Dealer Pick-up checklist

[mform]

After a long enough wait to [almost] make me go buy something else, my 2013 Shoreline Blue TE will arrive in three weeks. It will be sad to part with my trusty, low mileage '97 3rd Gen, but its time.

So much great info from members that its provided a lot of confidence in shelling out the $$$ for the TE....thanks to all of you.

I havent seen one consolidate thread on this topic, so here goes my Post #1.

I want to have in hand a pretty solid checklist for pick up at the dealer, just to make sure they're doing the right things, and I am too. Hoping you could help me piece this together and it would benefit future users.

Here's the bare-bones start. Looking forward to your input.

Basics:
Manuals
Tools
Accessories (pretty short list for mine)
Keys (2+valet)

Programming: (some of this will be personal preference, of course)
Windows-down, sunroof open with remote
Windows-up with key
Door chime


Thx again for the great intel on this forum!

 

[phillyd2]

Make sure the dealer does not add their stickers!

 

[Oogs]

Make sure the dealer does not add their stickers!

Exactly. Mine didn't have any when I test drove it, but they snuck it in when putting on the temp tags. Noticed it the next day so it peeled off real easy.

 

[jfdallas]

1. Pair your smart phone (unless you prefer to do it)
2. Make sure your tell them no thanks on the ext wty - there are lots of better and less expensive options.
3. Inspect the vehicle inside and out before taking delivery - my dealer had me sign an inspection sheet. The vehicle should be spotlessly clean.
4. Demonstration on operating the sat radio, nav, etc (if equipped).
5. Not sure if your state requires front license plate, but here in TX, they do and the dealer drills holes in your front bumper for the plate holder unless you tell them not to.
6. Full tank of gas!

 

[mform]

Re: dealer stickers, etc. I've had them add 'no dealer advertising' to the sales contract for years. Often, they'll back off to "Can we just put a plate frame on it?" which opens up another point to negotiate.

re: Inspection.....jeez I hate to say it, but the approach is to have my wife do the inspection. I almost feel bad for those jokers by the time she's finished....

 

[Bill Z]

Before you pick up your 4 runner, have the dealer send you a copy of the paperwork that they will require you to sign - and then review it carefully.

 

[jbstrd]

Both driver and passenger seatbelt warning chimes turned off. Also, it is kind of nice to have all doors unlock with one press of the unlock button.

Enjoy, Jason

 

[calikev]

Check the paint and glass real closely. If there are any chips they won't consider fixing them the minute you drive off the lot.

These are a few things I usually try to get free at time of delivery:


A bottle of genuine Toyota touch-up paint (VERY EASY TO GET)

Switch carpet for all weather mats at no charge or Clear floor mats to go over your carpet mats if you prefer(At least you get a credit for carpet mats if you want to buy all weathers, now is the time to do so)

At least 2 alignments for free (EASY) They want you to come there

Hitch ball and spare tire lock & a set of wheel locks

Tinted windows--they never do this, but I ask sometimes

Bug deflector and/or tinted rain guards for windows (not happening, but I ask)

Choose a couple of these, not all of them. Every car I have ever bought I got a few of these things free and then said...I'll buy the rest at employee discount pricing right now. The sale mgr walks to parts with me and says sell him these things for employee cost as part of the deal and it's done. Make sure the "WE OWE" form states at employee cost and pay for them at delivery of the vehicle.

Congrats on the new TE!!!!

EDIT* I almost forgot the most important thing...tell them DO NOT put that stupid silicone spray all over your engine bay to shine your hoses and belts and engine compartment. That stuff will crack your belts and hoses and is what you smell burning off in the 1st 100 miles. You will smell it and they will say it's the brakes and new components wearing in, but reality is that it is that gunk they spray under your hood to make it look shiny and new and a lil bit of exhaust undercoating from the port.

 

[msk2u]

any suggestions on removing the silicon spray

How can you tell if the spray has been applied liberally - smelled it on the test drive. How to remove it would be the other question ..

Check the paint and glass real closely. If there are any chips they won't consider fixing them the minute you drive off the lot.

These are a few things I usually try to get free at time of delivery:


A bottle of genuine Toyota touch-up paint (VERY EASY TO GET)

Switch carpet for all weather mats at no charge or Clear floor mats to go over your carpet mats if you prefer(At least you get a credit for carpet mats if you want to buy all weathers, now is the time to do so)

At least 2 alignments for free (EASY) They want you to come there

Hitch ball and spare tire lock & a set of wheel locks

Tinted windows--they never do this, but I ask sometimes

Bug deflector and/or tinted rain guards for windows (not happening, but I ask)

Choose a couple of these, not all of them. Every car I have ever bought I got a few of these things free and then said...I'll buy the rest at employee discount pricing right now. The sale mgr walks to parts with me and says sell him these things for employee cost as part of the deal and it's done. Make sure the "WE OWE" form states at employee cost and pay for them at delivery of the vehicle.

Congrats on the new TE!!!!

EDIT* I almost forgot the most important thing...tell them DO NOT put that stupid silicone spray all over your engine bay to shine your hoses and belts and engine compartment. That stuff will crack your belts and hoses and is what you smell burning off in the 1st 100 miles. You will smell it and they will say it's the brakes and new components wearing in, but reality is that it is that gunk they spray under your hood to make it look shiny and new and a lil bit of exhaust undercoating from the port.

 

[(none)]

How can you tell if the spray has been applied liberally - smelled it on the test drive. How to remove it would be the other question ..

Don't worry about it. Unless your vehicle is sitting in the showroom with the hood up to show off that 4.0L motor, no lot tech is going to bother taking time washing or spraying anything on the motor. They are clean when they arrive, so there is little reason for them to bother.

 

[Bossman]

Based on my recent purchase of a 2011 Limited, here are a few more points to consider.

The dealership will likely handle the transfer of ownership paperwork on your behalf (you will likely need to sign documents for the trade-in vehicle and the newly purchased vehicle).

Will you want to keep your old license plates? When I traded in my 2003 I took of my old plates and had them put them on the 2011 ... these are the only plates I have ever had - makes it so much easier to remember the number!

I also contacted my insurance company ahead of time, letting them know about the vehicle purchase. I gave them the vehicle information and V.I.N. and the date/time that I wanted the insurance to kick in (as I drive off the lot). That way they could transfer the insurance from my 2003 onto the 2011 (expect a slight increase in your insurance rate - but I don`t carry collision coverage).

 

[Spenny]

Almost drove off the lot without the floor mats and there were only 2 tire thread caps. Little details you'll miss over the excitement. Bring someone with you that's level headed and not a giddy school girl like I was.

 

[msk2u]

Not sure what thread caps are?! Google seems to show an actual cap or caps on the tire?

Car was delivered with temp floor mats as the all weathers had to be ordered apparently.. Went smoothly with the sales guy spending over 30 mins going over the features. Drove out with a smile in the TX sun!

Almost drove off the lot without the floor mats and there were only 2 tire thread caps. Little details you'll miss over the excitement. Bring someone with you that's level headed and not a giddy school girl like I was.

 

[Spenny]

Yea the tire valve caps.

 

[flyrv9]

As far as manuals go - you won't get any service manuals. You should get an owners manual set in some kind of holder that fits in the glove box. If you get a locking lug nut set - one lug nut on each wheel will require the adapter key that should also be provided. Don't loose this or you're screwed. I taped mine to my lug wrench.

You should also get a jack, lug wrench and handle. The handle will have to be assembled for use. The jack, handle, etc. stores behind a panel just inside the rear hatch on the R/H side. It's also used to lower the spare - that you should also check to see is there. Some dealers remove them to guard against theft on the lot. I suggest you practice lowering the spare before you have to do it on a dark night. You may also get a trailer light harness adapter pigtail. Mine was in the glove box.

TPMS sensor valves do come with dust caps. Your spare will probably have a steel wheel. I was going to flip mine over so I could check tire pressure more easily; but after my practice lowering it - I'll just do that.

You should get two programmed key fobs and a valet key.

Enjoy your new ride.

 

[Sunnyday]

Are there any updates to the check list. I am picking up a factory order 4R ORP with KDSS this month. I am buying close to 400 miles out of state and will drive back, so I rather not forget something important to check.

 

[flyrv9]

There has been mention in the past that new owners are finding that some dealers have installed the KARR alarm system (or similar type system) hoping to sell it to the buyer. If they don't succeed with the sale, they install a deactivation plug and send the buyer on their way. The problem with this is that the buyer has an aftermarket system and included wiring spliced into their brand new vehicle. Past threads on this contain reports on less than stellar splicing techniques and some harness butchering - that can (or did) lead to electrical issues.

If I were picking up a brand new (or even used) 4Runner today, I'd inspect the paperwork and the vehicle to see that there wasn't anything installed that I didn't want - or pay for. There are threads on this with pics one can search for; or a google of kaar alarm will bring up all sorts of info. I wouldn't accept a vehicle in this condition.