6 Inspection Points When Taking Delivery of a New Car

Before signing the car purchase agreement, buyers should pay close attention to the details of the contract. If possible, include a clause stating 'car to be inspected before registration,' allowing the owner to inspect the vehicle before deciding whether to accept it. To protect the owner's rights, the dealership must not be allowed to refuse the owner’s or their representative’s request to perform the inspection.

Since there are no local car manufacturers in Hong Kong, all new cars sold in the region are imported from abroad, with most transported by ship. Therefore, during the process of transporting the car from its origin to the port, then by ship to Hong Kong, and finally to the delivery center, there is a possibility of wear and defects due to poor storage conditions.

To protect your rights, prospective car owners must carefully inspect the vehicle before accepting a new car, ensuring there are no issues before taking delivery. If any problems are found during the inspection, you should request repairs before accepting the car or note the issues in the delivery documents to avoid disputes later. During the inspection, owners should pay attention to the following six areas:

Owners should first check the fit of the car body, specifically whether the various body panels are neatly and consistently fitted. Walk around the car, observing the gaps of the doors, hood, and trunk lid to ensure they are even. Then, run your fingers along the panel intersections to check if the body panels are evenly fitted. If you notice any unevenness, excessive gaps, or inconsistencies, you should immediately raise the issue with the staff.

When inspecting the car paint, it should be done in a well-lit environment. Since imperfections on the car body may not be visible to the naked eye, we recommend using a yellow light flashlight at a low angle to examine the vehicle closely for scratches, dents, or uneven paint. If minor marks are found under the light, they can typically be addressed with a waxing treatment at an auto detailing service.

However, if the scratches are deeper and have penetrated the base coat, the vehicle will need to be returned to the manufacturer for repairs. If scratches are clearly visible even without lighting, it is advisable to have the manufacturer assess whether a repaint is necessary. If unsure about the severity of the scratches, you can first schedule an appointment with an auto detailing service for professional evaluation and handling.

Trim pieces on the car body, such as door edge trim, side mirror housings, and window frames, are also important areas to check. These components are typically made of plastic or metal and may have undergone electroplating or painting. When inspecting these parts, owners should look for scratches, paint chips, deformation, or loose fittings, especially with softer plastic trim pieces on door edges that are more susceptible to damage during transportation or parking.

Since damage to trim pieces cannot be repaired with coatings or similar methods, it is essential to confirm their condition before accepting the vehicle. If any noticeable damage is found, you should request a replacement from the manufacturer.

When inspecting the glass, pay attention to any scratches, cracks, or damage. You can use a yellow light flashlight to check for subtle scratches, and gently touch the glass surface with your fingers to feel for any unevenness. If you can feel noticeable dents, it may indicate that the glass is damaged.

During the transportation of the vehicle to the dealership, whether driven or towed, the glass surface can be struck by roadside debris, leading to damage, especially to the windshield. If you find any signs of damage, it is important to report it immediately to the relevant party.

The wheels and tires are the components that make direct contact with the ground, and they are among the most susceptible to damage. We recommend that owners closely inspect the edges and surfaces of the wheels, particularly near the tires, for any scratches, dents, or deformation. For the tires, check for any abnormal wear on the tread and look for cracks or damage on the sidewalls. If any damage is found on the wheels or tires, you should request a replacement from the manufacturer.

Whether the vehicle is brought to the delivery center by towing or driving, the tires will have already been used, which can lead to wear. Additionally, some towing companies may use straps and other tools to secure the vehicle during transport, and these buckles can potentially cause wear to the wheels, so owners need to be particularly vigilant.

The cabin has all the electronic equipment functions, seating, storage spaces, and various features, making the inspection process extensive and time-consuming. You should operate and check each item, including the windows, sunroof, central control screen, air conditioning, audio system, seat adjustments, and lighting, to ensure they are functioning smoothly. All buttons and knobs inside the vehicle, such as those on the steering wheel, light control stalk, and wiper control stalk, should also be tested individually. If you take the delivery all by yourself, you can ask the dealership staff for help while you check from the outside to confirm that the brake lights, turn signals, and other functions are working properly.

In addition to ensuring everything operates normally, you should closely inspect all trim pieces in the cabin for any damage or scratches. For the seats, check that the stitching is intact and confirm that functions such as electric adjustments, temperature control, and ventilation are all working properly.

When a new car is purchased, getting car insurance is especially important. In Hong Kong, car insurance is of two types: comprehensive insurance (full coverage) and third-party liability insurance (third-party coverage). The law requires that any vehicle on the road must have valid third-party coverage.

However, third-party coverage only protects the rights of third parties and does not provide any protection for the insured owner or the vehicle itself. If you do not want your vehicle and property to be excluded from coverage, you should purchase comprehensive car insurance.