In 1982 I took delivery of a new Mercedes 300D. After doing all of the necessary paperwork, I left the dealer only to turn around immediately to tell the sales agent that I had a vibration. He said it's probably the tire balance and they would address it at the 1,000 mile check. I agreed that would be fine.

3 driveshafts, 2 sets of wheels and several visits to the dealer never resolved this vibration. At 50k I gave up and traded it in.

To this day, no one gets my check until I have driven the vehicle. The dealer will want to do the paperwork and hand you the keys. I insist on taking delivery first and then I sign the papers and hand over the check. Your inspection should take place before you actually buy the car.