How important is the “Pre-Delivery” when purchasing a new Utility Vehicle?
The definition of Pre Delivery is all the activities that an authorized dealership must do from when they receive a vehicle from the manufacturer until it is turned over to the new owner.
It has been proven that over 85% of factory warranties can be prevented if the factory authorized dealer follows the manufacturer’s procedures for pre-delivery.
Pre Delivery activities typically includes:
- Assembly Check Off List
- Mechanical Preparation
- Test Drive
- Customer Familiarization
For example, let’s talk about the Kawasaki MULE procedures:
The Kawasaki MULE arrives at dealerships crated. The dealer’s responsibility is to uncrate and assemble the Kawasaki MULE utility vehicle…. ie: Remove packing, install steering wheel, canopy, air intake, battery, fenders, and etc. Fill with fuel. Check cables, oils, and water before the initial engine start up.
The dealer should then proceed to check the following: Transmission oils, front differential oil if four wheel drive, cables and linkages, fasteners, water levels, hose clamps, operating controls and lubricate.
The qualified technician should then test drive the Utility Vehicle and check for the following:
- Abnormal noises,
- Correct engagement of four wheel drive,
- Differential lock,
- Ground speed
- Smooth shifting and operation
- Operate the utility vehicle long enough to bring vehicle up to operating temperature.
Please note: The hour meter should never show 0.0 hours. This indicates the utility vehicle has not been test driven and brought up to operating temperature.
When purchasing the utility vehicle, the dealer should review the operator’s manual and demonstrate the pre-operational checks/inspections for the new owner. After the initial checks the dealer should take the new owner on a test drive. After the driving demonstration, the new owner and the dealer representative should switch positions allowing the owner to drive with the dealer representative. At the end of this demonstration the new owner should feel confident in their ability to operate and enjoy there new utility vehicle.
