New Car Delivery Inspection Checklist
What to check before you sign
These ten checks cover the areas that most often need attention on delivery day. The interactive form below expands each one into the full standard PDI checklist.
- Paint and body panels — check under bright light for scratches, dents, or color mismatch.
- Wheels and tires — inspect for curb rash, bulges, and confirm pressure against the door sticker.
- Glass and mirrors — look for cracks, chips, or wiper scratches on the windshield and windows.
- Seats and upholstery — verify no tears, stains, or missing stitching on any seat.
- Air conditioning and heat — run both for a few minutes and confirm the air temperature changes.
- Engine oil and coolant — confirm both fluid levels sit at the correct marks.
- Battery — terminals clean and tight; the engine starts without hesitation.
- Lights and signals — test headlights, high beams, turn signals, brake and reverse lights.
- Brakes and steering — on a test drive, the pedal is firm, the car tracks straight, and there are no unusual noises.
- Documents — collect the invoice, warranty booklet, owner’s manual, title paperwork, and both keys.
How to use this printable checklist
- Enter the vehicle make and model, the optional 17-character VIN, and the delivery date.
- Walk around the vehicle and mark every item in each group Pass or Fail.
- Add a short note for anything that needs dealer attention.
- Have the buyer and the sales representative sign and date the form.
- Click the print button and choose US Letter paper to save or print the completed checklist.
New Car Delivery Inspection Checklist
Based on the standard PDI (pre-delivery inspection) categories dealers use before handing over a new vehicle. Mark Pass or Fail for every item.
Exterior
Interior
Under the hood
Lights & electronics
Test drive
Documents
Sign-off
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I inspect a new car before taking delivery?
A factory-fresh car can still arrive with paint flaws, panel gaps, or missing accessories. Checking a printed delivery checklist before you sign catches problems while the dealer is still responsible for fixing them, and documents the vehicle’s condition for your records.
How do I use this new car delivery checklist?
Fill in the vehicle make and model, optional VIN and delivery date, then walk through each group — exterior, interior, under the hood, lights and electronics, test drive, and documents. Mark every item Pass or Fail, add a note if needed, and have the buyer and sales representative sign the bottom before printing.
What should I check when picking up a new car?
Focus on paint and body panels, wheels and tires, glass, seats and upholstery, air conditioning, fluid levels, battery, all lights and signals, brakes and steering on a test drive, and the documents — invoice, warranty booklet, owner’s manual, title paperwork, and both keys.
How long should a new car inspection take?
A thorough walk-around takes about 20 to 30 minutes, plus another 10 to 15 minutes on a test drive. Give yourself time before the finance office closes so you can raise any concerns while the deal is still open.
What is a PDI (pre-delivery inspection)?
A PDI, or pre-delivery inspection, is the standardized checklist a dealership runs before handing over a new vehicle. It covers fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, and a road test. Our printable checklist mirrors the same industry-standard PDI categories so you can verify the work yourself.