Press Release Overview
The press release dated Wednesday, 29 July 2026 and issued by Cars24 presents findings from the Cars24 × Team BHP “Gears of Growth 2025” report. The report highlights that more than 1.7 lakh Indian internet users searched for “pre‑delivery inspection” (PDI) in 2025, a volume the authors deem sufficient to declare PDI a mainstream activity in the used‑car market.
Definition and Scope of PDI
A pre‑delivery inspection is described as a structured assessment of a used vehicle before purchase or delivery, conducted by a trained evaluator against a fixed checklist. The checklist covers the body, engine, transmission, electrical systems, tyres, brakes, and paperwork, and the evaluator produces a documented condition report. On the Cars24 platform, the inspection is performed before the car is listed; buyers can also book a PDI for cars sold by dealers or private sellers.
Market Behaviour Shift
The report asserts that buyer search behaviour has moved beyond price and feature queries toward inspections and trust signals. Two primary forces are identified: (1) Rising new‑car prices, which compel first‑time buyers to allocate a larger share of savings to a used car, prompting greater caution; and (2) Internet‑enabled verification, where buyers now supplement family and peer recommendations with online reviews, videos, and expert opinions, especially on YouTube, which the report singles out as a credibility platform providing detailed model‑specific reviews.
Capabilities and Limitations of PDI
According to the release, a thorough PDI can identify common mechanical, cosmetic, and documentation issues that might otherwise be missed. However, it does not guarantee a fault‑free vehicle, and the report stresses that buyers should still consider written warranties or return windows alongside the inspection.
Cars24’s PDI Offering
Cars24 provides a pre‑delivery inspection service that includes a 300‑point mechanical, electrical, and legal check. The service delivers a digital condition report to the buyer before payment. To back the inspection, Cars24 offers a Rs 50,000 money‑back promise, meaning that if a missed fault results in a loss up to that amount, the risk is borne by the company rather than the buyer.
Implications for the Indian Used‑Car Market
The 1.7 lakh research figure, while modest relative to the overall market size, is portrayed as an early‑stage habit‑forming indicator, comparable to past shifts in colour or fuel preferences. The report projects that each successive year will see more buyers expecting verification, and that sellers and platforms that simplify verification will attract these buyers. Traditional informal checks (e.g., “parking‑lot uncle”) are not obsolete but are now augmented by checklists, condition reports, and YouTube playlists, making it harder for sellers to mislead informed buyers.
Disclaimer
The press release notes that it is provided under an arrangement with Newsvoir, and that PTI assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.