I've seen bits and pieces all over the forum describing various things dealers should do (but in some cases, didn't) before releasing the car to the buyer.

I would find it helpful if we could have in one thread the things to look for when picking up the car. (i.e. What things do dealers frequently forget to do? Which things should you ask the dealer, about tire pressures, plugs for frame holes, etc.?)

Thanks on behalf of all of us waiting for 8's!

 

Make sure they reduced the tire pressure from the 50 lbs used in transit to the recommended 32 psi.
Check to see they put on the wheel hubs (in the center of the wheel with a Mazda emblem on it.)
Check oil fill (you may need to remove the plastic cover on the engine to get through the hoses to pull the dip stick)
Check every square inch for dings or scratches, especially on the front.

 

I would ask to see the PDI checklist for your car. Your dealer should have that readily available. If you can get a blank one from your salesperson a few days before, that would help you think of other things to look for as well.

Bottom line - if any one item on the car does not meet your expectations, make them fix it. Try to take delivery outside while there is sunlight. Artificial lighting can sometimes mask issues.

Good luck!

 

There's a small post that attaches under the drivers seat that the floor mat hooks on. Keeps it from sliding up on the pedals. Many of our dealers neglected to install; if so, you'll probably find a strange metal part in the glove box. I went back to the dealer for other reasons and had them install it. Took less than 5 minutes.

 

Of course, check the paint over completely. I checked all fluids to make sure they were topped off. Checked for scuff marks in the interior. I asked the dealer to remove all stickers from the car (the dealer's name and the Zoom-Zoom thing). Check to make sure there's no residue from that.

Check the electronics and make sure everything's in working order. That's usually the last thing people do, and they do it after they've already left the lot. If you've got the nav system, make sure it's been setup already and is working correctly (at least showing your current position).

 

This thread is going to be very helpful for me - thanks for your replies, all.

I know that low fluid levels and incorrect tire pressures, etc. can be corrected easily...

What about if something is wrong with paint, or there are scuffs or something like that? After such a long wait, it would be awful to be in a "take it or leave it" situation (especially when "leave it" would mean leaving behind the nonrefundable deposit!)

 

Something a lot of us have mentioned is that the wheel locks haven't been put on the car at delivery. Usually they're in the glove box or in the trunk. So ask them to put those on at delivery. Also, I had a bag of plugs that were supposed to go into the frame of the car. I didn't notice the bag until I got home, so I ended up doing it myself.

 

I don't understand this. Why are the plugs a dealer fitted item and not a factory fitted item? Does anyone know?

 

Thanks for all the tips. I picked mine up on Friday, with the following results:

Wheel locks were NOT installed
Floor mat hook was NOT installed
Body plugs were installed (whew)

By the way, the plugs are not installed at the factory because they use these "hooks" to tie down the car in transport. When it arrives at the dealer, or at port (don't know which), the holes are fitted with these plugs. At least that is what the service manager told me.

I didn't want to leave it there over the weekend, so I have to take it back in to have these issues corrected.