Vehicle Delivery Checklist for Canadian Car Buyers

1. Introduction

2. Documents and registration

• Review your bill of sale, lease contract, or financing paperwork with your dealership team before final handover.
• Confirm registration and plate status for your province, including temporary permit details where applicable.
• Confirm model, trim, and agreed options match your purchase documents.
• Ask where and how you will receive final copies of every signed document.

3. Financing and payment confirmation

• Confirm deposit, trade-in value, taxes, and final amount due are exactly as agreed.
• Confirm financing approval terms and payment timing before delivery.
• If leasing, confirm residual value and kilometre allowance in writing.
• Confirm no unresolved funding conditions remain before you take possession.

4. Vehicle condition

• Inspect body panels, paint, glass, wheels, and tires in good lighting before leaving.
• Inspect seats, trim, dash, cargo area, and headliner for damage or missing parts.
• Confirm warning lights are off and expected fuel or charge level is present.
• For used vehicles, ask for any available service inspection summary and recent work completed.

5. Features, options, and accessories

• Confirm agreed options are installed and functioning, including trim-specific features.
• Check all included accessories: floor mats, cargo items, wheel lock key, charging cable, and spare tools where applicable.
• Confirm any dealer-installed accessories are complete and properly fitted.
• Verify you received every key and fob included in your agreement.

6. We-owe or due bill items

• If anything is still outstanding, ask for it to be documented clearly on a we-owe or due bill record.
• List each open item with a due date, responsible contact, and completion process.
• Confirm whether return visits are required and who will schedule them.
• Save copies of all outstanding item commitments before you leave.

7. Warranty and protection products

• Confirm standard manufacturer warranty coverage terms and start date.
• If you purchased extended warranty or protection products, confirm plan details in writing.
• Ask what is covered, what is excluded, and where service can be performed.
• Confirm cancellation or transfer terms for optional products.

8. Technology setup

• Pair your phone and test Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
• Set up connected vehicle apps and confirm account activation is complete.
• Test navigation, cameras, parking sensors, and driver-assist features you plan to use.
• Ask for a practical walkthrough of charging setup if you are buying an EV or plug-in hybrid.

9. PDI and inspection confirmation

• Ask whether pre-delivery inspection and any required checks were completed and signed off.
• Confirm required service campaigns or software updates were reviewed.
• For used vehicles, confirm any applicable safety or compliance documentation required in your province.
• If questions remain, ask for the service contact who can resolve them quickly.

10. Final delivery walkthrough

• Walk through key controls and safety settings with the delivery specialist.
• Confirm seat, mirror, and profile settings are saved.
• Review maintenance reminders and first service guidance.
• Confirm who to contact for after-delivery issues and where to find that contact information.

11. Before you leave the dealership

• Do one final walkaround and interior check before driving away.
• Confirm all documents, keys, accessories, and due bill records are in your possession.
• Take photos of any unresolved items and associated documentation.
• Save digital copies of your paperwork and important contacts the same day.