Vehicle Delivery Checklist for Car Buyers in Canada

Use this practical checklist before accepting delivery of a new or used vehicle.

1. Before delivery day
- Confirm appointment date, time, and location.
- Confirm documents to bring.
- Confirm payment, financing, or lease conditions are complete.
- Confirm insurance requirements.
- Ask whether registration, plates, or permits will be ready.
- Confirm accessories, protection products, winter tires, or promised extras.
- Ask whether inspection, detailing, and preparation are complete.

2. Documents, payment, and ownership
- Review purchase or lease agreement.
- Confirm finance or lease documents are complete.
- Confirm deposit and balance details.
- Complete trade-in paperwork if applicable.
- Receive warranty information.
- Receive safety or inspection documents for used vehicles where applicable.
- Confirm registration or ownership documents are provided or explained.
- Confirm insurance documents.
- Keep copies of signed documents.

3. Exterior vehicle inspection
- Walk around the vehicle in good light.
- Check paint, panels, bumpers, glass, lights, wheels, and tires.
- Confirm no unexpected damage.
- Confirm accessories or dealer-installed items are fitted.
- Confirm model, trim, colour, and specification match the agreement.
- Check VIN if appropriate.

4. Interior vehicle inspection
- Check seats, dashboard, trim, carpets, mats, cargo area, and headliner.
- Confirm no warning lights remain on.
- Test windows, locks, mirrors, climate controls, seats, and infotainment.
- Confirm included items are present.
- Check odometer and fuel/charge level.

5. Technology and setup
- Pair phone and test Bluetooth/CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Set up connected vehicle app if applicable.
- Review driver assistance features.
- Review EV or plug-in charging process if relevant.
- Confirm cameras, sensors, radio, and navigation function.
- Ask about unfamiliar controls.

6. Keys, accessories, and promises owed
- Confirm all keys are present.
- Confirm manuals, guides, wheel lock keys, charging cables, and accessories are present.
- Confirm promised extras are installed.
- If anything is owed later, get it in writing with due date and contact person.

7. Before you drive away
- Confirm vehicle is clean and ready.
- Confirm delivery paperwork is complete.
- Confirm who to contact with questions.
- Confirm first service timing or maintenance guidance.
- Confirm immediate follow-up actions.
- Take photos of unresolved issues before leaving.

8. After delivery
- Review documents at home.
- Save digital copies.
- Report issues quickly.
- Complete app setup or account activation.
- Book outstanding accessory or service appointments.
- Respond to dealership follow-up if anything is unresolved.

Source: Proteance | www.proteance.com