How to Pick Up Your Car from the Dealership the Right Way

If you've decided to buy a car from a dealership, it isn't enough to simply choose a model you like, pay for it, and sign the paperwork to complete the deal. Just as important is taking delivery of the car the right way, so you don't overlook even the smallest detail. Whether the car is new or used, there is always a risk of ending up with a vehicle that has a defect or was repaired after an accident.

It's a fairly common practice, whether through the owner's connections with the dealership or through deception by sales staff, for a repainted, wrecked car to be passed off as new. How can you avoid such an unpleasant situation, so that right after the purchase you don't have to reach for a repair manual for your Ford Fusion or whatever other model you chose? The inspection guide below will help you avoid getting caught off guard when you buy.

1. First and most important rule: never sign any documents until you are completely sure of the quality and reliability of the car you're buying.

Once all the paperwork is done and the car has been paid for, there's a good chance you won't see the vehicle again until the moment it's handed over at the dealership. And naturally, the euphoria of a new purchase can completely cloud your judgment when you see a brand-new, beautiful, clean, shiny car standing in front of you and the staff solemnly hand you the keys. But be patient, so you don't run into serious problems later that will be yours alone to deal with. After you sign the delivery acceptance form, you become the full owner of the car, and proving that it was faulty before the purchase is practically impossible.

So follow the buyer's golden rule and don't sign anything until you are fully certain that the car matches your expectations, your agreement with the seller, and the quality and specifications stated in the documents. From the moment the deal is closed, the responsibility for repairing the car falls on your shoulders, and you'll have to rely on a repair manual for your Ford Focus or whatever other make and model you chose.

2. Do a complete, thorough inspection of the car.

If you aren't much of a car expert, or this is your first purchase of this kind, it's best to bring along someone who is a bit more knowledgeable than you when you pick up the car. If you don't know anyone like that, ask an experienced driver to go with you so they can tell you what everything should look like and how it should work. When inspecting the car, follow the plan below:

• Trim level and equipment. Print out the full specifications and equipment list for your chosen model from the manufacturer's official website, and check every item against it during the inspection.

• Paint finish. Examine the car carefully from all sides. Most often, panels that have been repainted will differ slightly in shade from the rest of the body. In hard-to-reach spots, try to feel with your fingers for scratches, chips, and uneven paint.

• Completeness. Check that every item listed in the documentation is there: the ashtray, the spare tire, and so on.

• Proper operation of all vehicle systems. Test opening and closing all the doors with and without the remote, and check the power windows, seat belts, child safety locks, seat adjustments, and so on.

• Lighting. Check that all the lights work: headlights, parking lights, and so on.

• Under the hood. Be sure to check all the necessary fluids, the oil level, and the underbody (oil pan) protection, so that everything is as stated in the equipment list.

• Engine operation and driving. If possible, take a test drive and listen carefully for any unusual noises from the engine.

If you find any defects or faults during the inspection, the dealership staff should fix them or replace the car.