PDI Checklist Before Buying a New Car: A Complete Guide You Can Do Yourself
So, you’ve booked a new car. Exciting, right? But wait — before you take delivery, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip — it’s called PDI, or Pre-Delivery Inspection.
Many people depend on experts like me to do it, but what if you could do it all by yourself — properly and confidently?
🔍 1. Check the Car at the Stockyard First
When your car arrives at the dealership, it’s usually parked in the stockyard. This is the best time to do your first inspection.
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Note down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You’ll find it near the engine bay, windshield base, or driver-side door.
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Take a clear photo of the VIN for later comparison.
This step ensures that the car you inspected is the same one being delivered.
🧽 2. Avoid Polish Before Inspection
Ask the dealer to only wash the car — no polish.
Why? Polish can hide minor scratches and paint repairs.
Inspect the car in direct sunlight. Look at the paint’s reflection:
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A smooth, consistent reflection = factory paint.
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A wavy, distorted reflection = repainted panel.
Also, gently touch the surface — it should feel uniformly smooth.
Suspicious about a panel? Peel back the rubber beading on the edges — if you see paint overspray, the panel has likely been repainted.
⚙️ 3. Inspect the Engine Bay Thoroughly
The engine is the heart of your car — don’t skip this part.
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Look for color-coded marks on bolts, pipes, and connectors. These are factory seal marks.
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If they are broken or misaligned, it means the part was opened post-assembly.
Also check:
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No oil leakage or grease around the engine head, block, or valve cover.
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All wire connectors must be intact with proper alignment marks.
🔋 4. Battery & Suspension Inspection
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Check if the battery rating (Ah) matches what’s mentioned in the owner’s manual.
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Look at the suspension mounts — bolts should have original color markings.
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If the shock absorbers have been replaced or tampered with, those marks won’t align.
🛞 5. Match All Four Tyres
Check the manufacturing date on each tyre — it’s usually written as a 4-digit code like 0324, meaning 3rd week of 2025.
All four tyres should:
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Be from the same brand
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Have the same week/month of manufacturing
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Match the car’s manufacturing period.
If one tyre is older or different — ask the dealer why.
🏷️ 6. Confirm Manufacturing Date of the Car
Use the VIN and search on Google (VIN Decoder tools) to find the manufacturing month and year of your vehicle.
Ensure the car you’re getting is not older than 2–3 months unless already agreed upon.
🛑 7. Check the Odometer Reading
When delivered, a new car should typically have:
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Less than 50–70 km on the odometer (stockyard to showroom run).
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If it’s over 100 km, ask questions — it might have been used for demo or transport purposes.
Also:
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Pull out the engine oil dipstick, wipe it, check the oil color. It should be light and transparent, not dark.
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This confirms whether the engine is really “new” and hasn’t been run for long.
🧠 8. Can You Take a Test Drive? If Yes, Do It!
Most dealers don’t allow test drives for brand-new units, but if they do:
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Turn the steering wheel fully left & right — no grinding sounds should occur.
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Accelerate and brake gently — check for jerks or odd noises.
Check the AC for cooling, listen for any rattles over speed breakers, and inspect touchscreen, buttons, wipers, lights.
🚪 9. Interior Checks: Don’t Miss These
Go through the cabin with an eye for detail:
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Check for fabric tears, scratches on dashboard, steering wheel, and gear knob.
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Make sure the infotainment system works, all switches function, and seat adjustments are smooth.
Even though these are “minor,” why should you accept a scratched or faulty interior in a brand-new car?
📜 10. Ask for a Full Feature Demo
Before signing anything, ask the sales advisor to give you a demo of all features.
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How does the cruise control work?
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Where are all the buttons located?
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How do the drive modes change?
Yes, you can find this in the manual, but let’s be honest — most people never read it.
This live demo ensures you’re aware of what you’re paying for.
✅ PDI = Peace of Mind Before Driving
A lot of people get excited and rush through delivery.
This Pre-Delivery Inspection is your right — not just a formality.
When done properly, it prevents months (or years) of regrets.
🔚 Final Tip:
Don’t be shy. Don’t feel awkward.
Check everything, ask questions, take your time.
Because once you take delivery, maintaining and checking the car becomes your full responsibility.”