71 replies to this topic

[smjohns]

As so many people are now collecting their brand new ST's (as will I in a week's time) I wondered if it would be useful to come up with a check list of things to ask/check before driving off in your new car. This is a list I have come up with so far:

Before getting to garage:

• Finances / method of payment sorted.
  
• Insurance arranged for new car.
  
• Trade in vehicle - Keys, V5, MOT, Manuals, Service docs all present.

ST External:

• Paint Work (check door and bonnet edges).
  
• Panel Gaps.
  
• No Dents/Scratches.
  
• Wheel arches and screws.
  
• Suspension Packers have been removed
  
• Tyres, pressures and Wheels.
  
• Exhaust for rust.
  
• Brake disc dust covers are not rubbing.
  
• All lights and indicators work
  
• Headlight washer jets working (if fitted)
  
• Doors and Boot all shut first time.
  
• Number plates correctly fitted.
  
• Optional kit all fitted.

Interior:

• Mats present (if ordered).
  
• Interior trim all secure and damage free.
  
• All electricals operate correctly.
  
• Puncture Repair Kit (including pump) or Spare Wheel present.
  
• Optional kit all fitted.
  
• If SatNav fitted then provided with latest disc (2006)

Engine Bay:

• All hoses firmly fitted.
  
• New Battery.
  
• Fluids all topped up.

Accompanied Test Drive: (If Possible)

• Engine sounds and performs ok.
  
• Brakes ok.
  
• Clutch and Gearbox operate ok.
  
• No rattles / strange noises
  
• Steering ok.

Other Item Checks:

• Vehicle registered and V5 provided or on route.
  
• Vehicle Taxed.
  
• Two flip keys provided.
  
• Locking Wheel nut key provided
  
• Correct manuals, instructions and service docs supplied based on vehicle spec
  
• Final Invoice correct

If all these checks are ok then hopefully you have purchased a working example of the ST !! Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere.

Edited by smjohns, 22 November 2006 - 08:21.

[Joe]

Everything! Lights, dials, seats etc

You cant be expected to do everything though, remember you can go back as everything is under warranty

[BobCat]

Hey SM, thanks for this! I think it is worth making it a sticky and adding to it.

I would add one more. Check for the key for the locking wheel nuts. It is sometimes simply placed in the glove-box, but you will need to hide it somewhere harder to find.

Some people have actually gone straight back to the dealership because of a clunking noise from the front when cornering - it has turned out to be just the wheel-nut key sliding about in the glove-box He! He!

[smjohns]

Thanks Bobcat, I have added this.

@barcrawler
Aye that is right but if you have the time, it is worth performing the marjority of these checks before leaving the forecourt. Also as alot of people are collecting their cars from dealers not local to them, returning to this dealer over certain issues may be difficult.

[Alb]

Good list - should be a sticky.

Consider also.....

Keys - 2 Flip and 1 Standard (from latest guidance here)
Tyres - Check pressure if anything other than a short ride home.
Springs - Check that packers have been removed.

[smjohns]

Cheers Parsimony,

How do you check for the packers? Are they a specific colour?

[Alb]

smjohns, on Mar 14 2006, 09:12 PM, said:

Cheers Parsimony,

How do you check for the packers? Are they a specific colour?

Never seen them myself but if you see anything in the springs that looks as if it should not be there then query it.
I think that this has been raised elsewhere on this forum but I have also seen it mentioned on other forums so it is certainly not a Ford unique problem.

[Scott]

Hi All

This is an excellent check list smjohns you are a star I'll be sure to use this when picking up my car.

I've made this a sticky so that everyone can benefit from it

Cheers
Scott

[Marcellus]

A couple of additions based of members recent experiences;

> As the ST moves slowly check that the brake disc dust covers aren't rubbing on the discs.

> that the headlight washers work (if supposed to)

> that the wing mirrors have the inicators in and working!!

[**mick**]

Marcellus, on Mar 24 2006, 05:20 PM, said:

A couple of additions based of members recent experiences;

> As the ST moves slowly check that the brake disc dust covers aren't rubbing on the discs.

> that the headlight washers work (if supposed to)

> that the wing mirrors have the inicators in and working!!

I dont have headlight washer jets .Should they come as standard?

[Marcellus]

Only on teh ST3 I think, but will be happy to be corrected!!

[smjohns]

Mick did you buy an ST1? If your car is an ST2/3 or is an ST1 with Xenons then you should have headlight washers? If not then you have a miss-build and need to contact your dealers urgently. Headlight washers are a legal requirment for cars fitted with Xenon HID's.

Edited by smjohns, 24 March 2006 - 22:11.

[**mick**]

smjohns, on Mar 24 2006, 10:09 PM, said:

Mick did you buy an ST1? If your car is an ST2/3 or is an ST1 with Xenons then you should have headlight washers? If not then you have a miss-build and need to contact your dealers urgently. Headlight washers are a legal requirment for cars fitted with Xenon HID's.

Ive got st3 m8 will b contacting frauds if your right
would the washer jet be seated in the bumper directly under the front light cluster in the middle?
If so ive just looked through the garage of other peoples st2 & 3s and they all have the square blanking plate.
No-one seems to have a washer jet
Could you post a pic

[Alb]

**mick**, on Mar 24 2006, 11:17 PM, said:

Ive got st3 m8 will b contacting frauds if your right
would the washer jet be seated in the bumper directly under the front light cluster in the middle?
If so ive just looked through the garage of other peoples st2 & 3s and they all have the square blanking plate.
No-one seems to have a washer jet
Could you post a pic

The washers pop out so unless they're operating all you will see is the blanking plate.
If there is no blanking plate you either have an ST1 or the wrong bumper fitted (as has already happened to someone here)