Final Inspection Tips For Buying a New Car – Refuse Delivery and Wait for a Replacement Vehicle?
When it comes to buying a new car, the final inspection is an important step. It's when you get to check out the vehicle and make sure everything looks good before signing off on it. Unfortunately, during my final inspection earlier today, the field service team found four issues: a minor scratch on the underside of the hood, subtle peeling of the protective material around the edge of a gear tunnel door, scratches on the tonneau cover, and two sizable dents on the frame inside the drivers door.
The guide thought that this was likely an issue stemming from the production line since it had been painted over. How did this pass the inspection at the factory? I was left with two options: accept delivery with Rivian’s commitment to fix it “within two to four weeks” (which was only verbal), or refuse delivery and wait 2-4 weeks for a ‘fixed’ vehicle.
Some people suggested accepting delivery and having them fix it. Others said they would refuse delivery and wait for a replacement. One person even suggested asking for a discount and getting paint correction/ceramic coating/ppf instead. After hearing all these opinions, I decided to accept delivery and sign a bill of sale noting the four specific issues and Rivian’s commitment to fix it. There wasn't anything in writing about how fast they will fix it though so I'm not sure what to expect.
I've heard stories from others who have taken delivery of cars with similar flaws and later regretted accepting the car and having it "corrected" at a dealership. Cosmetic issues like paint, dings, etc., never stay corrected at the point of delivery. So after waiting this long for my vehicle, another few weeks to have Rivian deliver a new and undamaged vehicle is worth the investment.
In conclusion, if you're ever faced with a situation like this one, consider refusing delivery and waiting for a replacement vehicle. This way you can be sure that your car will arrive without any defects or damage.
What issues were found during the final inspection?
The field service team found four issues: a minor scratch on the underside of the hood, subtle peeling of the protective material around the edge of a gear tunnel door, scratches on the tonneau cover, and two sizable dents on the frame inside the driver's door.
Could these issues have happened after production?
It is possible that some of these issues could have happened after production. For example, a dent like this could have been caused by a seatbelt not fully retracting and the door being closed on it.
Should I accept delivery with Rivian’s commitment to fix it “within two to four weeks”?
If it were me, I would refuse delivery and have them fix it. That way there's some kind of documentation on their end that they didn't deliver the vehicle to you, rather than just a verbal agreement.
Are there any other solutions besides waiting for Rivian to fix it?
You could ask to knock a few k off and get paint correction/ceramic coating/ppf. You could also live with the dent.
What should I do if I've already accepted delivery?
Relax and wait for them to do it. As an aside, you could ask if they'd be amenable to some sort of monetary solution.
What is your experience with Tesla in this regard?
My experience with Tesla is that I would not accept it. Especially if getting a new one is the same time frame. I think part of the problem Tesla is having with quality is because everyone keeps accepting the poor quality. Why should they fix the quality if everyone takes the cars with the defects.
Is it worth waiting another few weeks for a new and undamaged vehicle?
After waiting this long, another few weeks to have Rivian deliver a new and undamaged vehicle is worth the investment. It's important to remember that the quality of the vehicle is a reflection of the company and its commitment to customer service.