Buy safe with our pre-delivery inspections

The PDI full form is Pre Delivery Inspection. It is the comprehensive check every new or used car is supposed to go through before it's handed over to the buyer. What is PDI in practical terms? It's a 300+ point review of the engine, exterior, interior, electricals, suspension, tyres, and paperwork. Pre delivery inspections are always performed by a trained inspector. If you've searched what is pdi in car and gotten a vague answer, that's really all it means.

Pre delivery inspections (PDI) are essential for ensuring transparency, accuracy, and confidence in vehicle transactions. Everyone can benefit from a thorough car inspection, including private car owners, buyers, sellers, fleet operators, or insurers.

PDI charges start at ₹2,499 for a new car and ₹1,999 for a used car, with a Cars24 expert inspecting the vehicle at your home, office, or the seller's location.

You can get complete peace of mind when you are sure that your car is road-ready and reliable. It is made possible with thorough on-site checks, legal and financial background checks, and accurate vehicle assessments through our car PDI service. Car inspections are performed by unbiased car inspectors, and digital reports enhance trust in vehicle transactions.

What's included in our 300+ point PDI checklist?

Car Ownership Details

• Number of previous owners: Checked for used cars through the VAHAN database; a new car has no ownership history to show.
• Type of ownership: Confirms whether a used car was privately owned, company-registered, or used commercially, since this affects wear and resale value.
• Fitness validity: Checked on both new and used cars, though a new car's Fitness Certificate is freshly issued at registration.
• PUC validity: Mainly relevant for used cars, since new cars are usually exempt from PUC for their first year on the road.
• Hypothecation: Confirms whether a used car still has an active loan or lien attached to it.

Engine

• Engine oil status: Oil level and condition are checked via the dipstick on both new and used cars.
• Engine sound: Engine sound is checked at idle by experienced car inspectors on both new and used cars.
• Exhaust smoke status: The exhaust smoke and colour are checked at idle.
• Battery condition: Inspected by checking the connections, terminal condition and battery dashboard warning light.
• Coolant check: Radiator coolant level and condition are checked on both new and used cars.

Exterior and Tyres

• Car body scratches: Every panel is checked visually for scratches, dents, and panel misalignment on both new and used cars.
• Light status: Headlights, tail lights, indicators and fog lights are checked for function.
• Bonnet/head status: The bonnet and front end panels are checked for repaint, alignment and damage.
• Chassis number embossing: The embossed chassis number is checked against registration records.
• Structural damage: Checked for finding signs of accident history on a used car and transit damage on a new car.
• Tyre condition: Tread depth, sidewall cracks and bulges, and uneven wear checked on all 4 tyres plus the spare.

Electrical and Interiors

• Interior condition: Seats, upholstery, and dashboard trim checked for wear and cleanliness on both new and used cars.
• Number of airbags: Airbag count and the dashboard warning light checked on both new and used cars.
• Power window functionality: Every power window is checked by operating.
• Electrical components: Covers ABS, rear defogger, reverse camera, and steering-mounted audio controls.
• Music system: The infotainment and speaker system powered on and checked for sound output.

Air Conditioning System

• AC cooling: AC vent temperature and time to cool measured with an AC meter on both new and used cars.
• Heater health: Heater output checked on both new and used cars.
• Climate control feature: Auto climate control tested to confirm it holds the set temperature.

Steering, Suspension and Brakes

• Steering condition: Free play in the wheel checked on both new and used cars; used cars include a straight-line drift check during the test drive.
• Brake pad health: Checked visually for wear on both new and used cars. A braking distance assessment on used cars is checked during the test drive.
• Suspension status: A bounce test per corner on both new and used cars is performed. Used car suspensions are tested over bumps during the test drive.

OEM Specs and Features (Wherever Available)

• Safety: Manufacturer-listed safety features like airbag count and ABS, shown for reference; items Cars24 independently verifies are covered under Electrical and Interiors above.
• Fuel and performance: Manufacturer-declared mileage and performance figures, shown for reference and not verified through a Cars24 road test.
• Dimensions and capacity: Manufacturer-declared dimensions and boot or cabin capacity are shown for reference.
• Engine, transmission and brakes: Manufacturer-declared specifications shown for reference.
• Comfort and convenience: Manufacturer-listed comfort features are shown for reference.

Key elements of our car inspection services

A vehicle inspection report delivered digitally by CarTruth helps you uncover insights into multiple aspects. It also acts as a verified vehicle certificate that aids in enhancing trust in future transactions related to that particular vehicle:

• Legal and financial inspection: Inspections conducted under legal and financial checks include loan and hypothecation status, ownership verification, accident and service history via Cars24's car service history check, and RC check.
• Exterior inspection: Comprehensive check for dents, scratches, imperfections in the bodywork, panel replacements or repainting, along with the condition of tyres, lights, and mirrors.
• Interior check: Verification of all internal features, such as the infotainment system, air conditioning, seats, upholstery, and dashboard controls.
• Engine and other mechanical components checks: Inspection of the fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, and more. A static check of brake pad condition and suspension is performed on every car. Used cars are checked through a test drive that covers brakes, suspension, and transmission behaviour; new cars stay with the static checks, since a test drive isn't possible before delivery.
• Electrical inspection: An inspection is done for dashboard warning lights, including the Engine check light (MIL), along with lighting and other functionality.
• Condition-based adjustments: Adjust pricing based on the vehicle's physical condition and health for a fair estimate.
• Digital inspection report: Easy-to-understand report that provides complete details about the findings in the car. 
• Market-based valuation: The price of the used car is determined by running the car condition through the existing data from over 10 lakh transactions, cross-checked against Cars24's used car valuation tool, which reflects current market trends.

Why pre delivery inspection for car matters for new and used cars?

For cars that are sold after years of usage or which are fresh out of the factory, a proper PDI can help you to avoid the common pitfalls leading to expensive repairs and replacements. All cars must go through CarTruth's pre delivery inspection so that their actual condition is revealed and documented in an inspection report.

The expert inspections and data-driven reports provide transparency that gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you're dealing with. CarTruth helps safeguard the investment that you make on a new or used car by uncovering hidden issues and ensuring you're making an informed decision.

Pre delivery inspection for used cars

Buying or selling a used car can often be accompanied by risks. These risks can be undisclosed issues, covered up to make the cars easier to sell or buy, or potential fraud to extract maximum profits. CarTruth helps detect:

• Electrical and interior condition: Inspection of critical components, like the AC, infotainment systems, upholstery, and safety features, ensures the vehicle's comfort and functionality.
• Accident and damage history: Our inspections provide a comprehensive record of any past accidents, major repairs, or structural damage, if any, in a documented way for easy understanding.
• Hidden engine issues: We check and identify mechanical faults or issues that sellers may not disclose. This helps you avoid dealing with unexpected repair costs.
• Loan status and legal history: Avoid acquiring a car with hidden liabilities through verification of any outstanding loans or legal disputes associated with the vehicle through PDI.
• Price estimation: Get an accurate market value based on real transaction data in the market. This ensures you get a fair value while buying or selling.
• Fraud prevention: Our comprehensive checks help identify potential malpractices by dealers or sellers, offering protection against deceptive practices.

Check complete details about the used car inspection, including the road test, market valuation and steps for booking a slot.

The industry-first ₹50,000 moneyback promise on used car inspections

Cars24 backs every used car inspection report with the ₹50,000 CarTruth Moneyback Promise. If a critical detail gets missed during inspection, this promise covers:

• Theft or blacklist cases
• Wrong ownership count
• Missed accident history
• Odometer rollback over 2%
• Flood damage (up to the last service record)
• False "not repainted" claims

This promise reflects the accuracy Cars24 stands behind on every used car inspection.

Pre delivery inspection for new cars

Even brand-new cars can have certain issues that often arise during handling, storage and transportation. Other times, these issues could have arisen due to early manufacturing defects. CarTruth ensures you get the car you expect by checking:

• Electrical checks: We check the dashboard for the infotainment system, power windows, lights and indicators, malfunction indicator lamps (MIL), along with general electronics function, to catch issues before they become bigger problems.
• Transit damages: We carefully check for any dents, paint mismatches, or panel replacements that may have occurred during transit or storage.
• Inspection data insights: Our findings reveal that 27% of inspected new cars have major issues, and 70% show minor faults, ensuring you're aware of any potential problems before you take ownership.
• Manufacturing defects: We identify any defects that may have been overlooked during production, so you can address them before the car reaches you.

Check all details and the checklist for new car PDI and book an appointment with ease. 

With CarTruth car inspection service, you can confidently navigate the complexities of both used and new car purchases. You can protect yourself from unexpected issues and ensure the best value for your investment.

Benefits of Cars24's vehicle inspection services

A PDI service for cars offers numerous benefits to both sellers and buyers, improving the overall transaction experience.

• Enhanced safety and reliability: The PDI for new car service includes in-depth checking of critical safety features like brake pad condition, airbags, and seatbelts, catching visible issues before they have a chance to become safety hazards. A PDI for second hand cars is even more critical, since used cars might have hidden safety concerns.
• Quality control assurance: A car inspected by Cars24 meets the highest standards before it reaches the buyer. Whether it's a car PDI service for new cars or a PDI for second-hand vehicles, we ensure customers receive good-quality and reliable vehicles.
• Increased Vehicle Longevity: A detailed PDI service will ensure that a vehicle's systems are functioning at their best.
• Early detection of issues: As a car is inspected, issues and potential faults are detected early before they turn into major failures demanding expensive repairs. Resolving these issues before delivery ensures a smoother transaction and fewer complaints after the purchase.

Why choose CarTruth for PDI service near you?

If you've been searching for a PDI service near me or car inspection near me, Cars24's answer is a presence across 220+ cities. Thus, a car inspector can easily reach you without you leaving your home or office. At CarTruth, we provide reliable and transparent vehicle inspection reports, backed by a trusted network and years of industry expertise.

With a presence across 220+ cities, same-day inspections, and a team of over 1,500 trained car inspectors, we ensure fast, accurate, and data-backed assessments to help you make informed decisions.

• Presence in 220+ cities: Nationwide coverage for convenient and seamless service.
• 1,500+ trained mechanics: Skilled car inspectors ensure a thorough and reliable inspection.
• Transparent PDI charges: Starting at ₹2,499 for a new car and ₹1,999 for a used car without any hidden charges.
• Best TAT in the industry: Delivering the quickest and most reliable service available.
• 1 crore+ cars inspected: Vast experience in evaluating vehicles with precision. 
• Trusted network: CarTruth is backed by Cars24 with vast experience in end-to-end car-related services.
• Same-day inspection: Quick and in-depth inspections for your urgent requirements.
• Price estimation based on 10 lakh+ transactions: Data-driven accuracy for the most competitive pricing.
• Access to legal, financial and ownership background: Comprehensive verification for peace of mind.

How CarTruth PDI inspection process work?

Here is a 4-step process of PDI for cars:

• On-site inspection: CarTruth makes vehicle inspections convenient and stress-free by bringing our expert mechanic directly to your location. You can get your car inspection at home, the office, or the dealer yard, wherever you feel comfortable.
• Detailed check-up: We believe in providing an all-encompassing evaluation of the vehicle. Our inspection covers every aspect of your car, including its aesthetics, performance, fuel efficiency, safety and reliability.
• Background verification: We also conduct thorough checks on the vehicle's legal standing, financial history, and ownership records, ensuring you have a full picture of the car's background before buying.
• Comprehensive report: Once the inspection is complete, you'll receive a detailed digital inspection report. This easy-to-understand report includes a health certificate, all findings, along with an accurate price estimate based on our thorough analysis and data-driven insights.

CarTruth bridges the gap between uncertainty and trust in car transactions. Whether it's a brand-new vehicle or a used one, our detailed inspections and certifications ensure transparency, security, and informed decision-making for all stakeholders.