"We've Learned This Lesson The Hard Way―We've Discovered Minor Damage On New Cars We've Purchased," says Consumer Reports

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Do car shoppers need to closely inspect a new car on a dealership lot before purchasing and driving away? CR analysts report several they bought wound up having problems. Plus, an important reason for new car inspecting not mentioned.

It is a given that one of the most important aspects of buying a used car is having a prepurchase inspection done by an experienced mechanic. However, with today's online resources, much of what a mechanic is looking for can be learned from reputable sites that offer sage advice on what to look for and how to spot a bad used car deal.

But what about a new car? Do they require a close inspection as well?

That was the question posited and answered in a recent Consumer Reports newsletter that admits from time to time they have found new cars they purchased with problems that a new car owner would find surprising…and irritating. This is not just for the problem itself but also when trying to get a dealership to make it right once the vehicle has left the lot.

Related article: 8 Situations When You Should Never Buy That Used Car

Consumer Reports' Personal Life Lesson to Consumers

According to the newsletter:

We've learned this lesson the hard way. Consumer Reports buys dozens of new cars every year for testing, and a few of them have been less than perfect.

Even over the past few months, we've discovered minor damage on new cars we've purchased, including dents, scratches, and scuffed wheels. One car had so many things wrong with it that we had to insist that the dealer replace it with a new one.

"If the car you're buying—or just bought—is damaged in any way, it's really important to deal with the issue as soon as possible," says Mike Crossen, a CR's Auto Test Center technician.

While minor damage might not seem to be a big issue, it can become one once you discover that the dealership is reluctant to help, and you are stuck with the cost of repairing a brand-new car.

HOW TO AVOID AND DEAL WITH A DAMAGED NEW CAR

Here is a brief summary of the advice CR analysts provide consumers about how to avoid buying a damaged new car and how to deal with the problem should it arise.

Inspect, inspect, inspect... until you are satisfied

  • Always take your time to thoroughly investigate a new car.
  • Inspect the car only under good daylight conditions and when the car is dry and not just after a wash or rain.
  • Inspect everything inside the car! Do not focus on just the features that attracted you to the car. Make sure that all of the controls work and are compatible with your smartphone and that the upholstery, both front and back, have not been damaged from an earlier family test drive.
  • Inspect everything outside the car! Check the body for dents and dings, as well as any unusual gapping issues. The bumpers and tires should also be inspected for scuffing due to dealership lot handling and any damage a test drive may have caused.
  • Have the car put on a hoist so that you can get a good look underneath for any signs of not-so-obvious leaks, rusting, or other potential problems. You should also ask the dealership tech to remove the undercarriage panels, which could hide signs of fluid leaking.

After the inspection

  • Go to the salesperson with your findings and see what they will offer you in compensation. Either they will fix the issue, knock down the price of the car, or find you another model.
  • Don't rely on a verbal promise that a problem will be fixed. Consumer Reports makes a good point of asking for a "we owe" document signed by the dealership that states they will take care of the problem(s) you've found.

The newsletter advises, "If there's a problem with the paint, make sure you specify exactly what and where it is on the car and that the dealership says exactly what they will do to fix it."

Is It Too Late If You Find a Problem Afterward at Home?

If you discover a problem after you've driven your new car home, there might be time to get the issue remedied. However, it will likely be difficult to get the dealership to agree to a repair or at least to the level of satisfaction you want. In cases like this, you should:

  • Document the problem with photos and in writing the specifics of the problem and when it was discovered.
  • Contact the dealer as soon as possible with the issue(s) and see how he responds. While they might not offer a free repair, often they may "…offer monetary compensation or a service department gift certificate in lieu of repair."
  • Contact the manufacturer if all else fails and you are unhappy with the dealership's service. The manufacturer may offer a solution or at least something to maintain good customer relations.

THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON FOR INSPECTING A NEW CAR

Although the newsletter did not specify this, car owner psychology is one of the most important reasons for avoiding buying a damaged new car.

It is human nature to have an unfavorable view―even resentment―when something you've bought is less than perfect. Think about how you carefully chose your parking spot relative to other vehicles to avoid car door dings and other damage during the first few months of ownership. Then compare that to 2-3 years later. Are you still as careful?

The point is that when it comes time to sell your used car, its physical condition says a lot about its owner and, as a result, its eventual resale value. It does not take Sherlock Holmes to deduce the kind of person who owned a car and how it was driven and cared for (or not cared for) by its appearance.

In other words, those little issues the day you bought a damaged car work against your tendency and likelihood to care for it as you should.

For car maintenance and repair advice, be sure to check out these recent three:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWritesfor daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks as well on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair."

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