Pre-delivery checklist

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by tivoboy

Yeaaah, this list was NOT followed by my dealer. [...] What a waste of time.

Is it the smart center San Jose that is that sloppy? Or did you have this dreadful experience elsewhere?

[tivoboy]

I don't really want to say which smart center, I think they are getting their processes up to speed. I guess I thought with so much time and so few cars to deliver, attention to detail would be high.

But, I DO live in Menlo Park, and the taxes in SJ county are lower. :-)

I worked for daimler-benz for many years, so I know a little something about dealer processes and expectations. For me, it was a little bit of a test. For another customer, it might have been a little more of a let down. I mean, a CAR purchase no matter what type or price for some people is a LARGE experience. It one makes the effort to build the process, one needs to make the effort to make sure it is in place and followed

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by tivoboy

[...] I know a little something about dealer processes and expectations. [...]

tivoboy,
Sorry if I put you in the hot seat. I too don't like delation. But I honestly think that everyone should be responsible. smart is dealing with a lot of dedicated people who work hard to make it a success, all the way from Smartville to our shores. If someone screws up, I won't hesitate to say so, face to face. Isn't it better to clean a potential situation before it festers?

As you said, buying a car is a big thing, for most of us.

Since you know the procedure, you know that your car will be delivered soon, and in tip-top shape. Enjoy it!

[parnami]

I don't understand the desire to be "kind and fair" to the dealers who may be screwing up. This is NOT a game with practice sessions! Sure, if they're giving cars away and making NO CHARGE for dealer fees, then, it's reasonalbe to be fair. I seriously doubt this to be the case though. These people are in business, making decent money from us and in return I expect them to do the jobs for which we've paid. There is no excuse for not falling simple pre-delivery checklists for new cars or, for failing to install optional items for which they charged dearly. In my book, that's incompetence at best, and FRAUD at worst! At the very least, their errors should be made known to other customers, and, in the cass of the FRAUD...passed along to proper authorites for prosecution! Covering up these practiced benefits nobody except the incompetent or the crook! To force change, we NEED to know about them!

[MinnySmart]

Originally Posted by 2mutch

Who to contact (if interested) for the local smart owners chapter.

Speaking of which, Any thoughts on a Minny Meet Up yet?

[tivoboy]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Since you know the procedure, you know that your car will be delivered soon, and in tip-top shape. Enjoy it!

Already got it, that is when I had these sub-par experiences. :-)

Now, I'm just dealing with some sub-car VEHICLE experiences, but i'll post that write up soon.

[partsrme928]

Originally Posted by jwight

Any last minute additions?

Be sure your $99.00 reservation fee is applied to the invoice.

[E-SMART]

Originally Posted by jwight

Seems like there are enough folks with cars now that we know some of the delivery pitfalls and can put a list together to help those who will pick up their cars in the future. So, what should be checked/verified before you take the keys and drive away?

In no particular order:

Tire pressure set to factory spec
Headlights correctly aimed
Horn working
Shifter "recall" performed [confirm lubrication]
Gas cap on tight
Fluids topped up (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer)
Brakes checked and bled if necesssary
Two operational ignition keys
All door latches and locks working with key fob (chirp/no chirp?)
Check tailgate alignment with the roof
Battery all charged up
Full tank of gas
ALL installed equipment/options working properly (i.e.: heated seats, rear defroster, a/c...even small things like signal bulbs and pod clock)
Check radio operation and reception (AM/FM bands)
Owners manual and assorted booklets in place
A list of "who to contact" at dealership - salesperson, manager, service, parts, etc.
Who to contact (if interested) for the local smart owners chapter
Call dealer in advance so they don't drill holes in the front of the car - no front plate states or gominigo solution
Also rear of car if you have your own solution for the rear plate

Feel free to add others!

I'm picking up my smart this Saturday, I guess a few add-on questions (sorry if its been covered elsewhere, I'll do some searching if advised) but on some of these a 'how to' or what others have experienced on some of these such as:

factory settings for cold tires front/rear could be added to tire pressure check

is the brake pedal squishy which could indicate air in brake line (or is there something else someone has experienced with the brakes?)

battery all charged up (is someone seeing a battery low charge light?)

headlights correctly aimed (would be hard to check during daytime, I saw the thread on alignment, probably would just point it out to the dealer?)

the rest of the list is easy to do visual checks are just turning stuff on!

[angel]

Check the panels/paint for defects and/or flaws.
Some dealers are adding the clear bra so make sure to check that as well. No bubbles, no debris underneath, and no edges rolling or jagged.
If it's already tinted make sure the tint is on correctly with no bubbles, not uneven, and not scratched or otherwise defected.

[Old smart]

Reset TPMS if tire pressures were adjusted
Check battery cable tightness
Check battery with 10-15 second load test
Check foglight aim
Check tire balance
Check lug bolt torques (81 ft/lb)
Check wheel alignment