Pre-delivery inspection: What you must check before taking a new car delivery

Taking delivery of a new car is one of the most exciting moments for any buyer, but it is also the one stage where small overlooks can become expensive regrets. A car may look perfect at first glance in the showroom, yet still carry hidden issues from transit, storage, or handling at the dealership. That is exactly why a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is not just a formality, but a critical final check before you sign the papers for your new vehicle.

A careful PDI ensures that what you are taking home truly matches what you paid for, in both condition and quality. Here is a complete checklist to help you inspect your new car properly before taking delivery. 

Exterior PDI checklist

Inspect paint, panels, glass panels, tyres, and lights for any visible damage

Before starting the inspection, ensure the car is parked under proper lighting. If possible, take along an experienced technician or a trusted friend, as an extra pair of eyes can help spot issues you might miss.

Begin by inspecting the car’s exterior from multiple angles. Check all body panels for scratches, dents, repaint marks, swirl marks, or uneven panel gaps. Minor damages can occur during transit from the factory or while parked at the dealership stockyards. Inspect for rust spots, faded paint, or chipping caused by prolonged exposure to the elements.

Carefully examine all glass surfaces, including the windshield, windows, and sunroof (if equipped), for scratches, cracks, or chips. Inspect the headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, plastic trims, cladding, roof rails, and outside rearview mirror (ORVM) covers for damage or poor fitment.

Move on to the tyres and wheels. Check alloy wheels or wheel covers for scratches and dents, and inspect the tyres for tread depth, flat spots and manufacturing date. A new car should ideally come with recently manufactured tyres in fresh condition. Also inspect the spare wheel and ensure the toolkit and jack are present.

Before entering the cabin, open and close all doors, the bonnet, and the boot lid to ensure smooth operation. The hinges should not make unusual noises, and the rubber beadings around the doors, windows and sunroof should not have tears, cracks, or hardening. Check the lower sections of the doors for hidden rust or paint defects.

Interior and feature PDI checklist

Check the odometer reading, cabin quality, upholstery, and all the electronics

Once inside the cabin, first verify the odometer reading. A double-digit reading is normal due to factory movement and transport, but anything in triple digits should be clarified with the dealership.

Next, inspect the seats, door pads, headliner, armrests, and floor mats for stains, scratches, tears, or loose stitching. Lift the floor mats and check underneath for any signs of water stains or dampness, which should not be present in a new car.

Check all seat adjustments (manual or electronic controls) and ensure the seatbelts retract smoothly. Then move on to cabin controls and electronics. Test all switches and features, including power windows, central locking, ORVM controls, steering-mounted controls, interior lighting, charging ports, and sunroof operation. If the car has gloss-black trims, inspect them closely for scratches or swirl marks.

Start the engine and check the air conditioning performance. Cooling should be strong and consistent, with no foul smell from the vents. Also, test different blower speeds and airflow modes. If equipped, verify that the cooled glovebox is functioning.

Next, inspect the infotainment and connected features. Check the touchscreen for lag, glitches, or dead pixels, and test connected car features – Android Auto or Apple CarPlay – parking sensors, reverse camera, and 360-degree camera system if available. With that, ensure there are no warning lights on the instrument cluster after startup.

Finally, test the horn, wipers, washer system, USB ports, wireless charger, and all interior lighting to ensure everything functions as intended.

Engine and mechanical PDI checklist

Verify engine bay condition, fluids, steering, brakes, and suspension

Open the hood and inspect the engine bay carefully. Look for any signs of oil or coolant leaks, loose wiring, damaged components, or signs of tampering. Ensure all fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, are properly topped up. Also inspect the battery terminals for rust or corrosion.

Start the car and observe the engine idle. The engine should start smoothly without excessive vibrations or unusual noises. Turn the steering wheel fully in both directions to ensure the movement feels smooth and consistent.

If possible, take the car for a short drive along with a dealership representative. During the drive, listen carefully for suspension noises, rattles, or squeaks, as a new car should ideally have none. Check for unwanted vibrations, excessive engine noise, steering pull, or abnormal brake behaviour. Ensure the brakes feel progressive and the car tracks straight under acceleration and braking.

Also test the gearbox thoroughly. Gear shifts should feel smooth without jerks or hesitation. If the car comes with paddle shifters, check their operation as well.

Verify documents, VIN and accessories before taking the car delivery

Finally, cross-check the VIN and engine number with the invoice and registration papers, and ensure all documents, including insurance, warranty booklet, owner’s manual, spare key, service booklet, spare tyre or puncture kit, and accessory invoices are provided and correctly filled before accepting delivery.

What to do if you find any issues during PDI?

Report issues immediately and do not take delivery until resolved

If you notice any defect during the PDI, do not rush the delivery process. Minor issues such as scratches, missing accessories, software glitches, or loose fittings should be documented and acknowledged by the dealership before delivery. Ask the dealership to rectify the issue and inspect the fix yourself before signing any final paperwork.

In case of more serious concerns, such as repaint marks, rusting, accident damage, water ingress, warning lights, oil leaks, abnormal noises, or unusually high odometer readings, it is advisable to request another vehicle instead of accepting repairs on a brand-new car. Make sure all commitments from the dealership are provided in writing, including timelines for repairs or replacement.

Taking the time to conduct a thorough PDI can help you avoid unnecessary issues after delivery and ensure that your new car is handed over in proper condition.