I phoned our garage today and our car has been through import and is awaiting delivery to our dealer. Been very impressed with fiat so far ordered sept 1st and fingers crossed should be with us late next week.

When we go to pick him (Benni) do we check the car over? What should we be looking for?

look over the car for damage. Best if you have a good look over it while it's dry.

Don't worry so much about stuff not working.. since the dealer should check that as part of the PDI and you have a warranty anyway. Just look for damage.

If you notice any damage later, nobody will know for sure that it didn't take place after you picked the car up (maybe in the street overnight or in a car-park) so the dealer won't fix it for free afterwards.

So.. look along/down the sides of the body... and on the corners and the lower body to make sure there are no dents or dimples. Also peer acrosss the bonnet from the side and also the roof.

Similarly check for paintwork scratches and scuffs... and make sure the wheels aren't scraped.

The interior should be immaculate too. No loose or hanging off stuff and certainly no marks or damage.

Personally I don't get hung up on the odd miniscule mark, since the beast is going to face the rough world out there and is going to suffer wear.. but you did buy a new one, so it should be more or less unblemished.

Ralf S.

Also check that the spec is exactly what you ordered and that all extras are as specified.

Good luck with the new car!

Ralf S. said:

Don't worry so much about stuff not working.. since the dealer should check that as part of the PDI and you have a warranty anyway. Just look for damage.

If you notice any damage later, nobody will know for sure that it didn't take place after you picked the car up (maybe in the street overnight or in a car-park) so the dealer won't fix it for free afterwards.

So.. look along/down the sides of the body... and on the corners and the lower body to make sure there are no dents or dimples. Also peer acrosss the bonnet from the side and also the roof.

Similarly check for paintwork scratches and scuffs... and make sure the wheels aren't scraped.

The interior should be immaculate too. No loose or hanging off stuff and certainly no marks or damage.

Personally I don't get hung up on the odd miniscule mark, since the beast is going to face the rough world out there and is going to suffer wear.. but you did buy a new one, so it should be more or less unblemished.

Ralf S.

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Could I absolutely agree with your commenst about giving the car a thorough checkover. I generally do this before the final handover. I spend at least 30 minutes going over it internally and externally. I have rejected several cars due to unacceptable levels of cosmetic damage, including roof and body panel dents, and seat and dashboard damage. Better to do this before handing over your cash or signing finance agreements. I could write a book about my misfortunes when buying new cars. I find it very stressfull.
I am sure your car will be fine but please do give it a good going over.

This is an interesting question. Initially I thought maybe we should have a guide. And that works to an extent but everyone is different. I couldn't wait to get the keys and drive off for a play. The dealer commented that he'd never seen a man so keen to hand over £12k and do a runner. Others inspect everything.

I think the best advise is check that it's what you ordered and be realistic and polite but firm if you find something not to the expected standard. Be open to the dealer doing some wheeling and dealing on something else to satisfy you if something is not quite right.

Above all bear in mind this is a small Fiat. Despite the assertions of some around here, this is not a Bentley, it is not hand build by artisans and master craftsman. It's worth keeping that in mind. Some (detailing fetishists in particular it seems) have unrealistically high expectations of what ones £10-15k should buy and the overall quality of the manufacturing is largely beyond the control of the dealer.

Oooooo wont be long now then!!!!!
Is it you that's getting one in the same colour scheme as me??
I hope you love it as much as I do!! Looking forward to seeing piccis and hearing your thoughts on it!! xx

Yeah we are getting violate blue with brown cream cloth. So can't wait we are very excited lol

Alisonomis said:

Yeah we are getting violate blue with brown cream cloth. So can't wait we are very excited lol

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You got what you wanted so enjoy it to the full