Car Lease Inspection Checklist Upon Delivery

Your New Lease Car is Coming! Here's What to Check (So You Don't Kick Yourself Later) 

That day is finally here - your shiny new lease car is about to arrive! I bet you're already planning where you'll drive it first. Maybe a quick drive to show it off to friends, or perhaps that country road you've been dying to try out...or maybe you really need eggs.  

But hang on a sec! Before you start living your best driving life, there are a few things worth checking when your car arrives. Trust me, spending 15 minutes looking over your new pride and joy could save you a massive headache down the road. 

Before the Big Arrival 

A bit of prep never hurt anyone! Here's what to sort before your car shows up: 

• Find a good spot - You'll want somewhere with decent light where you can walk all the way around the car. If it is dark or the car is a bit dirty, then make note of that.  

• Clear your schedule - The delivery driver will give you a timeframe, but we all know how these things go. My last car was supposed to arrive "between 9-11am" and rocked up at 2:30pm! Just make sure you've got a bit of flexibility. Traffic, etc... 

• Sort your insurance - Your new car needs to be insured from the moment it arrives. Fully comprehensive with the lease company down as the registered owner and keeper.  

• Have your phone charged and on loud - You might need to take photos if you spot any issues, and let's be honest, you'll want some snaps of your new wheels for social media anyway. Have your phone handy for that and to call us so we can help. 

When Your Car Arrives: The Once-Over 

When the car arrives, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and just sign whatever's thrust in front of you. Take a breath, slow down, and remember - this is probably the second most expensive thing you'll ever get after a house (third after your kids!). It's worth checking properly! 

The Outside Bits 

Walk around your car like you're a detective at a crime scene - thoroughly and with a suspicious eye: 

• Paintwork check - Look along the panels rather than straight at them (you'll spot dents and ripples better this way). 

• Wheels and tyres - Are the alloys unmarked? Do the tyres look evenly worn and properly inflated? 

• Glass and lights - Any chips or cracks? These can spread quickly, especially in cold weather. Check all the lights work too - headlights, indicators, fog lights, the lot. 

If it's raining or getting dark, use your phone torch to get a better look. Water can hide a multitude of sins – make note of the weather on the delivery paperwork, too! 

The Inside Story 

Now hop in and get comfy - but keep those detective eyes working: 

• Seats and trim - New cars should be, well, new-looking. No marks, stains, or suspicious smells. Give the seats a good look over, especially if you've gone for light-coloured upholstery (brave choice with kids or dogs, by the way). 

• All the buttons - Press everything. Seriously. The climate control, the electric windows, the mirror adjusters, the radio presets. It's much easier to get fixed if they know early on. 

• Tech check - Pair your phone with the Bluetooth, make sure the sat nav works (if you've got one), check the reversing camera if fitted. Modern cars are basically computers on wheels, so make sure all the tech is working as it should. 

The Practical Stuff 

Make sure you've got all these bits before the delivery driver disappears: 

• All the keys - Most cars come with two. Make sure you get both, because replacement keys can cost hundreds of pounds. My mate Tom lost his 2nd key which cost him £220! 

• The paperwork - You should get a delivery note to sign at the very least. Check the details on the delivery note match what you ordered - right trim level, right options, right colour. 

• Wheel lock nut key - This little thing is vital if you ever need to change a wheel. It's usually in a little bag or box with the spare wheel or repair kit.  

• Charging cables - If you've gone electric or hybrid, make sure all the charging cables are there and undamaged. 

If Something's Not Right 

Found an issue? Don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Here's what to do: 

• Take photos - Clear, well-lit pictures of any damage or problems. These will be your evidence if needed later. 

• Note it on the delivery form - Before you sign, make sure any issues are written down on the form. Be specific - "scratch on rear passenger door, approximately 2cm long" is much better than "car has scratch". 

• Call your leasing company - Do this straight away. Most issues get sorted quickly and painlessly if you report them immediately. Wait a week, and suddenly it becomes "well, how do we know it wasn't you?" 

The Fun Part 

Once you're happy everything's as it should be, it's finally time for the good bit - enjoying your new car! That first drive in a brand new vehicle is one of life's little pleasures, isn't it? The smell, the feel of everything being just right, the way people look at your gleaming new motor... 

Just try not to park next to any shopping trolleys on your first outing. That would be tempting fate! 

Happy driving in your new lease car - enjoy every minute of it. And maybe send us a pic when you take it somewhere nice!