PDI Report › Sample PDI report: new car

Sample PDI report: new car

A complete example of the report you get after a new car PDI, with the verdict, the issues to raise and the full checklist.

Book your own check

This is a sample with example data, to show what you get. It is not a real customer's report.

Expert verdict

Accept after fixes

By an example automobile engineer · sample

3issues

66OK

1not checked

Details

Car: Example hatchback, petrol, manual
Check: New car PDI
Where: Dealer showroom, Hyderabad
Odometer: 18 km

Summary

The car runs and drives well, but do not sign yet. The rear left door has been repainted, the tyres are almost two years old, and two promised accessories are missing. Ask the dealer to replace the tyres, explain the repaint in writing or offer another car, and fit the accessories before delivery.

Issues to raise before you sign

Signs of repaint or repair

Outside body and paint

Issue

Rear left door has been repainted. Paint gauge reads about 210 microns, against about 110 on the other doors.

Tyre manufacturing date (DOT code)

Tyres, wheels and brakes

Issue

All four tyres are DOT week 48 of 2024, almost two years old. Ask for fresh tyres.

All promised accessories are fitted

Accessories and handover

Issue

Floor mats and mud flaps listed in the booking are missing.

Full checklist

Papers and identity

VIN and engine number match the invoice and papers

Manufacturing month is recent

Odometer reading is low

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 work

Outside body and paint

Paint: scratches, swirl marks, chips, dents

Signs of repaint or repair

Issue

Panel gaps are even

Doors, bonnet, boot and fuel or charge lid open and shut properly

Roof, pillars and door edges

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 code

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)

Issue

Tread depth and even wear

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 present

Under the bonnet

Fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer

No oil, coolant or fuel leaks

12V battery: date and terminals

Belts and hoses

Wiring and connectors look neat and untouched

No signs of repair or replaced parts

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 dashboard

Instrument cluster, trip meter and fuel or charge gauge

AC cooling and heater on all fan speeds

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

N/A

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 smooth

Brakes are firm, straight and quiet

Parking brake holds on a slope

Steering is straight, no pulling or vibration

No rattles, knocks or suspension noise

ABS and stability control lights stay off

OBD scan shows no error codes

Accessories and handover

All promised accessories are fitted

Issue

Fuel or charge level as promised

Number plates and registration papers

Photos of odometer, VIN and every issue taken before signing

How the report is laid out · How it works

Check it before you sign for it

Available in India and the USA. Booking is free; we confirm the fee before the visit.

Book your own check

Sample PDI report: new car

Accept after fixes

Details

Summary

Issues to raise before you sign

Full checklist

Papers and identity

Outside body and paint

Glass, lights and mirrors

Tyres, wheels and brakes

Under the bonnet

Inside the cabin

Drive test

Accessories and handover

Check it before you sign for it

Inspection guides