PDI Report › Used car inspection

Used car inspection by an expert, before you pay

Book a verified mechanic to inspect a used car before you buy. Accident and flood signs, odometer, service history, engine, tyres and papers, with photos and a clear verdict.

Book a car check

A used car can hide past accidents, flood damage, a rolled-back odometer or a loan that was never cleared. A verified mechanic checks the car and its papers with you, takes it for a drive, and tells you plainly whether to buy it, ask for a lower price, or walk away.

What can go wrong

Hidden accident repairs and repainted panels
Flood damage under the seats and carpets
Odometer rolled back, gaps in the service history
Pending loan, lien or fines on the car
Worn tyres, brakes and suspension

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: 90 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.
Variant, colour and features are what you paid for
Both keys workLock, unlock and start with each key.
Ownership papers match the sellerRC in India, title in the US: name, chassis and engine numbers.
Number of previous owners
No pending loan, lien or unpaid finesIn India, check hypothecation on the RC and get the bank NOC.
Accident, theft and recall history checkedVahan or mParivahan in India. Carfax or AutoCheck and open recalls in the US.
Service history and recordsLook for gaps, and odometer readings that go down.
Odometer reading looks genuineCompare with service records and wear on pedals, seats and steering.
Insurance is valid and past claims are knownA no-claim bonus usually means no recent claims.
Emission certificate is valid (PUC or smog test)Engine

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
Rust on wheel arches, door bottoms and sills
Signs of past accidentsWeld marks, replaced panels, bent chassis rails, airbag light.
Pillar and apron welds look factory originalSpot welds should be even and sealant the same on both sides.
Signs of flood damageSilt or rust under seats and carpets, damp smell, fogged lamps.

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.
Brake pads and discs have life leftLook through the wheel spokes for scoring or a lip on the disc.

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
Engine oil is clean with no milky residueEngineMilky oil can mean a head gasket problem.
Engine mounts: no heavy shaking at idleEngine
Exhaust smoke and engine noiseEngineBlue or thick white smoke, knocking, or a rough idle.

Electric and hybrid

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
Engine temperature stays normalEngine
No leaks or burning smell after the drivePark for 10 minutes and look under the car.

Accessories and handover

Number plates and registration papers
Ownership transfer papers are readyForms 29 and 30 in India, a signed title in the US.
Photos of odometer, VIN and every issue taken before signing

Questions

What does a used car inspection cover?

Ownership papers and history, the body for accident and flood signs, glass and lights, tyres and brakes, the engine and fluids, the cabin and features, and a drive test with an OBD scan.

Should I inspect a car from a dealer too?

Yes. A dealer inspection works for the seller. An independent expert works for you and has no reason to hide problems.

How long does it take?

Usually about an hour, including the drive. The report is ready the same day.

Can the inspection help me negotiate?

Yes. A list of issues with photos is the strongest reason to ask for a lower price or for repairs before you pay.

Check it before you sign for it

Available in India and the USA. We confirm the fee with you before the visit.