What to expect at the dealeship

[mashal]

Hi everyone, My Fr-s now has an ETA of two weeks so I'm trying to compile a list for myself and anyone else who has yet to pick up their car of what to look for when picking up your new car. This is my first time buying a brand new car so don't really know what to expect.

Some of the pointers I have got are as follows:
- Get the remote car finder set up
- Get dealer to do DRL delete (they prob wont do this one)
- check for scratches
- check for proper fitment of panels
- check paper work for "surprise" fees
- check odometer for oddly high number
- CHECK TRANNY OIL and other fluids
-
Thing I can do myself
- Radio set up to "Fr-s" instead of "Tc"
- shift buzzer for manual tranny to my liking RPM
If you know of anything please let me know, ill add to my list.

I am a newbie , all help is appreciated!
Thanks

[dnL]

These might be worth doing:

• Check for any scratches
• Check for the body panels not fitting right (there was some concern about that raised particularly about the FR-S)
• Check the paperwork for any surprise fees
• If you're trading in your car, research its value ahead of time so you don't get raped on the trade-in value.
• Check odometer for unusually high mileage for a new car

Kind of basic, I know.

[Gannicus77]

Set your shift light buzzer to 4k .

[FRiSson]

If it is a manual, turn on the gear number indicator.

[sdiver68]

Come in with your own financing pre-qualified at a good rate so the dealer will beat it. Think about the extended warranties and protection packages now so you don't have to make a spot decision.

[mashal]

All the financing stuff has been taken care off , I will watch out for any fees and stuff that wasn't mentioned before , thanks for all the replies !

[Shagaliscious]

Thanks for making this thread! I'm also buying a new car for the first time. When I got my current car, I noticed a handful of things after I bought it that I didn't at the dealer that could've resulted in me paying a lower price for the car.

-I would check the tires, for proper inflation and if they are worn at all.
-I would pop the hood and make sure the engine bay is clean.
-Make sure nothing in the interior is broken or cracked, and that all the knobs & buttons work.

[FT86R]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

If it is a manual, turn on the gear number indicator.

whats the gear number indicator?

[mashal]

Thank you shagalicious !

[Fly Guy]

Originally Posted by FT86R

whats the gear number indicator?

The dash would show what gear you are in.

[mashal]

Bumpie for new info!

[decoratordm]

I get mine tomorrow afternoon, had to make an apt. to pick it up!! These ideas are great, thanks so much everyone.

[decoratordm]

Originally Posted by dnL

These might be worth doing:

• Check for any scratches
• Check for the body panels not fitting right (there was some concern about that raised particularly about the FR-S)
• Check the paperwork for any surprise fees
• If you're trading in your car, research its value ahead of time so you don't get raped on the trade-in value.
• Check odometer for unusually high mileage for a new car

Kind of basic, I know.

I am not sure exactly where to check for these panels, could someone please explain this in easy to understand words, another newbie here!

[Shagaliscious]

Originally Posted by decoratordm

I am not sure exactly where to check for these panels, could someone please explain this in easy to understand words, another newbie here!

He's referring to the bumper lining up with the fenders and hood properly, the hood lining up properly when closed, the doors, and the rear bumper lining up with the rear 1/4 panel. Oh, and the trunk.