How Long Does It Take for a Dealership to Get a Used Car Ready?

Buying a used car from a dealership is an exciting yet sometimes nerve-wracking experience.

Whether you’re looking for your first car or an upgrade, one thing that often crosses buyers’ minds is: How long does it take for the dealership to get the car ready? The answer can vary depending on a range of factors, from the condition of the vehicle to the specific dealership’s processes.

In this article, we’ll break down the entire process, so you’ll know what to expect and why it’s worth the wait.

Step-by-Step Process of Preparing a Used Car for Sale

When a dealership acquires a used car, there’s a lot more to the preparation process than simply parking it on the forecourt.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens behind the scenes:

1. Initial Inspection and Evaluation

The first step when a dealership takes in a used car is a thorough inspection.

This involves checking the vehicle’s general condition, mileage, and any obvious wear and tear.

They’ll also look at the service history and any records of previous accidents or major repairs.

This evaluation is essential as it helps the dealership determine what work needs to be done to bring the car up to a sellable standard.

If it’s a relatively new vehicle in good shape, this step may only take a day or two.

However, if the car shows signs of neglect or damage, this process could take a bit longer.

Time estimate: 1-2 days.

If you’re concerned about the possibility of buying a vehicle with issues, be sure to check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK.

2. Mechanical Checks and Necessary Repairs

Once the initial inspection is complete, the dealership’s service department gets to work on the mechanical checks.

This includes inspecting the engine, brakes, tyres, suspension, and other key components.

If any repairs or replacements are needed, they’ll be carried out at this stage.

The scope of these repairs can significantly affect how long this step takes.

For example, routine fixes such as brake pad replacements or oil changes are relatively quick, but more complex repairs—like a gearbox issue—could take several days or more, especially if parts need to be ordered.

Time estimate: 3-7 days, depending on the condition of the vehicle.

If you’re curious about other dealership services, check out our page on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

3. Detailing and Aesthetic Touch-Ups

A car’s appearance is just as important as its mechanical integrity, especially for buyers who want a car that looks as good as it drives.

Dealerships will often detail the car, which involves deep cleaning both the interior and exterior.

This could include shampooing the carpets, polishing the paintwork, and even fixing minor cosmetic issues like scratches or dents.

In some cases, more significant aesthetic work may be required, such as repainting panels or refurbishing alloy wheels.

The detailing process is a key part of making sure the car looks showroom-ready and can take anywhere from a day to a few days, depending on the level of attention needed.

Time estimate: 1-3 days.

4. Compliance with Legal Standards

Before a used car can be sold, it needs to meet certain legal and safety standards.

Dealerships will ensure the vehicle passes emissions tests, complies with roadworthiness regulations, and is up to date with its MOT (if applicable).

Additionally, the dealership will handle all the necessary paperwork, such as transferring the ownership and ensuring everything is in line with consumer protection laws.

While most of this is standard procedure, any issues with legal compliance could delay the process slightly.

For example, if the car fails an emissions test, it might require additional repairs or tweaks to meet regulations.

Time estimate: 1-2 days.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Prepare a Used Car

Although the process might seem straightforward, there are several factors that can influence how long it takes for a dealership to get a used car ready:

1. Condition of the Vehicle

A well-maintained, newer vehicle may only need minimal work, while an older car that’s seen better days might require extensive repairs.

Naturally, the worse the condition, the longer the preparation process.

2. Availability of Parts

If the car needs replacement parts, the availability of these can cause delays.

For popular models, parts are usually easy to source.

However, for rare or imported cars, parts may take longer to arrive.

3. Workshop Scheduling and Workload

Dealerships often have a busy workshop, and sometimes it’s simply a matter of waiting for your car to make it to the front of the queue.

Large dealerships may have more technicians, speeding up the process, while smaller outfits might take a little longer.

4. Type of Dealership

Franchise dealerships tend to have larger teams and more streamlined processes, which may result in quicker preparation times.

Independent dealers, on the other hand, might take longer, especially if they have fewer resources.

How Long Does It Take on Average to Prepare a Used Car?

On average, preparing a used car for sale takes between five to ten days.

This timeframe includes the inspection, repairs, detailing, and legal compliance checks.

That said, the condition of the car and the dealership’s workload could push this to two weeks or more in some cases, especially if major repairs are required or there are delays with parts.

For luxury or high-end vehicles, the process might take longer due to the specialised nature of the repairs and detailing required.

These vehicles often require extra care to ensure they meet the high standards expected by potential buyers.

What Happens if the Preparation Takes Longer Than Expected?

Sometimes, despite the best efforts of the dealership, getting a car ready can take longer than initially expected.

Common reasons for delays include:

• Unexpected mechanical issues discovered during the inspection.
• Difficulty sourcing parts, especially for less common models.
• A busy workshop, particularly during peak times such as the summer holidays.

Dealerships should keep you informed if there’s a delay, and most will provide updates on the car’s progress.

If you’re ever concerned about how long it’s taking, don’t hesitate to ask for an update or a more detailed explanation of what’s holding things up.

Tips for Buyers: How to Ensure You’re Getting a Car That’s Ready

Before you drive off the lot, it’s essential to make sure the car has been properly prepared.

Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Ask about the preparation process. Find out what inspections and repairs have been done and request documentation if necessary.
• Check the vehicle history report. Make sure there’s no hidden damage or previous major accidents that could affect the car’s reliability.
• Look for signs of rushed work. If the car doesn’t look properly detailed or if there are obvious mechanical issues, it might not have been thoroughly checked.

By asking the right questions and paying attention to the details, you can ensure you’re buying a car that’s in top condition.

Conclusion: Be Patient for a Quality Vehicle

Getting a used car ready for sale involves more than just a quick wash and some paperwork.

It’s a detailed process that ensures the vehicle is in good condition and legally compliant.

While the timeframe can vary based on a number of factors, most dealerships will have a car ready in about a week or so.

Remember, patience pays off – waiting a few extra days ensures you drive away with a car that’s safe, reliable, and ready to go the distance.

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you!