It's easy to assume a brand-new car is perfect. But before it reaches you, a new car is driven off the production line, loaded onto a truck, transported, unloaded, parked at a dealer yard and sometimes shown to other buyers. Any of those steps can leave damage behind.
That's why more buyers now book a PDI for their new car before taking delivery. PDI is short for pre delivery inspection. It is a new car inspection done at the dealership, before you sign the final papers.
What can go wrong with a new car?
- Transport damage: dents, scratches or chipped paint from loading and unloading.
- Repainting: a damaged panel repainted at the yard, sometimes with a slightly different shade.
- Old stock: a car that has been sitting for months, which shows up in the tyres, battery and manufacturing date.
- Missing items: accessories, the spare wheel, tools, manuals or a second key that should be in the car.
- Electrical faults: features that don't work, or warning lights on the dashboard.
- Extra kilometres: a higher reading than expected, if the car has been used as a demo or moved between showrooms.
Most of these are hard to spot in the excitement of delivery day, especially in a showroom under bright lights.
New car PDI checklist: what an inspection for a new car covers
1. Exterior and paint
Every panel, bumper, door, bonnet, boot and roof is checked for scratches, dents, uneven panel gaps and signs of repainting.
2. Interior
Seats, dashboard, carpets, trims, controls and the AC are checked for damage, stains and proper working.
3. Tyres, wheels and glass
The tyres are checked for damage and their manufacturing date. The windshield and all glass are checked for chips and marks.
4. Engine bay
The engine compartment is checked for leaks, loose parts, fluid levels and visible damage.
5. Electricals and scanning
Lights, windows, locks, infotainment, sensors and cameras are tested. Where the car supports it, a diagnostic scan checks for stored fault codes.
6. VIN and manufacturing date
The chassis number (VIN) is matched with the documents. The manufacturing date tells you how long the car has been in stock.
7. Odometer
The kilometre reading is noted, so you know whether the car has been driven more than expected.
8. Accessories and documents
Everything you've paid for, from accessories to the spare wheel and second key, is checked against your booking.
Is PDI done before registration?
It should be. This is the most important point. Do the pre delivery inspection for your new car before registration and before final payment. Once the car is registered in your name, the dealer has much less reason to replace it or fix problems quickly. If an issue is found before registration, you can ask for a fix, a different car or a fair adjustment while you still have room to negotiate.
Is a PDI necessary for a new car?
The dealer does its own check before handing over a car, but that check is done for the dealer. A PDI service for a new car booked by you is done for you, by someone with no link to the dealer.
You can also do a basic check yourself, and a careful buyer will catch the obvious things. But repainting, minor panel repairs and stored fault codes are easy to miss without experience and the right tools.
How a CarParakh new car PDI works
- Book online with your car and dealer details and a preferred time.
- A CarParakh inspector visits the dealer yard before registration.
- The car gets a 300+ point, 360° check, including the VIN and, where supported, a diagnostic scan.
- You get a report with each finding recorded and photographed, ready to discuss with the dealer.
CarParakh is independent: we have no tie-up with any dealer or manufacturer. We also do luxury car PDI and EV PDI.
We do new car PDI in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad.
More questions
Should I pay the full amount before the PDI?
It's better to complete the PDI before making the final payment, so you can raise any issues while you still have room to negotiate.
Do you do PDI for luxury and electric cars?
Yes. CarParakh has separate luxury car PDI and EV PDI services.
Will the dealer allow an independent PDI?
Most dealers allow it. It helps to tell the dealer in advance that your inspector will check the car before registration.
How long does a new car PDI take?
It depends on the car and the package chosen. The inspector will confirm the timing when your slot is booked.
Will I get a report after the PDI?
Yes. Every finding is recorded in a report with photos, so you can share it with the dealer.
Final thoughts
A new car is one of the biggest purchases most families make. A car pre delivery inspection takes a short time and gives you a clear record of the car's condition while you can still act on it.
Buying a second hand car instead? Read our guide to PDI for old cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a new car inspection the same as a PDI?expand_more
Yes. A new car inspection before delivery is usually called a PDI, or pre delivery inspection.
Is PDI done before registration?expand_more
It should be. Doing the PDI before registration and final payment gives you the most room to get problems fixed.
Is a PDI necessary for a new car?expand_more
It isn't compulsory, but it's the only way to have the car checked by someone working for you, not the dealer, before you accept it.
What are the PDI charges for a new car?expand_more
It depends on the package and the car category. You can see current prices on the CarParakh booking page before you book.