Chicken? or the Egg?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 99
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From: Fraser
Chicken? or the Egg?
I am picking up my new truck tomorrow. Dealer says it should just take 60-90 minutes. He says that they will do a complete walk-through of the truck after the finance part. (We are pre-approved X2).
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,279
Likes: 12
I am picking up my new truck tomorrow. Dealer says it should just take 60-90 minutes. He says that they will do a complete walk-through of the truck after the finance part. (We are pre-approved X2).
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 537
From: DFW
Walk-through before signing, absolutely.
Shouldn’t be an issue with the dealer.
In all cases though - buyer beware or live with the consequences. Even if you’re buddies or the dealer has an excellent rep. Just to have peace of mind.
Shouldn’t be an issue with the dealer.
In all cases though - buyer beware or live with the consequences. Even if you’re buddies or the dealer has an excellent rep. Just to have peace of mind.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 698
Likes: 4
From: Rural Northern California
When I picked mine up (an ordered truck) I told the salesman I wanted to test drive it.
Wife and I drove it to a parking lot and spent almost an hour going over the entire vehicle. I didn't want the salesman hanging over me.
My wife is a past quality inspector. I did the mechanical stuff, she did the detail inspection.
Dealer thought we got lost out there. Ours passed 100%.
There is an old thread I can't find right now (from early '17) with a list of all the things that needed checking. Maybe someone else can remember and find that thread quickly for you.
I strongly suggest inspecting before signing.
Wife and I drove it to a parking lot and spent almost an hour going over the entire vehicle. I didn't want the salesman hanging over me.
My wife is a past quality inspector. I did the mechanical stuff, she did the detail inspection.
Dealer thought we got lost out there. Ours passed 100%.
There is an old thread I can't find right now (from early '17) with a list of all the things that needed checking. Maybe someone else can remember and find that thread quickly for you.
I strongly suggest inspecting before signing.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 309
I am picking up my new truck tomorrow. Dealer says it should just take 60-90 minutes. He says that they will do a complete walk-through of the truck after the finance part. (We are pre-approved X2).
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,120
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From: NH
Just because you sign the finance paperwork, it doesn't finalize with the bank for a few days. I've had the dealer give me an incorrect contract which they discovered later. Two days later they drove to my work and had me sign another. It's a new vehicle and the law entitles you to report any defects in the bodywork, paint, or interior within 36 hours or maybe longer. I don't think its a big deal to sign first and then discover a potential issue later at home.
I've never done a thorough inspection before signing. Heck, on my 2016 King Ranch diesel I had only seen the truck in online pics. Credit app done over the phone, approved...I came by on my motorcycle and signed the paperwork while the truck was in detail. They left the keys over the visor and somebody dropped me off later and I drove it home. Fun experience.
I've never done a thorough inspection before signing. Heck, on my 2016 King Ranch diesel I had only seen the truck in online pics. Credit app done over the phone, approved...I came by on my motorcycle and signed the paperwork while the truck was in detail. They left the keys over the visor and somebody dropped me off later and I drove it home. Fun experience.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
I am picking up my new truck tomorrow. Dealer says it should just take 60-90 minutes. He says that they will do a complete walk-through of the truck after the finance part. (We are pre-approved X2).
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
So my question is should I do an inspection of the vehicle before signing the finance paperwork, or should I do my inspection during the walk through? I have a checklist of things that I want to eyeball based on input from this forum.
Everyone should do their own inspection "alone" before even sitting down in the chair in the finance office and the dealership should not have a problem with this.
Nothing is 100% guaranteed to be taken care of after the finance papers are signed for by the new owner.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 239
Likes: 10
From: Texas
That's the smarter way of doing it. But at the same time, they're going to warranty anything wrong with it. And if your heart is set on the truck, your buying it anyways. I never test drove my 17 or my 13. I did a quick visual on paint and body, made a few notes. They fixed everything while I did the finances. First test drive was with paper plates on the way home. (the dealer test them when they come in on the truck, I wanted my 17 with 0 miles on it, but dealer told me it's not possible, they at least drive it around the block to make sure nothing is mechanically wrong).
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
Agree wholeheartedly with what most everyone here has been saying.. Inspect first..
That being said, I'm more like troverman.. I walked in, signed the papers, walked out with the key, got in and went back to work. But I admit to being fortunate in that I deal with a small dealer in a small town where the owner was my salesguy and he lives in the town.. they don't take chances with their reputation.
That being said, I'm more like troverman.. I walked in, signed the papers, walked out with the key, got in and went back to work. But I admit to being fortunate in that I deal with a small dealer in a small town where the owner was my salesguy and he lives in the town.. they don't take chances with their reputation.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 26
From: St Louis Suburbs
If you have time I would take it one step further and have the sales person do his own inspection a couple days before you get there. This way if there is anything major that needs to be corrected it can possibly be done before delivery day.
