Our first brand new car. Anything I should know?

jetta_wales

We're picking up our new car tomorrow, it's a Motability vehicle but we've paid extra (well we will when we hand the money over tomorrow) to get a nicer than average car. But we've never had a new car before so I was wondering if there's anything we should know or lookout for in making sure the car is as it should be?

It's an Audi A4 Saloon.

Sponge

The car should have been inspected before you take it. There should be paperwork to show this. So, just enjoy the drive. :dance:

jetta_wales

Sponge wrote: »

The car should have been inspected before you take it. There should be paperwork to show this. So, just enjoy the drive. :dance:

Yay oh I'm so excited. We've not had much luck with cars so far.

First was a Citroen Xara 5 years old £2.1k, lovely car.
Totaled a year later after a blow out on the M4 (chasis got skewed).
Rover 214, 14 years old lol, £600, nice little car for it's age though.
Head gasket went 6 months later.
Ford Focus Saloon, 10 years old, £1,00 plus the dodgy Rover) and this car's doing ok so far, speedo only works when it's in a good need though.

So it will be a big jump for us to have a brand new car and hopefully no more car worries at all.

anotherbaldrick

Manual gearbox or S-tronic ?

AdrianHi

Check the owners guide, there is usually some running in advice to be followed.
Is it a diesel?
This goes for petrol engines too but not quite so essential, but don't drive a diesel too gently otherwise it won't bed in well and offer best economy and performance long term.
Usually it's a case of 3500rpm maximum for the first 1000 miles, but make sure you drive at varying speeds and visit 3500rpm frequently. Once the forst 1000 miles is over take it up to the maximum 4500rpm say at least once a week for the first 5000 miles or so. Avoid using cruise control (if fitted) for the first 1000 miles because as mentioned above (varying speed) constant speed for long periods is bad for bedding the engine in.
Tyres and brakes need to be treated gently for the first few hundred miles.
Enjoy!

jetta_wales

It's a 1.8 petrol with manual gear box (my other half said an automatic would be no fun ).

Will be sure to go through the manual to find the running in advice, thanks.

I can never drive but I really do love cars (get that from my Dad) so I'm quite over excited about getting it

alanrowell

Make a note of every fault, every little creak or groan that shouldn't be there and get the garage to fix them.

vikingaero

jetta_wales wrote: »

We're picking up our new car tomorrow, it's a Motability vehicle but we've paid extra (well we will when we hand the money over tomorrow) to get a nicer than average car. But we've never had a new car before so I was wondering if there's anything we should know or lookout for in making sure the car is as it should be?

It's an Audi A4 Saloon.

Turn up 15 minutes before the appointed collection time and check the car out without the hassle of the sales reprobate. Despite all the fancy name checks and PDI's things do go wrong with cars. Have a good look at the paintwork etc.

Idiophreak

Also, don't know whether the same's true for Motability, but it's worth checking if you get any extras included in buying the car - eg I paid AA for 2 years, not realising that I was covered by the Vauxhall breakdown service...

jetta_wales

Idiophreak wrote: »

Also, don't know whether the same's true for Motability, but it's worth checking if you get any extras included in buying the car - eg I paid AA for 2 years, not realising that I was covered by the Vauxhall breakdown service...

Thanks, yes we do get a lot of the extras with the Motability scheme, they sell the cars on after 3 years so make certain they are impeccably maintained as best they can. They include insurance, full UK RAC cover, tyre changes, windscreen cover, and servicing. So it's a very hasstle and stress free lease which we're very grateful for. Been doing packet lunches for OH and the kids for months now to help save up for it, haven't spent a penny on ourselves for ages and ages Damn pretty car though so definitely worth it.

jetta_wales

vikingaero wrote: »

Turn up 15 minutes before the appointed collection time and check the car out without the hassle of the sales reprobate. Despite all the fancy name checks and PDI's things do go wrong with cars. Have a good look at the paintwork etc.

That's a good idea, my folks are giving us a lift there so I think my Dad (a fussy picky kinda guy) will probably do that.