Ever wondered what happens to a used car when we receive it here at Robins & Day? Well, you’re about to find out. From the condition we receive it in, which can often be less than looking its best, to how it looks when it’s all shiny and polished, positioned on our forecourt is a long process. To make sure that a used car looks and runs as good as new by the time it’s on the forecourt it goes through many stages on its journey with us, here are the steps:
Clean it Up
The first thing we do when we receive any used car are the basic cosmetic checks. We look out for whether there’s anything wrong with the vehicle which we can spot immediately, from worn tyres to bumps and scrapes, generally surveying the overall condition of the vehicle and making a note of any immediate problems to address. Once we’ve looked around the car for an overall idea of its condition we give it a really deep clean, ensuring that it looks its shiny, sparkling best from the outside.
Oil and Fluid Level Checks
Secondly, we carry out the essential fluid and oil level checks to make sure that the car is roadworthy and doesn’t need any of the essentials topping up before it’s fully tested. By doing this we get a good indication of whether there are any serious problems we might find at stage 3 of the journey.
Health and Diagnostics Testing
From checking that all the different lights on the dashboard are working, to testing everything to do with the car’s health, this is where we really put used cars through their paces. From an emissions test to measuring the engine temperature and checking that the windscreen wipers are working fast enough, we’ll understand the full picture once we’ve completed the necessary health and diagnostic checks.
Rolling Road & Suspension Check
Our rolling road suspension checks give us the opportunity to test the used cars under real life road conditions to ensure that they’re performing well. We test the suspension too, as worn out suspension can be hugely problematic, and make sure the vehicles are 100% safe and suitable for the road before they pass.
Paintless Dent Removal & Cosmetic Repairs
Once we’ve made sure that everything technical is working properly, then it comes to fixing up all the visual problems we spotted right at the beginning. From getting rid of dents and scrapes to touching up minor scuffs on the alloys, we make sure a car is looking absolutely perfect before going back out on sale.
Full Professional Valet
All cars are then treated to a thorough full professional valet, getting rid of all the crumbs and stains which may be on the inside of the car, with any smoke smells or spillages banished forever. The vehicles are cleaned and polished to look brand new, perfect for their next owner.
Photography & Video
Then we produce a high-quality video and photography package of the car, showcasing it at all its very best angles so you can see all that the used car has to offer from the comfort of your home.
Mechanical Refurbishment
Finally, we complete any last minute mechanical refurbishment jobs that need finishing under the bonnet and with the engine, before declaring the used car ready for re-sale at the end of its journey.
With all these steps in place, we make sure that the used vehicle you’re purchasing at Robins & Day is in its best possible condition by the time it reaches you, ready to hit the road.