Picking up a new car - what's your process?

Lujess

Lujess

New member
Picking up a new 4R Off Road Premium tomorrow. First 4Runner for us.

All dealers I've bought cars from in the past have had slightly different processes regarding delivery.

I would normally look under the hood, look under the car (in this case to ensure KDSS is truly there), have the salesperson (assuming they have good product knowledge) demonstrate crawl control, engaging 4wd, linking phone via blue tooth, explain all other interior controls.

Any other suggestions? It will be hard to sleep tonight :-)
 
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I didn't order my 4runner, but I said I was happy to figure things out with the owners manual myself, and requested that they not drill the front license plate holes (I wanted to do it myself). I test drove, signed the papers, and drove away in about two hours.

It was my 2nd experience at a toyota dealer and they were more than happy to cater to my requests. The 1st time, the dealer gave us beer while my wife watched a Steelers game and I signed paperwork. So, if there's something you want them to do, within reason, just ask. You're the customer :)
 
before accepting make sure they didn't drill into your front bumper, make sure they didn't install any aftermarket security system or lockout device, make sure any dealership badges are removed (easy to do yourself, but i like making them do it), make sure you have all manuals and all copies of keys, check tire pressure, make sure there are no scratches or dings from the lot, if you get metal plates from the dealership make sure they have some kind of rubber or felt behind the botton so it won't vibrate against the paint and scratch it. if anything is missing (keys, manuals, etc...) don't let them say they will mail them to you or you can come and pick them up later.
 
jhguth said:
before accepting make sure they didn't drill into your front bumper, make sure they didn't install any aftermarket security system or lockout device, make sure any dealership badges are removed (easy to do yourself, but i like making them do it), make sure you have all manuals and all copies of keys, check tire pressure, make sure there are no scratches or dings from the lot, if you get metal plates from the dealership make sure they have some kind of rubber or felt behind the botton so it won't vibrate against the paint and scratch it. if anything is missing (keys, manuals, etc...) don't let them say they will mail them to you or you can come and pick them up later.
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This is spot on !
 
1)I always leave delivery plastic on and take it off myself, I don't want them scratching the truck.

2) NEVER let the dealership wash your vehicle...unless you like swirls and scratches.

3) Don't let them slab on tire shine . It will be oil based and it will be a heavy application, perfect for flinging all over the vehicle.

4)Lastly, I don't let them slap on the dealership stickers on the tailgate to begin with, if they do, I remove them myself when I get home. If you need to remove it when you get home, use a heat gun (carefully, don't cook your paint) and fishing line.

Some people aren't as picky as I am...but I get a little stubborn when it comes vehicles. Had to let the weekend warrior detailer come out and share advice! If I am in doubt, I always look to Larry at AMMO NYC, he's the detailing/new vehicle delivery king.
 
All of the above is spot on. In addition, I ask that they don't wash or detail my vehicles because that's the first point where your vehicle gets the spider scratches and swirl marks. Dealership detailers always do a half-ass job.

When I get it home, that's when I do a complete clay bar treatment, wash with Dawn, quick polish with a cleaner wax, and than finally, apply a paint sealant.
 
Don't let them set up your phone/bluetooth.

1) It's not hard and you'll need to know how to do it one day I'm guessing.
2) No need to let some dude you know mess with your unlocked phone while you sign paperwork!
 
When we picked up my gf’s new Camry they had a checklist to go over all of the features of the car. It also had a list of everything that she should have to confirm nothing was missing. It was a great experience.
 
i didn't add this to my list because it's personal preference- but in my experience i usually know more about the features than any sales rep by the time i purchase a vehicle, i'd rather sit in the driveway with my manual and go through it on my own
 
Bought mine off the lot a few weeks ago.

Let them clean and detail before I left, felt like they did a good job.

Some dealers go overboard on their logo, didn't really mind the one that was on there. It was pretty inconspicuous and easy enough to remove if I don't want it later on.

Make sure you get all your window stickers. Salesman should walk you through all of the features..was ready to hit the road in my new ride so I didn't pay much attention.
 
JAXJeremy said:
Make sure you get all your window stickers. Salesman should walk you through all of the features..was ready to hit the road in my new ride so I didn't pay much attention.
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Yes - another good reminder, especially since my salesperson will be on vacation and picking it up with someone else
 
Never ordered a car, but came close once. I wouldn't sign anything formal until the vehicle was on the lot. I like to be able to touch it and drive it before deciding anything. When I bought my 17 SR5P the sales guy went above and beyond to explain all the buttons and features, even set my Bluetooth up for me, which as a tech guy wasn't needed, but what the hell, he earned his commission. I definitely would have them demonstrate and walk through the features you mentioned
 
osugsxr said:
Bang the sales lady for a better price
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If I was dealing for a new 4Runner, Id ask for a free lifetime subscription to the on-line maintenance manuals and Techstream.

Also, make sure you have a spare (some dealers remove the spare to prevent theft on the lot) and that your truck has the latest software updates installed.

Also, look to see if your truck is on any recall lists - like air bags.

Inspect carefully inside and out for damage and missing items. Mine came with a hitch wiring pig tail for example.

Check mileage and that you get a full tank of gas. Check other fluids too.

Ask for a little time to look things over in good light and take pictures. Check fit and finish. Once you drive off, just about everything shifts to you.
 
LOLing at having the sales guy demonstrate crawl or any other feature. 99% of them won’t know anything about it or any other 4Runner features (KDSS, rear locker, multi-terrain select, etc).


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Mine was a certified pre owned.

But I did left the very knowedegible Young lady spend the two hours going over the electronic goodies that I'll never use.
 
My procedure is to skip all that after sale crap, gets the keys and drive off, because the sales people usually don't know diddly about 9/10 of the features. Telling someone they will never need 4wd so don't touch that knob/lever, as they are selling you a 4wd is about as good as it gets.

Don't fall for the extra warranty, extra oil changes, glass protection, theft protection, undercoating or other useless add on's.

They are barely qualified to start the car in some cases.

Make sure they wash it (touchless), fill the tank, save yourself the 1.5 hour dumbload and get the hell out of there.

Oh and don't forget the service department usually has free coffee, espresso, tea, fruit and popcorn all day. The first Saturday of every month they serve hotcakes for breakfast. Make sure you get some of that to make up for all the extra crap they put you through during the purchase/pickup.
 
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