it yourself.

The new car checklist, a practical list of items to verify during vehicle delivery to ensure everything is correct and functioning isn’t just for experts. Even if you’re buying your first car, you can do this. Walk around the car under daylight. Open and close all doors, trunk, and hood. Check the tires for wear, date codes, and pressure. Look under the hood—oil should be clean, coolant full, no leaks. Verify the spare tire and tools are there. Get the VIN and match it to your paperwork. If anything’s off, write it down. Take photos. Ask for a new vehicle if needed. Dealers hate delays, so they’ll fix it fast if you’re firm.

And don’t forget the delivery process, the sequence of steps from vehicle arrival at the dealership to final handover to the customer. It’s not just handing over keys. A good delivery includes a walk-around, a demo of key features, and a chance to ask questions. If they skip this, push back. You paid for a new car, not a used one with a fresh coat of wax. This is your chance to make sure everything works as advertised.

Most people think the hard part is negotiating the price. The real trick? Making sure you get exactly what you paid for. The new car delivery is your last chance to catch mistakes before they become your problem. Skip the inspection, and you’re accepting whatever’s there. Do it right, and you walk away with confidence—not regrets.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been through this—what to watch for, what dealers hide, and how to make sure your new car starts off right.