Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI) checklist for used cars

Used car PDI checklist for an exterior inspection

PDI is a process of a thorough inspection of a vehicle for any defects, damages or component malfunction. It applies to both a brand new and used car. It is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) when purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership. But what if you are buying a second-hand car for a seller? The process remains the same for a used vehicle purchase. However, it may require a meticulous inspection due to the fact that it is a second-hand car.

You can inspect the vehicle by yourself before making your purchase decision. In the following sections of this article, we discuss the various aspects of PDI that you should be aware of while inspecting a used car.

The first thing to do while buying a used car is to examine the vehicle's exterior. To do that, examine the car in an open and well-lit space. It's better to carry out the checks during the daytime when the light is bright enough to spot any scratches, dents, etc.

Follow the below used car inspection checklist to examine the exterior of a second-hand vehicle.

• Walk around the car to spot any scratches, dents or marks on the vehicle’s body.

• Pay attention to the quality and consistency of paint. Look for any differences in colour or any spots of patchwork.

• Look for uneven panel gaps by observing the fenders, bumpers and doors. Uneven gaps mean that the panels are not fitted correctly or shabby repair work on the vehicle.

• Next, examine the wheel wells using a flashlight. Look out for any damage or corrosion.

• Open and close all the doors, including the bonnet and boot lid. Ensure that they open and close appropriately without making any unwanted noise.

• Also, check the rubber beadings around the doors and windows and look for any damages.

• Check the front, rear and window windshields, and look for scratches and cracks.

• Check for suspension sagging by observing the stance of the car. You can also push down each vehicle corner and check the suspension rebound. If the vehicle moves up and down, the suspension is not in great shape.

• Open the bonnet and check the engine bay. Look out for rusting or dirt accumulation. Also, check if there are any broken or damaged parts or tangled wires under the bonnet.

• Similarly, open the boot and ensure that there are no damages to the jack/spanner or any other toolkit provided by the manufacturer.

• Lastly, check the tyres for excessive wear and tear. Also, check the condition of the spare tyre fitted under the boot.

Checklist for inspection of the car’s interior

Once you are done with the exterior inspection, the next step is to step inside the used car and examine the interior. Here is the checklist to inspect a second-hand car’s interior.

• Check the seat upholstery for any stains, rips or burning marks.

• Examine the dashboard and other metal/plastic parts inside the cabin for scratches or damages.

• Lift the floor mat and check for water seepage, rusting and damages.

• Check the roof liner and door seals, and look for any cracks.

• Roll the windows up and down and ensure that they operate correctly.

• Inspect other storage compartments such as the glovebox and ensure it opens and closes properly.

• Make sure that the seatbelts and other seat adjustment mechanisms work correctly.

• Check the odometer reading on the dashboard. Ideally, the reading should be relative to the vehicle's age or as per the owner/seller's quote.

• Lastly, check the movement of the steering wheel. It should be free and not too hard to rotate the wheel.

Also, read: Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist for New Cars

Used car inspection checklist for electrical components

After the exterior and interior inspection, you can proceed to examine the vehicle’s electrical components. Below is a checklist to test the electrical components of a used car.

• Switch on the ignition and start the engine and turn on the AC. Check if the AC manages to cool the cabin quickly and effectively.

• Ensure that there’s no false odour from the air coming out of the AC vents.

• Next, check if all the lights, including headlights, fog lights, tail lights, turn indicator lights, and interior lights, work.

• Also, check the horn and wipers, including the windscreen wash mode.

• Observe the dashboard for any warning signs. A warning sign may indicate a faulty component.

• Open the bonnet and inspect the battery. The terminals should be free from rust.

Checklist for identifying accidental damages

One of the crucial aspects while buying a used car is to make sure that the vehicle has not suffered a major accident. And one way to be sure that the vehicle has not undergone major repair work is by inspecting for any signs of damage or repair work. Here’s a checklist to determine any accidental damages to the used car.

• Observe the fenders and bumpers of the car. Look for signs of cracks or patches. Any repair work on these parts could indicate that the vehicle has suffered an accident.

• Thoroughly inspect the windshields of the vehicle. Any chips or cracks indicate that the car was involved in a collision.

• Observe the body lines of the car. In case of significant repairs, it may have uneven body lines.

• Open the bonnet and examine the joints. If there are any creased surfaces, it means that it's damaged due to an accident. Also, notice the bolts and screws. If some of them are new, you can check with the vehicle owner about the reason for their replacement.

• Lastly, check the paint quality. Often, a repainted surface or panel, indicates accidental damages.

Used car pre-delivery checklist for documentation

Once you are satisfied with the vehicle's physical condition, the next step is to ensure that the second-hand car has all the necessary documents. The checklist below will help you verify the essential documents of a used vehicle.

• Check the original RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle. Details such as make/model, engine number, chassis number, etc., mentioned in the RC should be authentic.

• Check the owner details on the RC and make sure that it matches the seller's details.

• Inspect the car insurance policy document and check for any claim history.

• If the used vehicle is hypothecated, ask for a NOC (No Objection Certificate) or loan statement to assess the outstanding loan amount.

• Also, check the car's original invoice and PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate.

• Check the car's service booklet to determine the vehicle's service history.

• If the vehicle is under warranty, make sure to check the warranty-related documents.

Used car PDI checklist for a test drive

The final step of car inspection is to take the vehicle for a test drive. Here’s a checklist for test driving a used car.

• When you drive the car, pay attention to the gear shift mechanism. It should be smooth and not clunky.

• Check the brakes of the vehicle. There should be no squeaking noises or pedal vibrations while braking.

• Look for any weird noises from the chassis.

• Make a U-turn at a slow speed to check the suspension. There should be no rattling noises.

• Check the wheel alignment of the car by letting go of the steering wheel for a brief moment. If the vehicle maintains a straight line, the wheel alignment is correct.

• Lastly, check the handbrake while parking the vehicle.

• Once you park the vehicle, allow it to cool down for a few minutes. Once it’s cooled down, open the bonnet and check for any oil/fluid leaks. Ensure that the fluid and oil levels are correct.

Frequently asked questions

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• How can you ensure the early delivery of your car?

• New car vs used car: Which is better to purchase?

• How to Sell a Used Car in India?