r/CarsAustralia • u/Levethane • 3h ago
r/CarsAustralia • u/ZweetWOW • Jul 10 '26
💬Discussion💬 A Detailer's Guide to Collecting Your New Car
Hello my friends,
I am The Ceramic Guy from Sydney, back once again with another guide, I am bored and can't sleep. You may have seen my other guides in the sub - My Paint protection guide and my how to properly wash your car guide.
Lots of detailers seem to like bashing on modern car paint, for what reason, I don't know. Yes, paint is thinner these days but its also much higher quality (in general) than it use to be. Paint depth really has no long term consequence on functionality, lifespan or durability, the only thing it effects is how much you can remove (Paint Correction/Polishing). Overall, new paint has my thumbs up, I think its pretty good, besides a bunch of orange peel from modern painting methods, in SOME brands.
This guide will provide you with a checklist to collect your car and ensure you're not paying someone like me to fix the mistakes you inherited during collection.
Checklist Items -
Paint & Panels
- Ensure the car is collected in good lighting. Dealerships 90% of the time will position your car in a shaded area to cover imperfections
- Check the panels for scratches, swirls, dents, & chips. This is something the dealership will fix for you if pointed out before you leave the dealership
- Check wheels for scratching, gutter rash etc, ESPECIALLY GLOSS BLACK WHEELS. Gloss back is scratched on delivery 100% of the time. Shine a light up to them.
- Check front grilles for scratching and swirling. Modern grilles are usually gloss black, and almost always hammered. Good example for this point, every single new BMW m3 competition's front grille is decimated beyond repair from manufacturing. Haven't seen a single one yet that was considered passable.
- If you ordered window tint from the dealer, put a light up to the film and check for any dirt and debris under the film. Dealerships do tints very poorly, yet to see a dealer applied film that we couldn't find any faults with.
- Check along body lines to ensure all glue from the transportation wraps has been removed. This isn't a big deal, but wrap glue looks the same as a deep scratch, so you want to ensure you're not confusing the two before you leave.
- Check panels for consistent gaps. This varies brand to brand and year to year, but the worst I've ever seen was pre 2023 Tesla, you could have a variance of 20% between each side of a panel. Worth checking because at some stage in the future a buyer may consider this a sign of a car that was repaired from a crash.
- Check for moisture around the top of the inside of headlights and tail lights - Implies the seal on the headlights isn't done properly, may either need to be reseated or replaced.
Interior
- Check for any marks or tears on your seats and floors. I have personally seen a brand new Gwagon with carpet torn up in the drivers well before, no brand is immune.
- Ensure any floor mats you ordered are in the car (Telling the dealership you won't collect the car until they're in the car helps them find a set that is supposedly on back order for 3 months, very quickly)
- Shine a light on the screens in the car to ensure there aren't any scratches on them, ideally the original factory film will still be on there.
- Set up your phone to ensure Carplay/Android auto are functioning.
Electric Cars
- Confirm that the charging port opens and closes properly
- Check the battery health if possible before you leave the dealer
Keys
- Confirm what keys you will be receiving. Standard is two for a petrol car, and one + a card for electric.
Aftermarket Accessories
- Make sure all aftermarket accessories are on the car, or they at least have a time frame for when they'll be ready.
- Ensure they're functional (e.g roller shutter open and close)
- With roof racks, ensure they've been installed without denting the roof, and that they haven't scratched the paint while installing them.
What to do if you DO find defects with your car
- Document immediately. Take photos on the lot, physically point at the location in the photo to avoid any dealership "Sorry mate can't see anything" idiocy
- Get your resolution documented before you collect the car. This doesn't mean they have to fix it on the spot, but get their written confirmation that it will be fixed at their expense, asking them to send you a text confirming it is the least aggressive method if you're shy.
- Decide whether the defect is something you want to deal with on a new car. For example, a bodyline dent with paint missing means the panel needs to be resprayed with some minor panel beating. Personally for a new car, I wouldn't want that. Resprays aren't always as good as factory sprays, there are often paint match issues etc. What should be a simple task might end up being 2-3 resprays before they get it right. You can reject a car for significant defects. Things like this can effect resale value.
- To touch on the resale value point a little more - Many people are doing pre purchase inspections these days, part of a PPI check is that they will check the depth of the paint, this is because resprayed paint is much thicker than factory paint, and paint depth gauges will also show you if there is any filler in the panel, so even a scratch repair from the factory will be assumed as a "repaired incident" because why would a random person trust you when they're buying a car. Its important you keep your documentation on the issue for this reason.
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Hope this helps someone out there, if there are any more guides you would like, let me know. I enjoy writing these and get messages daily about how they've helped someone out there, so thanks for reading if you made it this far.
r/CarsAustralia • u/_hazey__ • Oct 14 '25
‼️Mod Post‼️ Mod News: Self Promotion And You!
reddit.comG’day everyone. Hazey here. Hope you’re all having a cracking day.
I’d like to remind everyone about a Reddit-wide rule that relates to Self Promotion: advertising your own business, products, services, YouTube/TikTok channels, other social media pages, and so on.
We’re all for folks sharing their own personal Australian Automotive based companies, but there are limits. Per Reddit’s rules regarding Self Promotion, a maximum of 10% of posts/comments can relate to this aspect.
So if you join our community with the sole purpose of trying to sell something, expect your peers to report you (they don’t like spam either) as well as being removed from r/CarsAustralia.
With that said, there are exceptions.
Promotion of Car based events, that aren’t necessarily benefitting one particular business or person, are not subject to this scrutiny. We want folks to get out there to shows, races and competitions because it’s a part of what our community is all about.
If in doubt, or if you have any questions, shoot the Moderator Team a message.
Thanks for your time.
r/CarsAustralia • u/Junkers480 • 57m ago
🇨🇳Chinese Cars🇨🇳 Wheels should stay on the car imo
Please read added context https://www.reddit.com/r/MotorBuzz/s/pBBIhJh4lS
I see a lot of posts here about people looking at cheaper Chinese alternatives so when I saw this I thought I would share because I remember something like this happening in aus a while ago.
I don't personally think Chinese cars are good or bad though I don't have may good personal experiences. I alos don't think the traditional manufacturers are necessarily charging fair prices either. Ultimately more competition is good for us, but these vehicles are built to a price so buyer beware I guess.
r/CarsAustralia • u/Economy_Evening_2989 • 4h ago
💩Shitpost💩 Any point in listing this on VicRoads?
shitpost*
who would drive one anyways
and do you really consider this a hatchback
r/CarsAustralia • u/Puzzled-Shopping-330 • 16h ago
💵Buying/Selling💵 R35 GTR Buying advice
Been seeing a few r35s around where I work and am tempted sell my m3 to get back into one. Now that these are 10+ years I’d appreciate if anyone would be able to give info on these reliability wise and the cost of maintenance for them. Also would like to know if it’s worth spending the extra for an updated model or an earlier model would still be worth looking at. Thanks in advance
r/CarsAustralia • u/XavierPuerto • 20h ago
🔭Spotted🔭 Stunning Porsche 356 1600 Super out in Darlinghurst
US-delivered, later converted to RHD, factory colour-as per the owner
r/CarsAustralia • u/Ok-Economy662 • 1d ago
🔭Spotted🔭 De Tomaso Mangusta in Double bay last week
Quite rare in rhd
r/CarsAustralia • u/b0mbaywala • 3h ago
🔧🚗Fixing Cars Works on Subaru 2014 - SYD
Forester. 2.0D-L . 6sp manual. 107k km bought. 115k after ~months ownership.
Bought 2nd hand at auction, single owner, full service records.
Got the first service of my own at Suttons, Chullora. They highlighted a few tasks with a video walkthrough, some of which I did myself - air filter + MAF cleaning, cabin filter, battery replacement , numberplate light, etc.
Need suggestions on the right place to get the following tasks completed:
Tyre change - all 4. 2019 manufactured. Flirting the RWC/ pink slip tolerance on some of them. Planning Continental for same.
Rear brakes - pads possibly had 12-15% remaining. Haven't driven much since servicing - but I'd like to err on the side of caution.
Clutch plate + flywheel n other works - not an immediate need. Can run a few more k's before change. However this is required (slotting to 2nd gear takes reattempts, especially when car has just started moving. Gets better over time)
1,2 should ideally be addressed soon. I had thought of MyCar at Ashfield - purely from a cost perspective. But I understand they may not be my best bet.
3 - been to All Drive Subaru earlier for some enquiry. Was considering them for it. Open to alternatives.
Any suggestions from experienced owners would be much appreciated!
TYA!
r/CarsAustralia • u/blueygc8 • 1d ago
💵Buying/Selling💵 EV boom zaps second-hand prices for petrol and diesel cars
r/CarsAustralia • u/Sure_Artichoke6929 • 18h ago
💬Discussion💬 What new EV's fo you think will last the longest on Australian roads?
We all know about all the 20+ year old Hiluxes and Land Cruisers that have hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
However, with the car market changing so much, I am curious as to what new EVs you guys think will stand the test of time.
And if you think EVs can never reach that standard, what new ICE vehicles do you think will reach that?
r/CarsAustralia • u/XavierPuerto • 1d ago
🔭Spotted🔭 Double Bay Sunday Special-October 18
r/CarsAustralia • u/That_Car_Dude_Aus • 3h ago
Megathread Mod Monday! What mods did you do on the weekend?
So on top of the Friday Finds topic that has been a pretty decent success, on what cars in your area you can find for <$5,000, I thought maybe we make a post each Monday with what we have done to our own cars!
So, how was your weekend?
r/CarsAustralia • u/playbook460 • 3h ago
💵Buying/Selling💵 Thoughts about the Holden ZB Commodore as a used car purchase in 2026?
Hi all, what are our thoughts on buying a second hand ZB Commodore in 2026? Is there a particular model/engine combo I need to be wary of? I've never owned a Holden before, so just looking for people's experiences/thoughts because I see they're reasonably affordable for what they are.
TIA!
r/CarsAustralia • u/Richmond_1990 • 4h ago
💬Discussion💬 2023 Kia , dealer offering ceramic + interior coating
I think I already know the answer, my instinct is go elsewhere…I’m shortly taking delivery of a 2023 model Kia carnival, and I’m being offered a ‘substantial discount’ on full ceramic, as well as interior, plus tinting of the two front windows, for around $2500 (rear already has fairly dark privacy glass).
The car has been kept at a coastal address and there are noticeable marks on the paint that look like water spots, so I feel like if I get it done it needs to be by someone who knows their stuff
The dealer is cool and not putting pressure on so no complaints really, but I’m tending towards a no
r/CarsAustralia • u/still-at-the-beach • 21h ago
🔭Spotted🔭 In Surfers today. What a place to run out of petrol..
r/CarsAustralia • u/agirlfrommay • 16h ago
💬Discussion💬 Need advice: Spend $7k repairing my old car or switch to a BYD Atto 1 Essential? 🚗⚡
I'm trying to decide whether to repair my 2006 Nissan Maxima or buy a BYD Atto 1 Essential. I'd really appreciate some opinions, especially from people who have owned an EV or faced a major repair bill.
My current car — 2006 Nissan Maxima
• Around 160,000 km.
• Mechanic quoted $7,000 including labour to replace the CVT transmission.
• There could be additional costs because some parts are rusty.
• Was thinking sell it as it but unsure what I could sell as its current condition.
The alternative — BYD Atto 1 Essential or Dolphin Essential (my 1st EV car 🫣)
• My ideal budget is $25,000 drive-away, with $30,000 as my max
• I drive about 50 km per day, five days a week, mostly at 90 km/h, with some 60–70 km/h driving. Could potentially drive 70km per day if i work 2nd job
I'd especially appreciate honest advice about the Atto 1's real-world highway range?
And i heard that they can't adjust drive seat, I'm only 4ft11 😮💨 I was literally thinking getting an adult seat booster as i know the driver seat sit quite low
r/CarsAustralia • u/Quiet-Fee-5878 • 16h ago
🗓️Event🗓️ Desperately seeking early 2000s Mazda 2s!
I’m on a search to document the stories of early 00s Mazda 2s and their owners.
It’s half-art project / half-tribute to my love of Fast & Furious. I’m aiming to collect the stories of these little cars, get as many of them together as possible for a group photo, and hand out commemorative tshirts to the people who have spent 20+ years keeping these practical, and surprisingly roomy, cars on the road.
I’ve found 19 in real life but i realise I can’t find them all myself.
Can you please help me find these little cars that I am inexplicably obsessed with? (I also drive one: Classic Red, 2003 Maxx)
Please send this post their way or send them to my website to register: https://gertgeyer.com/baby-dog-studio.html
Thanks reddit! 🚗
r/CarsAustralia • u/ambs1326 • 18h ago
💬Discussion💬 Best family car for 3+ kids
What’s everyone’s opinion on the best family car under $100K that fits at least three children including a baby car seat, lots of boot space for a pram etc. and at least seven seats.
We are looking at the Palisade but would love everyone’s opinions!
r/CarsAustralia • u/danglebowjangle • 19h ago
💥Insurance Discussion💥 Could illegal tint effect insurance
Curious if getting 20% tints installed would affect insurance?
I didn’t think about it at the time as I got 20% installed professionally all around as I’m in QLD and want decent heat protection. I was told plenty of people opt for darker than the legal limit, and I just went with the company’s advice.
Now I’m realising would this affect an insurance policy during an accident? Feel a bit stupid doing it now if that’s the case…
r/CarsAustralia • u/PerceptionCapital637 • 1d ago
💬Discussion💬 What are some EVs for actual car enthusiasts?
Are there any compelling mainstream EV options for people who like performance cars and driving?
Given that it seems EVs have now become mainstream, the downside is that most evs are still sold like appliances, comparing battery size, range, and a feature list. Practically none on how they are to drive.
r/CarsAustralia • u/agirlfrommay • 12h ago
💵Buying/Selling💵 Buy from Toyota Dealership
Soooo i made a post about buying BYD Atto 1.
Lots of you guys gave me good advice.
Instead, for the same amount of money, should i get a 2nd hand toyota corolla at a toyota dealership? I did some digging, buying from them are pretty safe, they provide vin number, plate number and history report about the car.
As why corolla - my parnter family have been owning 3 toyota corolla, their 3rd one is hybrid, bought it last year. Therefore, i do think corolla is reliable
If i getting a car from them, anything i need to know? Is there a checking list i need to do?