Picking up new Mustang: what to check?

[Pronichkin]

My car is estimated to be delivered to the dealer in about a week. (9 days to be precise—even though we all know those estimates are... well, estimates.) This is my first new car ever, and my first experience interacting with car dealers in the US. So, I'm a little nervous—especially after all the horror stories about infamous Ford build quality on this forum.

Moreover, I'm not a car specialist in any way, so even if there's some obvious internal defect, I might never notice that until it's too late. So, what I should specifically pay attention about? What should I try immediately at the lot? Where to look for for most common issues?

Thanks in advance!

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[Matthewstorm]

Yeah, it's been a looooong time since I owned a new car, and I've never owned a Ford. I'd love to hear some pointers, as well.

 

[vernonator]

Do a good walk around for paint issues/panel fit when delivered, those are the ones the dealer can try and weasel out of easiest. Also look for any damage/scuffs/etc inside - anything that they can claim YOU did. The rest can come as you drive it - you have a 3yr/36k Bumper to Bumper so make a list as you drive the 1st month and take it in to get those addressed. Then for 6 mos then a year, till your warranty is up or you are happy there are no issues. My '16 has had one issue - AC valve leak but otherwise has been perfect.

 

[Matthewstorm]

Headlight fluid. It's the number 1 thing that new owner neglect to get topped off before taking delivery.

Wow, yeah, I remember my last car headlight burned out because I let it get too low. Thanks, man!

 

[BLUDICE]

Wow, yeah, I remember my last car headlight burned out because I let it get too low. Thanks, man!

That reminds me to stop by Auto Zone and pick some up.

 

[StangTime]

As others have mentioned. Inspect the paint thoroughly. I will add... in the sun! Never take delivery of a car after dark. You won't see those blemishes until the next day, then they can blame you for them. Look really careful along the lines of the car for dents or other flaws. Check all the edges for good paint coverage. You may find a few dirt specks. That is normal every car has a few but they shouldn't draw your attention.
One place to have a real close look is the gutter at the top edge of the rear window. The seam sealer is known to be weak there and cause cracks to form in the paint.

Inside, look for scratches in the plastic. Look for discoloration points in the plastic that indicate the panel may have been stressed by improper installation. Check the headliner above the doors. It should be tucked in and held nicely by the weather seals. Check the leather or fabric for tears or bad stitching.

Pet peeve of mine: Make sure they don't drill the front bumper. WA requires them so can get an aftermarket, less destructive, plate mount. Also tell them not to put any dealer decals on it anywhere. Get it on the paperwork so if they screw it up they have to fix it.

One more thing... glass etching. Some dealers try to tack on extra fees like this saying they have to mark all the glass with a serial number in case of theft. It's BS.

 

[Matthewstorm]

Great info. Thanks! My major paranoia is they will install the front license plate mount.

 

[ctandc72]

My car is estimated to be delivered to the dealer in about a week. (9 days to be precise—even though we all know those estimates are... well, estimates.) This is my first new car ever, and my first experience interacting with car dealers in the US. So, I'm a little nervous—especially after all the horror stories about infamous Ford build quality on this forum.

Moreover, I'm not a car specialist in any way, so even if there's some obvious internal defect, I might never notice that until it's too late. So, what I should specifically pay attention about? What should I try immediately at the lot? Where to look for for most common issues?

Thanks in advance!

Tell your dealership NOT to detail or prep the car after arrival. Seriously. I'm sure not all dealerships are bad, but when I was at a dealership with a friend a while back looking at trucks, we watched a couple of "Detail" guys washing a brand new F250 with a sticker price higher than my first house in '96, "Detailing" it with dirty towels. It was black too.

Modern clear coat is thin enough without having to buff / correct it because of dumb mistakes when its new.

A tip I got from a buddy who paint cars - especially any car delivered by rail car. Don't wash it or anything at first. Use just a pressure washer / hose to clean it off (Rail dust is NASTY) then put some dish detergent in a spray bottle and clay bar the entire vehicle.

 

[MIDLYFE]

Make sure the flux capacitor has been activated.

Enjoy your Mustang. Hottest car on the road.

 

[BEERCHAMP]

Check the front end fitment, hood line gaps down by headlights , they had a lot of issues in 2019, hopefully fixed by now.

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