New car PDI by an expert, before you take delivery
Book a verified mechanic for your new car PDI (pre-delivery inspection). Paint, panels, tyres, battery, documents, features and a drive test, with photos, before you sign.
A PDI, or pre-delivery inspection, is the check you do before you accept a new car from the dealer. Cars can be scratched in transport, repainted at the yard, fitted with old tyres or a weak battery, or delivered without the accessories in your deal. Once you sign and drive away, the dealer can say it happened later. A verified mechanic goes through the car with you at the showroom and records every issue with photos.
What can go wrong
- Scratches or dents from transport, sometimes repainted before delivery
- Old stock: a car built many months ago, with old tyres or battery
- High odometer reading from test drives or transfers
- Warning lights, leaks or rattles on day one
- Wrong variant, or promised accessories missing
How it works
Book in two minutes
Tell us what to check, the address and the date. Confirm your email with a 6-digit code.
A verified expert visits
A mechanic, engineer, inspector or surveyor near you calls, then checks every item on the list with you.
You get the report
A clear verdict, every issue with photos and notes, and what to ask the seller to fix before you sign.
The full checklist: 79 checks
The expert marks each check as OK, Issue or N/A, with notes and photos. Checks marked with a label only apply to that type.
Papers and identity
- VIN and engine number match the invoice and papersCheck the plate on the body, the windshield sticker and the papers.
- Manufacturing month is recentOld stock can mean the car sat in a yard for months.
- Odometer reading is lowUsually under 50 km or 30 miles. Photo the reading with the VIN.
- Variant, colour and features are what you paid for
- Invoice, insurance, warranty booklet, owner's manual and service book
- Roadside assistance and extended warranty details
- Both keys workLock, unlock and start with each key.
Outside body and paint
- Paint: scratches, swirl marks, chips, dentsCheck every panel in daylight and at an angle.
- Signs of repaint or repairShade differences, overspray on rubber or plastic, paint gauge readings.
- Panel gaps are evenDoors, bonnet, boot, fenders and bumpers.
- Doors, bonnet, boot and fuel or charge lid open and shut properly
- Roof, pillars and door edgesEasy to miss. Check from a height or with your phone camera.
- Bumpers and grille: cracks, scrapes, loose clips
- Badges, chrome and trims are straight and secure
- Door seals and rubber beading
- Underbody: scrapes, damage, leaks
Glass, lights and mirrors
- Windshield and windows: chips, cracks, scratches
- All glass has the same make and date codeA different one means that window was replaced.
- Headlights low and high beam, daytime running lights
- Tail lights, brake lights and reverse lights
- Indicators, hazard lights and fog lamps
- No moisture or cracks inside the lamps
- Mirrors fold, adjust and are not cracked
- Wipers and washers, front and rear
Tyres, wheels and brakes
- Tyre manufacturing date (DOT code)On a new car, within about 6 months. Tyres over 5 years old need replacing.
- Tread depth and even wearUneven wear can mean bad alignment or suspension.
- No cuts, bulges or cracks on the sidewalls
- All tyres are the same brand and size
- Tyre pressure is correct, spare included
- Tyre pressure warning works, if fitted
- Wheels and alloys have no scratches or bends
- Wheel nuts tight, locking nut key present
- Spare tyre, jack and tool kit presentA puncture kit instead of a spare is fine if that is the model spec.
Under the bonnet
- Fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer
- No oil, coolant or fuel leaks
- 12V battery: date and terminalsAn old or corroded battery is a red flag.
- Belts and hosesEngineNo cracks, bulges or loose clamps.
- Wiring and connectors look neat and untouched
- No signs of repair or replaced partsTool marks on bolts, mismatched stickers.
Electric and hybrid
- Battery charge level is as promisedElectric and hybridMany dealers promise a full charge at delivery.
- Battery health (SoH) read with a scan toolElectric and hybridOver 90% is good for a car under 5 years old.
- Charging port: pins, cover and lockElectric and hybridNo bent pins, melting or burn marks.
- A test charge starts and stops normallyElectric and hybrid
- Charging cable, adapters and home charger as promisedElectric and hybrid
- Range shown matches the charge levelElectric and hybrid
- Orange high-voltage cables have no damageElectric and hybrid
- Regenerative braking works smoothlyElectric and hybrid
- Software is up to date and the car app connectsElectric and hybrid
Inside the cabin
- Seats and upholstery: stains, tears
- Seat adjustments: slide, recline, height, lumbar
- Dashboard and trims: scratches, loose parts
- Roof lining, grab handles and sun visors
- No warning lights on the dashboardThey should all light up at ignition, then go off.
- Instrument cluster, trip meter and fuel or charge gauge
- AC cooling and heater on all fan speedsCheck the rear vents too.
- Touchscreen, speakers, Bluetooth, Android Auto or CarPlay
- USB ports, 12V sockets and wireless charger
- Reverse camera and parking sensors
- Power windows, auto up and down, anti-pinch
- Central locking, keyless entry and child locks
- Sunroof opens, closes and doesn't leak, if fitted
- Seat belts lock and release
- Steering controls, horn and cruise control
- Cabin lights, boot light and glovebox light
- No damp smell or water under the mats
- Boot floor, parcel tray and carpet
Drive test
- Starts cleanly, smooth idle
- Pulls smoothly with no hesitation
- Clutch and gear shifts are smoothEngineAutomatics: no jerks or delays.
- Brakes are firm, straight and quiet
- Parking brake holds on a slope
- Steering is straight, no pulling or vibration
- No rattles, knocks or suspension noiseWindows down, music off, over a speed breaker.
- ABS and stability control lights stay off
- OBD scan shows no error codes
Accessories and handover
- All promised accessories are fittedFloor mats, mud flaps, guards and anything else in the deal.
- Fuel or charge level as promised
- Number plates and registration papers
- Photos of odometer, VIN and every issue taken before signing
Questions
What is a car PDI?
PDI stands for pre-delivery inspection. It is a full check of a new car before you accept it, covering the body and paint, glass and lights, tyres, the engine bay, the cabin and features, the documents and a short drive.
When should the PDI be done?
Before you sign the delivery papers and before the car is registered in your name, ideally on delivery day at the dealer. That way the dealer still has to fix anything the expert finds.
Can the dealer refuse a PDI?
You are the buyer, so you can inspect the car and bring anyone you like. Most dealers allow it. If a dealer refuses, ask why before you pay.
What happens if the expert finds problems?
You get a report with photos. Show it to the dealer and ask them to fix the issue, swap the car, or put it in writing before delivery.
Check it before you sign for it
Available in India and the USA. We confirm the fee with you before the visit.
Book a car check