How to Book PDI for Car in India: The Only Guide You Need

New car day hits different, yaar. That fresh paint shine, the new-car smell, those untouched seats… pure bliss. But here’s the kicker: one wrong move before delivery and you could end up with a lemon that forever kills your vibe.

I’ve seen it too many times. A friend got excited, skipped PDI, and took delivery during Diwali rush. Later found repaint on a door and a misaligned bumper. Dealer shrugged. “Sir, post-delivery claim kariye.” Painful. Months of back and forth.

So let me be blunt. If you really care about your money and peace, you must know how to book PDI for car the right way. Not just “ask nicely.” You need timing, templates, and dealership hacks that actually work.

In my many years around Indian dealerships, stockyards, and RTO runs, I’ve cracked a clean process that gets you a proper Pre-Delivery Inspection without drama. No stress. No begging. No dealer excuses.

Stick with me. I’ll show you how to lock the PDI date, what to carry, what to check (from VIN to tyre DOT), and how to handle pushback like a beast.

Ready?

What Is PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) And Why It’s Non-Negotiable?

PDI is your pre-delivery inspection. You physically check the exact car allotted to you before registration and final payment. Think of it as your final gate to catch defects, transit damage, or old stock. Once you register, reversing is tough.

Dealers do their internal PDI, sure. But don’t rely only on that. They’re juggling hundreds of cars. Small things slip: scratches, rattles, alignment, missing accessories, wrong variant, or a car used for “test drives.”

In my experience, a proper PDI can save you weeks of workshop visits later. You catch issues before the number plate goes on. Dealer fixes them faster because the sale isn’t closed yet. Power stays with you.

And no, PDI isn’t illegal or risky. You simply don’t drive the unregistered car on public roads. Check it at the stockyard or inside the showroom premises. That’s it.

Bottom line: PDI is not “nice to have.” It’s your insurance against dealership shortcuts and factory misses.

When To Book PDI? (The Perfect Timeline)

Timing is everything. The best time to book PDI for car is right after the dealership shares your VIN and before full payment/registration. This gives you leverage and a clear window to get fixes done.

Here’s my simple timeline:

Get booking done — wait for allotment — ask for VIN and engine number in writing — immediately request PDI date — do PDI at yard or showroom — approve fixes — only then pay balance and proceed to registration.

Dealers love to push full payment before PDI. Don’t fall for it. Keep a decent chunk pending till your PDI is clean. It keeps the dealer attentive and helpful.

If you’re taking a loan, tell your bank not to disburse until PDI clearance. Most banks cooperate if you ask early. This is a clutch move that saves your backside.

Festival deliveries? Book PDI even earlier. Cars move fast, mistakes happen faster. Lock your PDI date at the time of allotment itself. No last-minute tamasha.

You can read here the whole article about when to do PDI of car?

Exactly How To Book PDI With The Dealership (Scripts + Templates)

Don’t overthink. Be firm, polite, and put everything in writing. Use email or WhatsApp so there’s a record. Here’s the move I use every time.

• Step 1: Ask for VIN and engine number once they say “allotted.”
• Step 2: Reply with a written PDI request (yard or showroom) with date/time options.
• Step 3: Mention you’ll proceed with balance payment after successful PDI.
• Step 4: Carry ID, booking receipt, and this article’s checklist on PDI day.
• Step 5: Post PDI, mail them your “All OK to proceed” or list of fixes.

Subject: PDI Request for <Make/Model/Variant/Colour> | Booking No: <xxxxx>

Hi <Sales Advisor Name>,

Please share the VIN and engine number of my allotted car.
I’d like to do a physical PDI before registration and balance payment.

Preferred PDI slots:
1) <Date>, <Time> at <Stockyard/Showroom>
2) <Date>, <Time> (alternate)

Kindly confirm location, entry pass/contact person, and allow me to check the car with a torch and OBD-free environment. I will not drive the vehicle on public roads.

Once PDI is OK, I’ll approve registration and balance payment immediately.

Regards,
<Your Name>
<Phone>

Pro-tip: If they stall, copy the CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) and the OEM customer care ID in your email. The tone changes magically.

Another hack: Offer to do PDI at their showroom if yard access is “not possible.” As long as you see your exact VIN car in daylight, you’re good.

What To Get From Dealer Before PDI (Docs + Info)?

Don’t land there blind. Ask for these basics in advance so you’re not just guessing what you’re looking at.

• VIN and engine number (in writing)
• Allotted variant, color, and manufacturing month/year
• PDI location, contact name, and time window
• Proforma invoice with final pricing (to check no “handling charges”)
• Accessory list if bundled, plus freebies (mats, mudflaps, perfume—get it in writing)
• Insurance plan details (or tell them you may arrange your own)

If possible, also ask for Form 22 (roadworthiness) on PDI day and the temporary gate pass to access the yard. Not always needed, but handy.

And yes, get clarity on ODO reading policy. New cars should be under ~50 km typically (yard movement, PDI runs). Above that? Ask for a proper explanation.

Remember, everything in writing. Verbal promises vanish faster than petrol in a turbo.

The Ultimate PDI Checklist (What To Check Line-By-Line)

Take your time. Bright daylight is your friend. Don’t rush because the SA is “busy.” This is your car and your money. Here’s the exact checklist I use.

• VIN match: Confirm the VIN on the car matches what the dealer sent. Check on the door jamb, windshield, or under the hood.
• Exterior body: Look at every panel closely. No scratches, dents, repaint, mismatched shade, or wavy reflections. Check roof and bumpers carefully.
• Panel gaps: Uniform gaps around doors, bonnet, tailgate. Uneven gaps = worry.
• Glass and lights: No chips or cracks; headlamps and tail-lamps clean, no moisture.
• Tyres: All five tyres same brand/size. Check DOT week/year (recent is best). No cuts/ageing.
• Alloys: No curb rash or paint damage. Wheel nuts tight.
• Brakes and suspension: No squeaks when bouncing lightly. Car sits level.
• Underbody: Look for leaks, scrapes, loose covers. As clean as possible for a new car.
• Interior: Seat fabric/leather pristine. No stains, scuffs, loose stitching.
• Odometer: Typically under ~50 km. Trip meters zero. Warning lights off.
• Electronics: Infotainment, speakers, reverse camera, sensors, all buttons, power windows, ORVMs, interior lights, horn, wipers, washer spray—test all.
• AC: Cool air quickly. Check all vents. Heater also working.
• Keys: You must get 2 keys (most models). Check remote lock/unlock. Try both keys.
• Under the hood: Fluids at correct levels—engine oil, coolant, brake, washer. Battery brand and manufacturing sticker recent.
• Spare kit: Spare wheel, toolkit, jack, towing eye, triangle, owner’s manual, service booklet, warranty booklets.
• VIN/Engine on invoice: Will be needed. Make sure they’ll put it correctly.
• Accessories: Dealer-fitted items wired neatly. No wire cuts, no rattles.
• Paint protection films/ceramic (if taken): Properly applied, no bubbles.
• Start the engine: Cold start smooth, no warning lights, no unusual noises.

For EVs: Check SoC, home charger/wallbox, portable charger, Type-2 cable, onboard charging flap fitment, and high-voltage warning labels. Run all e-menus and regen modes.

For CNG: Cylinder fitment neat, CNG sticker, shutoff valve access, smell check, and no leakage indication on cluster.

For diesel: AdBlue level (if applicable), no injector clatter beyond normal, and no soot marks near exhaust tip.

What To Carry For PDI? (Tiny Kit, Big Difference)

Don’t show up empty-handed. A few small tools make you look sorted and save time.

• Bright torch or phone with good flashlight
• Microfiber cloth (wipe dust to inspect paint)
• Tyre gauge (optional, but nice)
• Phone charger/power bank to test ports
• Printed checklist + pen
• USB drive or your phone for Android Auto/CarPlay test

Pro-tip: Wear light-colored clothes to spot paint defects easily in reflections. Works like a charm.

Handling Dealer Pushback (Common Excuses + Comebacks)

You’ll hear these lines. Don’t panic. Here’s how I shut them down politely.

• “Sir, PDI after full payment.” — I’ll happily pay balance right after PDI. Let’s do it today/tomorrow.
• “Yard entry not allowed.” — Then let’s do it at the showroom in daylight on my VIN car.
• “No photos allowed.” — I just need to inspect calmly; photos are for my records. I won’t publish.
• “All cars have minor issues; fix later.” — Please fix before registration. It’s smoother for both of us.
• “High ODO is normal.” — Anything above ~50 km needs a reason. Kindly share yard logs.

If they still act smart, escalate. Loop in CRM and OEM customer care with your booking no., VIN, and conversation screenshots. Twitter works too, sadly.

And don’t forget—handling charges are illegal in many states. Push back if you see mysterious “logistics/parking/handling” fees beyond actual RTO/insurance/taxes.

You’re not fighting. You’re asking for basic transparency. That’s it.

Money, Insurance, and Paperwork Sequencing (No Headaches Later)

When I took this into practice, life got easy. Keep payment linked to PDI. Don’t let the bank or dealer jump ahead of you.

• Booking amount: Fine to pay.
• Loan: Get approved but ask bank to hold disbursement till PDI OK.
• Insurance: You can buy on your own. Compare zero-dep, RTI, engine protect, consumables. Don’t get arm-twisted.
• Registration: Approve only after PDI is clean and insurance is final.
• Invoice: Check VIN/engine number match, tax breakup, no junk fees.

Also confirm freebies in writing. Mats, mudflaps, basic kit—these should be installed neatly without drilling where it’s not needed.

If you’re opting for extended warranty or service packs, ask for official OEM-backed plans. No shady “dealer warranty” that vanishes later.

One more pro-tip: Make FASTag from your own bank app after delivery. Don’t pay extra “activation charges” unless you really want dealer to do it.

Email/WhatsApp Templates You Can Copy-Paste

WhatsApp Script:

Hi <SA Name>, please share VIN and engine number for my <Model> (Booking No <xxx>).
I want to do a PDI before registration. Can we schedule it at <yard/showroom> on <Date> around <Time>?
Post PDI, I’ll clear the balance and we can proceed to RTO same/next day.
Thanks!

Post-PDI “All OK” Mail:

Subject: PDI Cleared - Proceed to Registration | <Model> | Booking <xxx>

Hi <SA/CRM>,
I have completed PDI for VIN <xxxxxxxx>. All good to proceed.
Please raise final invoice and initiate registration/insurance as discussed.
Thanks,
<Your Name>

Post-PDI “Fix Issues” Mail:

Subject: PDI Observations - Need Fixes Before Registration | <Model> | Booking <xxx>

Hi <SA/CRM>,
During PDI for VIN <xxxxxxxx>, I found:
1) <Issue 1>
2) <Issue 2>
Please resolve and share photos/confirmation. I’ll approve registration right after.
Regards,
<Your Name>

FAQ

Copy-Ready PDI Checklist (Print This)

PDI QUICK LIST
- VIN/engine number match dealer records
- Exterior: paint, dents, panel gaps, glass, lights
- Tyres: brand, size, DOT week/year, spare wheel
- Alloys/wheels: no damage
- Underbody: leaks, scrapes, covers intact
- Interior: seats, belts, trims, headliner
- ODO & MID: <50 km, no warning lights
- Electronics: infotainment, speakers, camera, sensors, windows, mirrors, lights, horn, wipers
- AC/heater: all vents working
- Keys: 2 keys check
- Under hood: fluids, battery date/brand
- Toolkit: jack, wheel spanner, triangle, towing eye
- Documents: owner’s manual, warranty/service book
- Accessories: installed cleanly
- Special: EV charger/cables, CNG fittings, diesel AdBlue (if applicable)
- Final: Note any issues + get dealer fix plan in writing

Who Should Insist On PDI? (And Who Might Skip)

If you’re buying during festive rush, taking a popular model with high demand, or getting dealer-added accessories—PDI is 100% non-negotiable. Too many moving parts, too many chances for slip-ups.

If you’re super picky about paint quality, panel alignment, and rattle-free cabins (same here), PDI is your happy place. You’ll sleep better.

Who might skip? Honestly, I wouldn’t advise skipping at all. But if you personally know the dealer, small town setup, low volume, and you’ve bought five cars from them—maybe you trust them. Still, do a 20-minute showroom PDI at least. Why gamble?

My take? Book your PDI like a boss. It takes one hour. It can save you months of headache. And it turns your delivery day from “hope it’s fine” to “I know it’s perfect.”

The Bottom Line (Do This Now)

Message your SA right now. Ask for VIN and a PDI slot. Keep payment pending till PDI is clean. Carry this checklist. Stay calm, be firm, and don’t get rushed.

This is how you book PDI for car in India—without drama, without scams, and without future surprises. When you finally pull out of the showroom, you’ll feel that sweet, confident thrill. That’s the way it should be.

Happy motoring, dost. And if the dealer plays games—send them this guide. Works every time.