How We Prepare Every Used Car

When you see a used car sitting polished and ready on the County Garage forecourt, a lot has already happened behind the scenes.

We want our customers to be able to choose their next car with confidence, which is why every used vehicle goes through a thorough preparation process before it is ready for sale.

From its first inspection and road test to mechanical checks, bodywork preparation and a comprehensive valet, our team takes care of the details so that when it comes to collection day, your car is ready for you.

Here’s what happens before one of our used cars reaches the forecourt.

Step 1: It Starts With a Thorough Inspection

As soon as a vehicle comes into County Garage, our preparation process begins.

The car receives a detailed bodywork and interior inspection, which is recorded on video. Our team looks carefully at the condition of the vehicle and identifies anything that needs attention before it can meet our used car standards.

But inspecting a car while it’s standing still only tells part of the story.

We also take the vehicle out for a road test, checking for things such as unusual noises, rattles, warning lights and anything else that may need further investigation.

It means we can assess how the vehicle looks, feels and drives before moving on to the next stage.

Step 2: A Comprehensive Mechanical Check

Next, the vehicle goes into our workshop for a thorough mechanical inspection.

Our technicians check the vehicle and record the inspection on video, giving us a detailed picture of its mechanical condition.

If anything needs attention to bring the vehicle up to the standards we expect, the required work is completed before the vehicle is offered for sale.

Where applicable, we’ll also carry out any servicing or MOT work that is due.

Our current used-car standards also include mechanical and bodywork inspections, documented service history, vehicle background checks and checks for outstanding manufacturer recalls, helping to provide additional reassurance when choosing your next car.

Step 3: Preparing the Bodywork

Once the mechanical work has been completed, attention turns to presentation.

Every used car is carefully assessed for any bodywork preparation that may be needed before it reaches the forecourt.

After all, buying a new car — even when it’s pre-owned — should still feel special.

Our aim is to make sure every vehicle is presented to a standard that both our team and our customers can be proud of.

Step 4: A Proper Valet – Not Just a Quick Clean

Then it’s time for the transformation.

Every vehicle receives a thorough valet, including shampooing, to ensure the interior and exterior are clean, fresh and properly prepared for its next owner.

It’s one of the final stages of the process, but an important one.

We want that first moment when you open the door, sit behind the wheel and imagine the car on your driveway to feel right.

Our published used-car benefits include a full valet as part of the preparation standards.

Step 5: The Checks Don't Stop Once It Reaches the Forecourt

Preparing a vehicle properly isn't something we do once and then forget about.

Our forecourt vehicles are inspected every week while they're in stock.

Particular attention is paid to keeping batteries in tip-top condition, helping ensure vehicles remain ready to start, test drive and, where eligible, drive away.

It’s a small detail, but it’s another important part of making sure our cars remain prepared to the standard we expect throughout their time with us.

Ready When You Are

For many customers, finding the right car is exciting — and once you've made your decision, you don't necessarily want to wait days to collect it.

That's why many of our vehicles displaying the Driveaway Today status have already completed the preparation process and can potentially be purchased and driven away the same day, subject to the necessary paperwork and checks.

So when you see a car on our forecourt, you're not simply looking at a vehicle that has been washed and put up for sale.

Behind it is a preparation process involving:

• Detailed interior and bodywork inspection
• A road test checking for noises, rattles and warning lights
• Comprehensive mechanical inspection
• Any necessary mechanical work
• Servicing and MOT where applicable
• Bodywork preparation
• Thorough valeting and shampooing
• Weekly forecourt checks
• Ongoing battery-condition checks

It's all part of our aim to provide peace of mind and worry-free motoring when choosing a used vehicle from County Garage.

Find Your Next Used Car at County Garage

If you're searching for a used car in Herne Bay or Kent, take a look at our current selection online.

You can browse our available vehicles, reserve your chosen car online for £99, arrange a test drive or speak directly to our team if you'd like some help finding the right vehicle. County Garage's £99 online reservation is fully refundable if you decide not to proceed.

Browse our latest used cars and discover which vehicles are ready to Driveaway Today.