The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist Every Indian Car Buyer Needs - 50+ Things to Verify Before You Sign (2026)

Delivery day. The salesperson calls at 4 PM - "Sir, car is ready, please come by 7 PM." You reach the showroom at 7:15. The car is parked under the fluorescent canopy lights of the delivery bay. The salesperson is upbeat, the finance manager has the papers ready, the family is excited, the photographer is asking for poses. You quickly walk around the car under those orange-yellow tube lights, see no obvious issues, and sign the delivery acknowledgement.

Two weeks later in proper daylight, you notice a paint mismatch on the rear quarter panel. The bumper has a touched-up scratch. The interior trim has a glue smudge near the gear lever. The odometer that should have shown 30-50 km read 270 km on delivery, but you did not check. The dealership now says "sir, these were noted by PDI team, you signed acceptance" - and they are technically right.

This is how most Indian car deliveries go wrong. Not catastrophically, but in small Rs.5,000-25,000 ways that compound across the ownership life. The PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) is your one chance to catch this. Done in daylight, taken seriously, this 90-minute exercise saves you from a 5-year regret. Done in 15 minutes under tube lights with delivery pressure, it costs you what the dealership saved by cutting corners.

This is the complete PDI checklist we put in the hands of every Nandi customer who is about to take delivery of a new car - and an extension of the buyer-protection trilogy alongside our showroom accessory markup guide, warranty protection guide, and insurance coverage guide.

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The 5 PDI Commandments - Get These Right or Skip the Rest

1. Daylight only. Schedule delivery for 10 AM-3 PM. Refuse evening delivery slots regardless of dealer convenience. Fluorescent and sodium lighting hide paint defects, panel misalignment, and trim variations that daylight reveals in 30 seconds.
2. Stockyard PDI before registration. Once your registration number is allocated to a specific chassis number, you have legally accepted the car. Defect rejection becomes nearly impossible. Insist on inspecting the car at the dealer stockyard BEFORE the registration paperwork starts.
3. Manufacturing date check. Cars manufactured 4+ months before delivery are commonly pushed by dealerships as "current stock". The chassis number contains the manufacturing month and year (10th character is year, 11th is month per VIN standard). Decode it before signing. In January, February, March - decode aggressively because last-year stock dumping is rampant.
4. Odometer below 100 km. A new car should show 20-80 km on the odometer at PDI. Anything above 100 km means the car has been test-driven, used as a showroom demo, or driven from a distant stockyard with too many test laps. Above 150 km, ask for an alternative car.
5. Bring a buddy and a notebook. Solo PDI under sales-team attention rarely catches anything. A second person checking the other side of the car, recording observations, and asking timeline questions doubles defect detection. Bring a basic notebook and a phone with full battery for photos and video.

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Phase 1 - Exterior Inspection (25 Minutes)

Park the car in direct daylight away from showroom canopy. Walk slowly. Crouch where needed. Photograph everything.

Paint and Panels

• Check all panels for paint texture consistency. A repainted panel has slightly different orange-peel texture or color depth.
• Look at panels from low angle (crouch at front and rear corners). Paint defects, runs, sags, and dust contamination show at sharp viewing angles.
• Check panel gaps between doors, bonnet, boot, fenders. Should be uniform 3-5 mm. Inconsistent gaps suggest factory accident damage or rough handling at the stockyard.
• Verify clear coat shine is uniform. Dull spots indicate polishing over scratches or sandpaper marks.
• Run your finger along panel edges - sharp edges or unfinished paint corners are factory shortcuts.
• Look for paint overspray inside the fuel filler area, inside the bonnet, in the door jambs - overspray inside means external repaint work.

Glass and Mirrors

• Verify all glass has the manufacturer logo etching (Saint-Gobain, AIS, etc.) - non-OEM glass means replacement.
• Check windshield for chips, scratches, water marks that do not wipe off.
• Manually adjust ORVMs (outside rear-view mirrors). Both should move smoothly.
• Verify ORVMs fold electrically if your trim has that feature.
• Check defogger lines on rear glass for visible breaks.

Tyres and Wheels

• Tyre manufacturing date - sidewall "4-digit code" (XXYY = week XX of year YY). Tyres older than 6 months at delivery indicate old stock car.
• All five tyres (4 + spare) should match brand and tread pattern.
• Check tread depth - should be 7-8 mm, not less. Less tread means test-drive abuse.
• Inspect wheels for any kerb scuffs - the alloy/wheel cover should be unmarked.
• Verify spare tyre is full-size or appropriate spare per trim - some buyers get downgraded spare wheels.

Lights and Sensors

• Test headlight high beam, low beam, DRL (daytime running lights), indicators (front and rear), tail lamps, brake lamps, reverse lights, fog lamps.
• Inspect light housings for moisture, condensation, or loose fitting.
• Verify all sensors mentioned in brochure exist - parking sensors, lane assist cameras, blind spot indicators.

Underbody Quick Check

• Look under the front and rear bumpers for any rubbing damage or scratches.
• Check for unusual wet patches under the engine bay (parked overnight on white sheet detects oil drips).
• Verify exhaust pipe is clean and not corroded.

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Phase 2 - Interior Inspection (20 Minutes)

Seats and Upholstery

• Check all seats (driver, front passenger, rear bench) for stains, tears, glue marks, dirty patches.
• Inspect seat covers if included from showroom - cuts, mismatched stitching, loose threads.
• Verify all seat belts pull out smoothly and retract properly.
• Check seat adjustments - manual sliders, recline mechanism, electric controls per trim.
• Inspect headrests - present and adjustable.

Dashboard and Trim

• Run finger across dashboard top - should be clean, no glue residue, no scratches.
• Check all plastic trim panels for color consistency and gap uniformity.
• Verify steering wheel grip is clean, no factory dirt or grease marks.
• Inspect glove box - opens, closes, locks correctly.
• Check sun visors - flip down both, mirror and light should work if equipped.

Floor and Carpet

• Lift the carpet/mats at driver footwell - any water seepage signs, rust spots, factory paint marks visible?
• Check carpet color uniformity across the cabin.
• Verify boot lining is clean and unstained.
• Lift the boot floor and check the spare tyre well for water or paint defects.

Windows and Doors

• Test all four power window switches - both up and down, both driver and individual.
• Verify auto-up / auto-down (one-touch) on driver window if equipped.
• Test central locking from driver door and key fob.
• Open and close each door fully - should swing smoothly, latch firmly, not require extra force.
• Check door rubber seals - intact, no tears.
• Test child lock on rear doors.

AC and Air Vents

• Switch on AC at maximum fan, lowest temperature. Air at vents should be cool within 90 seconds.
• Test all 4 vent directions - face, feet, defrost, mixed.
• Verify rear AC vents (if equipped) blow cold air.
• Operate temperature controls and verify each setting changes airflow.

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Phase 3 - Engine Bay and Mechanical (15 Minutes)

Engine Bay Visual

• Open the bonnet - should hold itself with hydraulic strut or proper bonnet stay.
• Check engine surface - factory clean, no fingerprint marks, no oil residue.
• Inspect coolant reservoir level - between MIN and MAX marks.
• Brake fluid level - same MIN/MAX check.
• Washer fluid level - filled.
• Engine oil dipstick - between marks, clean amber color.
• Check belts and hoses visible - no fraying, no cracks.
• Verify the chassis number plate inside the bonnet matches your paperwork.

Engine Start Test

• Start the engine. Should crank cleanly within 1-2 seconds.
• Listen for any rattle, knocking, or hesitation at idle.
• Watch the dashboard - all warning lights should briefly illuminate then turn off within 5 seconds.
• If any warning light stays on (check engine, ABS, airbag, ESP) - do not accept the car.

Battery

• Battery manufacturing date label - should be within 3 months of delivery date.
• Battery terminals - clean, tight, no corrosion buildup.

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Phase 4 - Electronics and Features (15 Minutes)

Infotainment

• Power on the head unit. Should boot within 10-15 seconds.
• Test Bluetooth pairing with your phone.
• Test Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connection (USB or wireless if supported).
• Play audio through speakers. Test fader (front-rear balance) and balance (left-right) controls. Every speaker should produce sound when isolated.
• Test reverse camera display when engaging reverse gear.
• Verify the screen has no dead pixels - display a full white image and a full black image.

Instrument Cluster

• Verify the trip meter, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, speedometer, tachometer all work.
• Test cruise control if equipped (engage at 30 kmph in showroom drive).
• Check the multi-info display for service interval, fuel economy, and trip data.

Climate Control

• Test auto climate mode if equipped - temperature should hold steady.
• Test heated/cooled seats if equipped.
• Test ventilated seats fan speed levels.

Safety Features

• Test parking sensors - approach a wall slowly, beeps should increase in frequency.
• Test ADAS features per trim - lane keep, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring.
• Verify all airbag indicators on the dashboard are functional.

Convenience Features

• Sunroof - open, tilt, close, retract.
• Cruise control buttons on steering.
• Steering wheel audio controls.
• USB ports - test charging from each port.
• 12V socket(s) - test with phone charger.
• Wireless phone charger pad if equipped.
• Push button start - test all conditions.

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Phase 5 - Documentation and Paperwork (15 Minutes)

This is where the most-frequent Indian scams happen.

Invoice Verification

• Ex-showroom price matches the agreed amount.
• RTO charges itemized - lifetime tax, registration fee, smart card fee. Compare against your state's actual RTO schedule (available online). Overcharging by Rs.2,000-8,000 is a common dealership scam.
• Octroi / handling charges - some states have specific limits, verify.
• Insurance premium - cross-check against the policy schedule. If you got insurance from a 3rd party, the dealer should not charge this.
• Accessories charges - line-itemized, no surprises. If you refused the package, verify it is not on the bill.
• Logistics or transport charges - some states permit, some do not. Verify legality.

Documents to Collect Before Driving Out

• Invoice (original)
• Form 22 (PUC certificate from manufacturer)
• Form 21 (Sale certificate)
• Temporary registration certificate (if RC not ready)
• Insurance policy (original + email copy)
• Owner's manual and service booklet
• All keys - typically 2-3 keys per car
• Manufacturer warranty card
• Roadside assistance card
• Service network booklet
• Accessories invoices (separate from car invoice if applicable)
• Tax payment receipts

Chassis and Engine Numbers

• Verify the chassis number stamped on the engine bay matches your invoice and registration documents.
• Verify the engine number matches your paperwork.
• Decode the chassis VIN for manufacturing date verification (10th character = year, 11th = plant code, 12th = sequence).

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Phase 6 - The Accessories Trap

If you accepted any accessory package from the dealer, verify every item is installed:

• Floor mats - count them, check fit.
• Mud flaps - all four fitted.
• Sun film - applied to correct windows per trim allowance.
• Body cover - check size, brand matches invoice.
• Dash cam (if part of dealer package) - mounted, working, SD card installed.
• Reverse camera (if part of dealer package) - functional and connected to head unit.
• Any other paid accessories - present, working, correct brand and model.

If you refused the accessory package, double-check nothing has been quietly added to the bill or installed without authorization. This is the time when missing items get caught - not 3 weeks later.

For details on the aftermarket vs showroom decision, read our showroom vs aftermarket markup breakdown.

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Red Flags That Warrant Rejection

If you see any of these during PDI, refuse to take delivery and ask for an alternative car or full refund:

1. Manufacturing date older than 6 months from delivery date
2. Odometer reading above 150 km
3. Visible repaint work on any panel (color mismatch, overspray)
4. Active warning lights on the dashboard during start
5. Any major dent or scratch the dealer did not disclose
6. Mismatched tyre brands or unequal tread wear
7. Engine bay shows oil leaks or improperly fitted parts
8. Documents show wrong color, wrong trim, wrong VIN
9. Interior shows obvious water damage or repair work
10. Multiple electronic features non-functional

The dealership will resist rejection. Be firm. Refer to your sales agreement that specifies condition expectations. If pushed, mention that Indian Consumer Protection Act 2019 covers defective product delivery, and you will file a complaint within 30 days if the issue is not resolved. Most rejections get resolved within 7-14 days with an alternative car.

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What to Bring to PDI

• Booking receipt and final invoice (digital + printed)
• This checklist (printed or on phone)
• A buddy or family member to help inspect
• Notebook and pen for observations
• Phone with full battery for photo and video documentation
• Phone charger to test the 12V socket and USB ports
• Bluetooth-paired phone for infotainment test
• Small torch for inspecting dark areas (boot well, under seats)
• Wet wipe or damp cloth to wipe down any suspicious paint marks
• Patience - schedule 2 hours minimum

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If You Find Defects

1. Photograph the defect with timestamps and GPS location.
2. List the defect in writing on the PDI form provided by the dealer. If no form is provided, write a signed letter listing issues and request the salesperson sign acknowledgment.
3. Decide - reject the car, ask for fix-before-delivery, or accept with a written commitment for post-delivery rectification.
4. Never sign "delivery accepted, no defects" if defects exist.
5. If dealer resists, contact manufacturer customer care directly. Maruti Suzuki helpline, Hyundai customer care, Tata Motors customer service all have escalation processes for delivery complaints.
6. Escalate to Consumer Forum if needed - Section 35 of Consumer Protection Act 2019 covers defective product delivery. Filing fee is Rs.500-2,500 depending on car value.

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Final Word

The dealership PDI is presented as a courtesy - they did inspection, you sign confirmation. The reality is the opposite. Your PDI is the only buyer-side check on Rs.6-30 lakh of car value. Done in 15 evening minutes, you accept whatever defects exist. Done in 2 daylight hours, you walk out with a car that genuinely matches the brochure and the price you paid.

Schedule delivery in daylight. Bring this checklist. Take your time. Document everything. Refuse rejection-grade defects. The dealership might frown at the process but they cannot legitimately refuse it.

Related reads:

• Car Showroom Accessories vs Aftermarket Markup
• Will Aftermarket Accessories Void Your Car Warranty?
• Will Your Car Insurance Cover Aftermarket Accessories?
• First Time Buying a Car? No-BS Accessories Priority List
• 15 Must-Have Accessories for New Car Owners
• Car Accessories You Should Never Buy on Amazon or Flipkart

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