The complete PDI checklist for new cars in India

A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is the 45–60 minutes that decides whether you drive home a flawless new car or inherit someone else's problem. Here's exactly what to check, section by section.

A Pre-Delivery Inspection is your chance to examine the exact car you're buying before you sign the delivery papers. Once you sign and drive out, getting defects fixed becomes far harder. In India, PDI is your right - dealers cannot rush you or refuse it.

Before you start

• Inspect in natural daylight - showroom lighting hides paint defects
• Budget 45–60 minutes and don't let anyone rush you
• Photograph everything, including the odometer and VIN plate
• You may bring your own mechanic - this is allowed

1. Vehicle details & identification

The most important section, and the one buyers skip most. Mismatched numbers or old stock are red flags that are painful to fix later.

• VIN match - the 17-character VIN on the dashboard, driver door frame and invoice must match exactly
• Engine and chassis numbers match the invoice and documents
• Manufacturing date is recent - ideally within 3 months (older stock means aged battery, tyres and fluids)
• Odometer shows minimal km - typically under 50 km; over 100 km is suspicious
• Exterior colour and variant match your order and the door-jamb sticker

See the dedicated guides on reading the manufacturing date from the VIN and what odometer reading is normal.

2. Exterior & paint

• Paint is even across all panels - no scratches, swirls or "orange peel"
• No colour mismatch between adjacent panels (a sign of repainting/repair)
• Panel gaps are uniform and symmetrical on both sides
• No dents, dings or dimples - view panels at eye level from an angle
• Windshield and all glass free of chips or cracks
• All lights work: headlights, DRLs, tail, brake, reverse, indicators, fog

3. Interior

• Seats, dashboard and trim are unmarked, with protective film intact
• All seatbelts latch and retract; check every seat
• AC cools quickly and blows cold from all vents
• All buttons, switches, power windows and mirrors work
• No rattles, stains or unusual smells

4. Electricals & infotainment

• Instrument cluster: all warning lights illuminate then clear on start
• Touchscreen, speakers, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, USB ports
• Cameras and parking sensors, if equipped
• Key fob, central locking and any connected-car features

5. Engine bay

• No fluid leaks anywhere under the bonnet
• No unusual noises on a cold start
• Battery is factory-fresh and terminals are clean
• Belts, hoses and fluid levels look correct

6. Tyres & wheels

• All four tyres (and spare) share a recent manufacture date - check the DOT week/year code
• No sidewall damage, bulges or flat spots
• Alloys/wheel covers unscratched; correct size and spec

7. Fluids & underbody

• Engine oil, coolant, brake and washer fluids at correct levels
• No leaks or fresh stains under the car - place paper under it while parked
• Underbody free of damage or rust

8. Documents & accessories

Confirm you receive every statutory document. Missing paperwork causes registration headaches. See the full list in your rights guide.

• Tax Invoice, Form 21 (sale certificate) and Form 22 (roadworthiness)
• Insurance policy, temporary registration, warranty card, service booklet, owner's manual
• All paid accessories fitted and invoiced
• Both key sets present and working

9. Test drive checks

• Smooth start, idle and acceleration with no warning lights
• Brakes are firm and straight; steering doesn't pull
• Gearbox shifts cleanly (or smooth response in an automatic/EV)
• No vibrations, rattles or warning chimes at speed

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