How used vehicles are reconditioned at OpenRoad Auto Group

When a customer purchases any used vehicle from OpenRoad Auto group (ORAG), it has already gone through a thorough process where mechanical, safety and cosmetic components have all been inspected and replaced/repaired, if necessary. In fact, ORAG technicians spend over 6,500 hours each year reconditioning vehicles before they’re released for sale. We reached out to The BMW Store to walk us through some of the steps in more detail.

System input

After ORAG brings in a used car the specific model is logged into a database and tagged with a specific number depending whether it’s a trade-in, lease return, etc. The cost, current mileage and projected sale price are all inputted, and then a work order is created for the service department.

Inspection

Once the work order is received, the internal service advisor distributes the task to a qualified staff member for the job. For example, if the vehicle is a BMW, a factory-trained technician determines whether it qualifies for the Certified Pre-Owned designation and if so, follows a pre-set checklist noting what needs to be done to bring the car as close to brand new condition as possible using OEM parts. Non-BMWs undergo a safety examination to ensure they’re fit for the road.

Following approval by the pre-owned sales coordinator or manager, items that need to be replaced are done so, which could be anything from aging engine belts or leaky gaskets to tires and brakes.

Touch-up

With the major stuff is out of the way, it’s time for cosmetic repairs. The vehicle is sent to one of a few preferred body shops to fix up interior and exterior aesthetic issues, and then mobile businesses come to the dealership to take care of dents and wheel damage.

Detail

The last reconditioning step is to give the car that showroom shine again. Either an internal detailer or contractor removes any remaining minor scuffs from inside the car and polishes up the paint to get it ready for its next owner.