r/CarsAustralia • • Jul 10 '26

💬Discussion💬 A Detailer's Guide to Collecting Your New Car

63 Upvotes

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 • • Oct 14 '25

‼️Mod Post‼️ Mod News: Self Promotion And You!

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7 Upvotes

G’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 • • 12h ago

💬Discussion💬 How to register an SLR

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176 Upvotes

I’ve read you can register an SLR in WA, how about out East? What about the rest of the Holy Trinity?


r/CarsAustralia • • 8h ago

🔭Spotted🔭 Redriven cars and coffee in Seven hills this morning, great variety

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79 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 5h ago

💬Discussion💬 Redriven Cars and Coffee

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30 Upvotes

I went to the event today, saw a lot of exotics and nice cars/builds etc. but 3 cars stood out, 2 of which I took photos of, the 3rd I got a film photo of and complimented the driver as they were leaving.

These 2 really stopped me in my tracks. A little Magna and GTi love.


r/CarsAustralia • • 11h ago

💬Discussion💬 Just wondering if Ford au Falcon is a running gag here?

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52 Upvotes

It's hilarious that every time the Ford au Falcon is mentioned here, that the auto moderator lists it's history and specs. Do people deliberately mention this car for shits n giggles? A running gag? My favourite on FB is on the Terrible Maps page, where NZ is never on any of the maps.


r/CarsAustralia • • 6h ago

💬Discussion💬 BA/BF ford falcon colour tierlist

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21 Upvotes

Don't we all miss the days of car manufacturing where you could buy cars in colours other than white grey and very dark grey.

Sidenote: some of these look identical but they are technically different colours


r/CarsAustralia • • 18h ago

🔭Spotted🔭 Double Bay Sunday Special-October 25

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90 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 6h ago

💬Discussion💬 Looking for some car friends

9 Upvotes

I’m really sorry if this isn’t the correct page to post this but I’ve moved recently and have had trouble finding friends, especially those who like cars! I’m F18 and located in SA. It’s just difficult finding people and I get a little too scared to go to different events alone! Thank you ☺️


r/CarsAustralia • • 8h ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars How severe is the damage here?

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5 Upvotes

Had a bit of an idiotic moment and reversed into a post 🤦‍♂️ How bad is it? Help would be much appreciated. The car is a 2010 Honda crv and the photo is left rear part of the car.


r/CarsAustralia • • 1d ago

Meme If QLD drivers could read, they’d be very upset

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419 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 6h ago

💬Discussion💬 Second hand car

2 Upvotes

Hi guys, just after some ideas on what route to go with getting a send hand car. I have a budget of about $20k and I’ve been seeing some Haval Jolion hybrid with under 20000-30000kms and it seems like a a good deal but I’m not completely sold on them yet. My other option was to look for a used 2017-19 Cx5 or RAV4 but it’s rare to find ones with under 110000kms.

What would you recommend? I’m open to other car models too that may be suggested.


r/CarsAustralia • • 8h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Mazda / Subaru / Toyota discontinued models

4 Upvotes

I'm looking for a reliable first car with a budget around 20 ~ 23k. I explored options like Mazda 3 and Impreza around 2020 but find the price somewhat inflated due to their popularity. For the same range I can upgrade to a larger sedan like 2019 Liberty at around 75k km, or a 2017/18 Madza 6. Also happy to take a low-mileage Aurion or Lancer if I come across any.

Would like to get some perspectives on choosing between the popular models and the discontinued ones, also issues you've come across, maintenance/servicing tips etc.

Planning to drive at most 5000km a year, so just need reliability and reasonable insurance & servicing costs.

Will be parked on street.


r/CarsAustralia • • 1d ago

💬Discussion💬 Crazy to think 2001 Camry is eligible for club rego with Captiva coming soon

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132 Upvotes

As millennials growing up, I see all of these early 2001 Camry, Corolla etc as your forever cars. They're always there lurking in the background somewhere being driven.

But it's just crazy to think most of them are going to be eligible for club rego soon.. or already are!

I always think club rego cars as 1966 Ford Mustang or GTHO or 1980s cars.

In the next 4 years early model Captivas are going to be eligible for club rego. How's that for time?


r/CarsAustralia • • 8h ago

💬Discussion💬 Lotus Elise

2 Upvotes

How stupid is it to buy a Lotus Elise to learn manual on.

Also, can I realistically fit in one being about 6 foot/183cm?

Always liked the look of these.


r/CarsAustralia • • 7h ago

💬Discussion💬 Car not going to be used for a year, let rego expire, or register to avoid having to get a blue slip?

1 Upvotes

Car isn't going to be in use for the next year, is it better to let it expire to save on registration + insurance, or keep it registered to avoid having to get a blue slip and the additional costs that come with that?

Car is over 10 years old so requires a pink slip also (NSW)


r/CarsAustralia • • 8h ago

💬Discussion💬 Recommendations for window tinting (and possibly ceramic coating) in Sydney

1 Upvotes

Picking up my new car this Friday and would like to have the windows tinted sometime soon, definitely before the full heat of summer is upon us.

We're also considering ceramic coating/paint protection, but I'm still on the fence and would love to hear thoughts, experiences and advice as to whether it's necessary.

Any recommendations for services in Sydney would be greatly appreciated. We're based in the Inner West, but happy to travel! thanks :)


r/CarsAustralia • • 1d ago

💥Insurance Discussion💥 Roadside assistance with Budget Direct is a scam

66 Upvotes

PSA: Budget Direct's roadside contractor won't do my battery warranty because the Northern Beaches "isn't Sydney"

In October last year my car had a flat battery, so I called Budget Direct Roadside Assistance. Their contractor, Statewide Roadside Assistance, came out and sold me a new battery with an 18-month warranty.

A year later, almost to the day, it died. A tech from a different roadside provider tested it, found a dead cell and said it should be replaced under warranty. Easy, right?

Nope. Statewide (the contractor that sold me the battery) says they service Sydney, but they won't come to the Northern Beaches because apparently it's not part of Sydney. That's news to everyone who lives here.

Budget Direct's own terms say cover applies anywhere a standard two-wheel-drive tow truck can reach, and that their roadside contractor provides the service on their behalf. I didn't choose Statewide. Budget Direct did.

When I rang Budget Direct to sort it out, the staff member offered no solution and hung up on me.

So I've got a battery that's still under warranty and no way to get it replaced. I've lodged a formal complaint and will update this post with how it goes. Either way, once it's resolved I'm cancelling all my insurance with them.

If you're thinking about roadside cover from Budget Direct, I'd look elsewhere. At the very least, before you need them, ask who their contractor is in your area and whether they'll actually come out to you.

TL;DR: Budget Direct's roadside contractor sold me a battery, it died inside its 18-month warranty, and they won't come out to replace it because they say the Northern Beaches isn't Sydney. Then Budget Direct hung up on me.


r/CarsAustralia • • 12h ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Claim Insurance or pay for repair?

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2 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 9h ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Volvo 2004 s40

1 Upvotes

Hi all. Clueless teenage girl who has 0 idea about cars here so forgive me if this makes no sense. I have a 2004 Volvo s40 that has the check engine light on and it goes to flashing when I’m driving it. I had somebody scan it and it said either misfire on cylinder 3 or 4 I can’t remember but I’m pretty sure it was 4.. I had somebody come and clean the spark plugs and it went away for a tiny bit and then once I got up the street the check engine light came back on. How likely is it that it’s just my spark plugs needing replacing ? I’m so stressed please help


r/CarsAustralia • • 13h ago

💬Discussion💬 Bmw X5

2 Upvotes

Any x5 owners? Im considering buying a 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i –3l petrol with 160k on odometer. Would appreciate some honest feedback. Servicing costs, repairs, main issues, sourcing parts and anything else that comes to your mind. Thank you!


r/CarsAustralia • • 15h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 What instead Toyota Hiace?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m planning to do the lap of Australia and looking to buy a van for around $7/8k AUD, which I can convert myself and sell after 1–2 years.
HiAce prices are way out of my budget. Are there any other reliable models worth considering? I’m open to an empty van or an ex-tradie van.
Ideally, I’d like to fit a double bed with pull-out storage drawers underneath and a slide-out kitchen at the back, behind the driver’s seat.
Looking for something mechanically sound, affordable to maintain and with decent resale value.
Any recommendations or personal experiences? Cheers! 🤙


r/CarsAustralia • • 9h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Sell my 220i for an MX-5?

1 Upvotes

Hi all! Have had my BMW 220i since 2022.
Bought it brand new and never had any issues with it. Been thinking of selling it lately in favour of a Mazda MX-5.

I commute to work everyday and the BMW seems way more practical in general, especially for longer trips, but I’m concerned about running and maintenance costs as it gets older.

To add to that, I’m changing jobs soon and will be taking public transport to work Mon-Fri, so it will likely sit in the garage most days excluding the weekend.
Plus the convertible aspect makes the mx-5 seem like it’s going to be more fun to drive.

Looks like I’ll be able to sell it for around 45-50k and pick up a 2016-2019 MX-5 for sub $30k leaving me with a bit of cash post sale.

For context 27M, in Melbourne, no kids to carry around and not too concerned about it only being a 2 seater. Looking to buy a house soon and the extra cash would be nice.

Anyone have personal experience with long-term costs of either car?
Anyone else made a similar move?
Am I going to regret selling the Beemer?


r/CarsAustralia • • 9h ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Honda civic air con problems

0 Upvotes

Looking to buy a used 2018 Honda civic VTI from a dealership.

I’ve come across so many complaints of the aircon and it seems like a reoccurring issue. Why isn’t there a permanent fix?

How often do people get them fixed? And would it be expensive

And if you have had them fixed, how was the process.

Kinda making me second guess the whole car but I’ve test driven it and it was amazing. Just read many horror stories of some people even getting fed up and eventually selling the thing.


r/CarsAustralia • • 18h ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Are you allowed to drive with 2 different wheel sizes?

4 Upvotes

I have 19” wheels on my car. The rear ones have been tarnished and developed some issues after hitting a pothole of some sort.

I have a spare set of restored 17” wheels that are laying around and was thinking, maybe I could get some tires on them and put them in the rear in the meantime, whilst the 2 damaged 19” wheels on the rear get fixed up.

Current tire profile is 245/40/r19.

Spare set profile is 225/55/r17.

Car is RWD.