You will need a small (pocket sized) note pad and pencil to take along to the dealer so you can cross off items as you run through the checklist. Best use a pencil, as pens have a tendency to either leak or fail just when you need them most.
Make sure both of your ears work before you leave home. This is a fail safe check! If one of your ears develops a fault en route you will still have the other ear to utilise for when your pencil is not in use.
If one of your ears is already faulty, and don't think it can't happen to you, then fix it! If you look after your ears and give them regular checks (preventative maintenance) then you should be good to go!
A weatherproof cover for the notebook would also be a good option. You just never know when your parade will be pissed upon! Be certain to check you have enough blank pages in your notebook/diary to cover all of your notes and checks.
This is particularly important because if, when you arrive at your dealership, it starts to piss down, you will need the extra doodling space, you know, drawing spiders hanging from their webs in the top right/left (delete as applicable) of the current page you're on , on these pages whilst you pass the time with your coffee, after you have have read through from start to finish all the paraphernalia in the 'Unstoppable' brochures.
Some people like to use felt tips, as opposed to pencils, for the decorative look with their doodling. There are several drawbacks with felt tip pens:- 1) They too can run dry when least expected. 2) If they smudge you will probably end up with different coloured fingers (not a professional look at all!), and 3) you only have two ears!
Choose wisely.
If none of this is up your street then opt for one of the small tablets or smartphones (you can play games on these things too!) and install a notebook app. iPhones are very good for this, though they are not everyones taste and can have a detrimental impact upon your image, that is to say some people may pigeon hole you into the 'follow the sheep' box. You need to ask yourself before making the 'which tablet/smartphone should I choose' decision whether or not you can handle this kind of persecution trait in others, because they WILL point at you and snigger behind your back! You have been warned.
Ok, your decision has been made and gadgetry is the chosen weapon. This will give a much more geeky appearance to the sales team, but hey , this is your money we're talking about! Do NOT, and I repeat, NOT leave home without your tablet/smartphone having at least an 80% battery charge reading. If you are caught short, for whatever reason, and fail to keep a check on the battery charge situation and DO run your gadget flat, then make sure you have a back up plan - perhaps plan B could be that you make sure that you always carry a pocket sized notebook with you... and a weatherproof cover for it, of course...and a pencil...or felt tip pens.
So , to summarise, ALWAYS check your ears are in fully working order before you leave the house. They are the most important part of any checklist.
Good luck...
