What does the dealer do to "prep" my new 600?

[MMead]

I'v ordered a new 3500 that should be here in the next two weeks. The dealer tells me they have to "prep" my new truck before they can turn over the keys. He said this includes a road test to check the brakes, steering and insure the engine heats up to the right temperature.



After seeing the kind of damage dealerships have inflicted on my prior vehicles, it makes me sick to think about them road testing my new baby.



Anybody know exactly what they will do? Is there any way to avoid this entirely and waive the "prep" work?



I would appreciate any insight you all might have.

 

[CajunDieselMan]

I picked up my truck with 4 miles on it so I doubt they road test it much. Basically, they pull off all the stickers, check the fluids, shine it up and put it in some kind of VIP spot to make you feel important. Unfortunately in some dealerships, the "mechanic" who checks your truck out is a college student working part-time. Just remember it ain't yours until you sign the final papers. Pick it up in the day when you can check it out completely--once you leave the lot, any scratches are yours. I check my own fluids just to be sure.

 

[ndurbin]

Way back when my mom useto work at a DC dealer. I went with one of the mechanics on a couple of these "prep" test runs. He'd mash the go pedal acouple times and get up to about 30 mph and throw the emergency brake on. Made for an interesting ride. And if I remember right most of the cars (not sure on the trucks) usto come with some sort of crap on the brakes. He said by throwing the emergency brake on if burned the crap off, but I was never to sure about that one.



Nathan



And some part time working college students aren't as bad as the others.

 

[MLee]

Before warned that the salesman will say yes to all your questions. If you ask about fluids, "yes they have all been checked" Don't believe him ask any of the guys that have gone though the new delivery thing a majority have had to add fluids. they are not cheap. My sons run him about $40. 00. He did get reimbursed but the dealer just doesn't't come through. Get the Cab plugs also they have been missing on new trucks. do a search for these.

Find the check off list about six pages long and use it to check out that new RIDE. Do it Before you take delivery.

Just my penny's worth.

Marv.

 

[MMead]

Thanks for the information, and excuse my newbie question, but what are cab plugs?

 

[MLee]

They are plastic plugs that go into the holes under the cab they are refered to as Rocker Panel Plugs. to keep out moisture. right now they have tape covering them. part number--4860953AA-- Dealer probably won't install but not hard for you to do. should be no cost cause they are supposed to be there. have your salesman get them.

Marv.

 

[EBottema]

They have some punk kid or immigrant look at a paper and check the truck out and let him put his signature or design on the paper...

 

[CRuth]

I hope you have all the paperwork out of the way. I swear, they deliberately took so much time to get mine ready, I was tired, starving and just wanted to get off the lot. I barely checked anything once they handed me the keys. I had to go back the next day because for some reason the owners manual wasn't in the truck.

 

[datablitz]

don't worry about it too much, i have never seen a prep ride that involved the e-brake. they just take it out around the block to make sure everything is functinal, as well as de-activate a fuse lock-out that prevents everything but the critical electronics from functioning (keeps the batteries from going dead durring shipping) and they put the front liscense plate bracket on if app. as well as attatch the antenna, put the floor mats in, put on the wheel covers, if needed, remove the plastic from shipping, wash the vehicle, and inspect the lights... . that is what a prep is normally, they are just getting it ready from the factory... . and sometimes they add fuel

 

[MLee]

But it has been said here SO many times---!! Check the FLUIDS. They are shipped low and the dealer plays the game of them being checked. You will have to check them your self to guarantee they are with in limits.

The little marks on the plugs don't mean a thing, as to the level of the fluids.



"peace pf mind---priceless"

just my penny's worth



Marv.

 

[Po' Riggity]

Originally posted by CajunDieselMan

I picked up my truck with 4 miles on it so I doubt they road test it much. Basically, they pull off all the stickers, check the fluids, shine it up and put it in some kind of VIP spot to make you feel important. Unfortunately in some dealerships, the "mechanic" who checks your truck out is a college student working part-time. Just remember it ain't yours until you sign the final papers. Pick it up in the day when you can check it out completely--once you leave the lot, any scratches are yours. I check my own fluids just to be sure.

Thats not necessarily true. . when I took delivery of my truck, I had to make an appointment to have a clay bar treatment to get rid of the hard water spots that they couldn't get off, and I noticed, later that day, after I pulled off the lot, that the outside of the bed was scratched. . so I mentioned it to them over the phone when making my appointment, and they fixed it with NO arguing, and the truck looked GREAT, and still does.

Scott

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The local dealer did an outstanding job on mine - it was absolutely flawless inside and out - even the underside looked as tho' it had been polished! I know, these are NEW trucks we're talking about, but my '02 was the absolutely BEST prepped of any new vehicle I ever bought!



OH - and it was one of those "immigrants" who did the prep work - happened to be from the same country my truck was...



Of course, I *did* carefully top off the transmission and differential - they were up to what DC likes, but I prefer a bit higher fluid levels than they do...

 

[JSooter]

All I can say is check everthing over. I found a cosmetic problem with passenger side mirror- looked like they polished the plastic or something. They sent some kid out to try to clean it up, but no-go. I told them the mirror would need to be replaced. Since it was Memorial day weekend, the shop was closed but they put it in writting that they owed me a new mirror... and a tank of fuel when I bring it back for the mirror replacement.



I'll be scheduling the mirror replacement soon.



So, my advice is to check EVERYTHING carefully.

 

[Po' Riggity]

Now that is service, if you got them to throwIt in a full tank of fuel!



It costs me 60 bucks to fill up!

Scott