Hello. We recently signed a contract for a brand new 2019 CX-5 GT Turbo AWD but haven't gotten delivery of the vehicle yet. During the test drive, I noticed the Engine Light was on (not flashing, just permanently on). Car drive was fine, the turbo engine is great.

When we inquired, the salesman told us that the vehicle hasn't been prepared for delivery to a customer, so it's normal the light is on. The car has less than 70 miles (110 km) on it so it sounded odd to me. Is it a credible response or should I be concerned?

Any help would be appreciated... Thank you.

 

Absolutely not normal. Has nothing to do with the vehicle being prepared for sale or not.

 

It's not normal. It's likely no big deal, but sure makes that dealership look careless.

 

Thank you for the reply. I agree, a rather wonky explanation. I am guessing the car stayed parked for 6 or 12 months and has under a 100 miles so it could be related to an undercharged batter and unable to send the right amount of power to the computer. I asked them to indicate that the engine light was on in the contract.

 

@dpa072 - Are you saying that the vehicle that you test drove is the vehicle that you are purchasing? I have never purchased a "brand new" vehicle with even 70 miles on it. Is this a demonstrator? Why has it been driven 70-100 miles and "hasn't been prepared for delivery to a customer" yet with a CEL condition? I wouldn't touch it or trust that salesman.

 

Yes, it was used for a few test drives. It happens to be the last 2019 in the color we want available in the area. I have purchased brand new cars in the past with 100 miles on them, usually because the dealer is out of stock and the car was driven in from another dealer.

We'll ask them to clarify why the CEL was on.

 

Really this is so simple.... have their service tech check it with a scanning tool.

 

I like mine delivered on a flat bed. Brand New = De minimis use IE: Backing it off and loading onto the carrier. More than that it may not be pre-owned but it's a used car.