How long does it take to do a PDI?

[wandle MG4 trophy]

My dealer is expecting 10 MGs before the end of the year. He‘s hoping my MG4 Trophy will be one of them. How long does it normally take a dealer to PDI a car? I imagine loading lots of software updates could be time consuming. And if 9 or 10 cars rock up on the same transporter there’ll be a queue as the mechanics juggle PDIs with their scheduled services and repairs of other cars.

if by some miracle the car will be ready for collection by 30 December is there any practical advantage in delaying the registration a day so that it is a 2023 car? (I know the registration plate won’t change).

Finally, this will be my first EV. Would a good dealer talk me through all the main settings and controls?

Many thanks.

 

[Ian Key]

My dealer has just called me to say they hope to get mine delivered to them by the end of the year. He expects the PDI to take a couple of days as they are also going to replace the oil breather.

He also mentioned that they might ask if they can register it before the end of the year if they've got it but can't get it ready for a December delivery and would give me free mats etc. for letting them do so.

And yes a good dealer will talk you through the basic settings etc. but to be honest you will probably find most of your questions answered on this forum.

 

[siteguru]

Certainly no advantage delaying by a day - that would still be December 2022

When I collected my car the dealer's "product specialist" came into the car with me to talk things through ... he started to talk by which time I'd found the QR code and bound the car to the iSMART app, Bluetooth synced my phone, connected Android Auto, and adjusted the seat and mirrors to my satisfaction. He stopped the "product pitch" and said "You don't really need any help, do you?" ?

As per above - read through threads here, and read through the manual (available as a PDF - see the Tips thread).

 

[Cocijo]

My view is not based on MG necessarily/solely but a general view of dealerships and PDI’s on EV’s in particular.

The cars arrive virtually ready for customers these days. Many dealers do very little on PDI - tyre pressures and charging (possibly) and removing transit materials (sticky plastic, padding that sort of thing), possible a few other minor items, then a wash and vacuum.

I’m sure that there are many variations across makes and dealerships, but the historic PDI where the car had to have quite a lot of work carried out has now moved on. Just like servicing the EV has very little that needs to be done.

My experiences of software updates, is that they don’t get done unless they have to be done due to a previous issue, otherwise the dealership finds it too time consuming and doesn’t do it.

As far as registering the car is concerned, I would want my car to be a 2023 registration not a 2022 as it is so close. The dealership will get bonuses based on when they register new cars, so registering in December will make up a quota for them.

Finally, yes of course they should do a proper handover and make sure that you are happy with your new car and controls and happy to take ownership.
enjoy your car ?

 

[Ian Key]

The dealership will get bonuses based on when they register new cars, so registering in December will make up a quota for them.

Which is why I've been offered free mats and a good deal on servicing.

 

[Cocijo]

Which is why I've been offered free mats and a good deal on servicing.

Great. If that’s ok with you then go for it.

 

[Ian Key]

Great. If that’s ok with you then go for it.

To be honest if I wait for the new reg in March I'd have to put 4 new tyres on my current car

 

[Cocijo]

Yes, do whatever suits you best. I’m not suggesting waiting until March btw. I thought it was a question of if registering car end of December 2022 or in January 2023.

 

[Ian Key]

Yes, do whatever suits you best. I’m not suggesting waiting until March btw. I thought it was a question of if registering car end of December 2022 or in January 2023.

I know you weren't I usually keep my cars for 6+ years it probably won't make much difference.

 

[Alb]

The long pole in the tent will be the software updates and we know for sure that communications with the servers in China are patchy at best. I couldn't see anything less than a full day being allocated to PDI.

 

[Lovemyev]

As far as registering the car is concerned, I would want my car to be a 2023 registration not a 2022 as it is so close. The dealership will get bonuses based on when they register new cars, so registering in December will make up a quota for them.

I totally agree !.
I would wait for the beginning of 2023.
The trade value cars on their first date of registration, not on the letter on the plate.
The letter on the plate will be the same, if you register before or after the new year.
But it moves from a 2022 to 2023 first date of registration, for the sake of of a couple of days.
Have you considered that the car may already be registered ???.
If so WHEN was it registered is the big question !!.

 

[wandle MG4 trophy]

I totally agree !.
I would wait for the beginning of 2023.
The trade value cars on their first date of registration, not on the letter on the plate.
The letter on the plate will be the same, if you register before or after the new year.
But it moves from a 2022 to 2023 first date of registration, for the sake of of a couple of days.
Have you considered that the car may already be registered ???.
If so WHEN was it registered is the big question !!.

Thanks. It has not been registered yet but I will keep an eye open and check daily.

For me, it’s a balancing act as I have a few long journeys planned between now and the first week of January. But I see the value of a 2023 registration.

What I don’t want is a 2022 registration (to meet dealer targets) and collection in 2023.

 

[Lovemyev]

Thanks. It has not been registered yet but I will keep an eye open and check daily.

How are you checking if it's registered yet, may I ask ?.
As the DVLA systems can have a delay in reporting registrations.
Normally dealers will plate the car, but wait until collection day, before ensuring funds have been secured, only then will they register the car with its new owner.
If they register a car prematurely and there is hitch in transferring the funds / paperwork, then that car is now being sold as a second hand car really.

 

[wandle MG4 trophy]

How are you checking if it's registered yet, may I ask ?.
As the DVLA systems can have a delay in reporting registrations.
Normally dealers will plate the car, but wait until collection day, before ensuring funds have been secured, only then will they register the car with its new owner.
If they register a car prematurely and there is hitch in transferring the funds / paperwork, then that car is now being sold as a second hand car really.

Interesting, thanks. Am checking the .gov.uk website for vehicle registrations.

 

[Tig170]

my understanging is that the cars are almost ready from the factory!



....once they are at the dealers they are ready the next day for collection, certainly was in my case - from what I remember the biggest headache for the workshop guys (who were talking amongst themselves) was getting them all charged up for collections!

28-29/09/22 : delivered to distribution dealer (& PDI?)
30/09/22 : Registered with DVLA (day of photo) (& PDI?)
01/10/22 : available for collection

.... their was something about getting them registered before the end of the month..... sales bonus?