Vehicles arriving through the Buenos Aires port area and prepared for delivery go through several handovers during ocean shipping, port handling and storage. Sea-fastening, moisture, storage and inland transfer issues are not always visible at a glance; the purpose of port-arrival PDI is to document each of the three stages separately so that responsibility is clear at delivery. Before handover, the arrival condition, the handling process and the final result must be tied to the VIN. Argentine Customs ARCA can be used to confirm the relevant port or import steps, while the PDI records are responsible for proving the vehicle's actual condition.
Preserve the original condition when receiving the vehicle
At handover, check the VIN, keys, mileage and loading/unloading marks against a checklist and keep photographic evidence. Ocean shipping, port moves and inland transfer can leave different marks; preserving the original condition first provides a baseline for later inspections and claims.
The Argentine National Weather Service can supplement the weather background for the port area and transfers, but the vehicle's actual condition is still determined by the physical inspection at arrival and the documents that travel with the vehicle.
Check the underbody and seals after lifting
The raised underbody inspection should distinguish three types of marks: sea-fastening imprints, road-transfer scratches and pre-existing corrosion. Each type points to a different responsible party and handling path, which determines the release conclusion at delivery.
Using the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV as an example, candidate vehicles are still checked unit by unit by VIN after arrival; page specifications cannot replace the physical inspection and the contract terms.
Stage-by-stage PDI table
Stage-by-stage inspection ensures that every anomaly finds its evidence owner, and determines whether to claim, prepare or release to normal storage. Repair records are kept with the vehicle file; anomaly samples and normal samples are registered with the same form, so that only smooth records are not kept.
| Stage | Key records | Exception handling |
|---|---|---|
| Port-arrival handover | VIN, exterior, glass, tyres, instruments and transport fastening | Keep evidence and distinguish transport responsibility |
| Storage | Underbody, drainage, seals, battery and connectors | Check the source after cleaning and drying |
| Preparation | Air conditioning, lights, doors and windows, cameras, radar and charging | Complete re-verification after repair |
| Pre-delivery | Compare current condition with original records | Unclosed safety exceptions must not be delivered |
Air conditioning and electrical checks must cover multiple states
Before release, fix the inspection scope: brakes, steering, lighting, air conditioning and all dashboard warnings must be retested in cold, hot and charging states; no anomaly may be delivered until it is corrected and re-verified.
FAQ
Do new vehicles also need a lifted inspection?
A lifted inspection should still be arranged. Sea-fastening, loading/unloading and port moves can affect the underbody, and a ground-level visual check cannot see every position.
Can a vehicle be released if there are no water marks after washing?
At delivery acceptance, do not rely only on the post-wash appearance. Confirm the source of any water marks, that everything is dry, and re-check the electrical and sealing condition.
How should minor scratches found in PDI be handled?
When a delivery anomaly is found, first preserve the original photos and responsibility checkpoints, then repair according to the contract and record materials, personnel and re-verification results.
Which issues should block delivery?
When brake, steering, structural, high-voltage insulation, persistent water ingress or unexplained safety warning issues are not closed, the vehicle should be isolated pending assessment and must not be delivered.
To verify models, CIF quotes and delivery documents for the Argentine market, you can contact Starvia Automotive or discuss your purchasing needs via WhatsApp: +1 669 292 8680.
This article is based on Argentine Customs ARCA, public information from the Argentine National Weather Service and general vehicle delivery principles. Specific PDI items should be determined according to the model, VIN, transport contract and destination-country requirements. Information verified on: 2026-08-19.