New Car Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)

[RSM]

It’s perhaps one of the most joyful time of a person’s life when he/she buys first car in life from his/her own penny. However, the story doesn’t ends here, In fact it begins. The very first obstacle arrives is to make the decision on buying a perfect car depending upon own personal requirements but thanks to The Automotive India which helps to solve all the doubts & queries which a typical new car buyer will have and points towards the best purchase available.

After you have selected the car model, what you will need to do before it finds place in your garage is the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) so that you get complete for what you pay. Here the actual part starts, Once you have booked the car ask the dealer for an appointment before delivery so that you can inspect the car thoroughly which you’ll be getting in final. Even if you carry enough of knowledge on Automobiles, We advise to take a knowledgeable relative or friend along for suggestions and observations.

Exterior Body Inspection

• If Possible, Compare your car with same model if available. The car should be clean and Look around it for any Damages such as dents etc, Repair job.
• Check the car's Manufacturing Date.
• Check the mileage of car which should be close to zero or maximum 50-70 Kilometers will be fine.
• The Chassis Number and Engine Number should match with one mentioned on invoice.
• Open the bonnet and check if the engine is clean and not in dirty or rusty condition.
• Check if every dipstick, plastic cover, and wiring is present and properly attached.
• Check that all fluids like transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant, brake oil, power steering oil, windscreen water, and battery water are at optimal level.
• Check for fluid leakage. There should be none. The same applies for dirt or grime.
• Check for signs of exterior wear and tear on engine components. For instance, a spark plug wire that is a different shade of black should be immediately questioned.
• Check the battery - you shouldn't find any corrosion on the electrodes. It should be properly connected and fastened to wire leads and properly secured.
• Check if the battery has a separate warranty.

Tyre Inspection

• Check that the spare wheel is fresh and that all related tools (spanner, jack etc.) are present.
• Ensure that the lug key is present in the car.
• The tyres should be well inflated.
• The tyres should show no signs of wear, and should be properly inflated.
• Tyres should be scuff-free and the hubcaps should be fixed properly.
• All four tyres should be of same brand and look new.

Interiors Inspection

• Check if all the doors, hoods, trunks, deck lids, and lift gates work properly.
• Do the locks work properly? If they are automatic, can they be operated by remote?
• Make sure that the power window controls, rapid down operation, wipers and rear window defroster are all working properly.
• Carry your own audio cassettes or CDs to test the music system in the car.
• Interior Check - You have the right to expect spic and span interiors
• Check for stains on the carpet, head rest, and seats
• Check if all seatbelts work properly.
• Check if floor mats are all in place.
• Driver's seat - do you know how to work the seat position controls, such as wheel positioning, tilt, telescope, lock, horn, and cruise control?
• Keys - Ensure that you have more than one set of keys. Check if the remote entry key is working.
• Check for child protection on door locks.
• How does the alarm work? How do you activate and disarm it? Is there a cut off switch?

Documentation:

Read the paperwork properly. NEVER take anybody's word for anything. Make sure all the blanks in the contract are correctly filled in. Your paperwork should include:

Sales certificate

• All payment receipts
• Registration certificate (RC) or temporary registration certificate
• Is your name spelt correctly?
• Is the number same on the number plate and the RC book?
• Check if insurance is adequate, valid, and active.
• Check for original pollution under control (PUC) certificate. This should be valid for one year.
• Owner's manual.
• Warranty card for car - check to see if warranty details are properly counter-signed by the dealership.
• Check to ensure that you have all the free service coupons in place.
• Ensure that you collect the warranty cards for batteries, tyres, and all other accessories.
• Check extended warranty details (if opted for).
• Check roadside assistance contact details.
• Collect dealership and service personnel business cards

All The Best For Your New Car!

 

[Zinam]

Thats a huge list !

Will be useful for first time buyers :)

 

[RSM]

Yes, but its good to go through. Keep a print-out at the time of delivery. All the list might not be possible to check, but its good to have as much as possible.

 

[Crazy cat]

That's a very informative list. Will help many, especially the first time buyers. Thanks RSM.

 

[Neil.Bhujbal]

Ahh ! That's a long list,specially when one is so desperate to just sit in & get driving.

Anyways Thanks RSM.

 

[anuprav]

I will also take a note of it. Well elobrated. Wll done

 

[ilango[speed thirst]]

Perfect rsm. Everything rightly said

 

[blackbeauty]

Good thread..
Very useful for first time buyers.

 

[anuprav]

Going for My FIGO PDI today at 1300 hours. Taken the print out.

 

[*Arkin_Young*]

I would like to add a couple of important points here:
1.If you are purchasing a car that is available in stock, insist on inspecting the car before registration. In which case -
a. Take it for a very short drive, or run the engine. In case the odometer is stuck(disconnected), say no to the car in question as there is a great possibility that the car in question was used informally as a Test drive vehicle.
b. Also check if the interiors are clean, without much dust and such, as a vehicle lying in stock should not have been used much.

One more important point is that at the time of finalizing the deal, get a detailed list of freebies signed by the salesman on a showroom letterhead, which can ensure that he takes extra care to see these are fitted, so that you aren't duped by chance, and you might save time on the PDI.

Hats off RSM. The tyre check list and others are very helpful.

 

[RSM]

Valid points, but why inspecting the car only in case of stock cars. You should never allow dealer to do registration without verifying the vehicle.
And completely agree about your point on getting freebies listed on letter head if possible, or even on plain paper would do. I learnt it from my mistake when i negotiated for my freebies with taking it in written.

 

[*Arkin_Young*]

Oh thanks, I wasn't sure if cars delivered after a period, like say, the DZire could be inspected before registration.

 

[RSM]

Yes one must inspect, once the car arrives to showroom. Verify the VIN and do all PDI before registration. Because once its registered on your name, you have hardly any choice afterwards.

 

[*Arkin_Young*]

Yes one must inspect, once the car arrives to showroom. Verify the VIN and do all PDI before registration. Because once its registered on your name, you have hardly any choice afterwards.

Except taking him to court, which will turn out be another story. One more important point:

*Check all the documents like the RC book, Invoice and RTO/registration paper, and most importantly, a document provided by the manufacturer, called "Form 22" (Insist on seeing this pre-registration if possible, as this also contains engine, chasis no. and such ) to check if the Mfg. Dates tally. In case they don't, esp. if the mfd. date in form 22 isn't the same as the date the salesman told you, there must be some foul play, or in the slightest, I repeat slightest possibility, a genuine mistake.

 

[Saravana Prasad]

Today im going to take my i20 for delivery ill check all these there