Have you ever bought something and not known you had it?

And if you knew you had it, didn't know how to use it

This has always amazed me.

When handing over a car to a buyer who is simply replacing like for like, for example, replacing a Renault Clio Dynamique 1.2 with exactly the same car, I skip showing some of the controls saying they're the same as on their old car.

When I do this a significant number of people say they didn't know they had the feature or would benefits in a particuar way. Some know a feature is there but don't know how to use it or think they can't learn. Satelite radio CD controls on the steering column is a good example.

This seems to me to be important because many features are not soley for comfort. Some have safety benefits. Satelite radio controls allow the driver to stay concentrated on their driving. It's increasingly important because even small cars can now have features once only found on large luxury cars. For example a Renault Modus and more recently the Clio could have a Navigation System or Cruise Control with Speed limiter, and many have multi-disc CD players. Other cars can have a keycard and automatic handbrake. Automatic headlamps, wipers and cornering lights are now fitted to most new Renaults.

So here's a step-by-step checklist:

1. Engine compartment - find out about running in, service intervals, how to open the bonnet, find water, oil and other top up points.
2. How do the keys work and what functionality do they have?
3. Does the car have an anti-intrusion system, how does it work and what happens in an accident?
4. How do you deactivate the front passenger air bag?
5. How do you open the boot?
6. Where are the spare wheel and tools located?
7. Has it got locking wheel nuts for the alloy wheels and where are they?
8. How do you open and lock/unlock the fuel flap and cap?
9. Where's the aerial and can it be removed?
10. How do you adjust the seats, headrests and seat belts?
11. How does the steering column adjust?
12. Has the car got child safety Isofix points and where are they?
13. How do you fold the rear seat?
14. Are there rear air conditioning controls and how do they work?
15. Where are all the storage compartments?
16. How do you start and stop the engine?

Then, if fitted you'll need a full demonstration for:

• Keycards, emergency key and auto-closure - don't put keycards in back trouser pockets
• Automatic parking brake and manual operation
• Tyre Pressure monitor
• Electric seat adjustments and memory
• Automatic lights and wiper commands
• Satelite Navigation
• Climate control or air conditioning
• Radio and CD controls, memory and settings
• Cruise control, speed limiter, distance limiter
• ESP

In fact it's a worry people buy cars and don't know what features are fitted, how they benefit and use them - BEFORE SIGNING AN ORDER.

It's amazing they take delivery and pay for their car without ever benefiting from features in their life of ownership.

Please make these checks to fully enjoy your next car.

Regards
Ralph

http://www.carbuyersinfo.co.uk/how_to_save_a_fortune_on_a_funky_renault_modus.htm