Used Car Reconditioning Checklist
Turn trade-ins and auction purchases into front-line-ready inventory faster. This checklist covers every step from intake and diagnostics to detailing, documentation, and quality control—with a downloadable CSV for your recon board.
Template includes owner, frequency, and notes fields so you can assign technicians, vendors, and SLAs to each line item.
Detailed Checklist
Every task from VIN scan to lot staging
Review each section during recon standups, assign tasks in DealerClick, and keep photos, invoices, and QC signatures attached to the stock number. Dealers copy this process to keep line turns under 5-7 days.
Capture everything during drop-off so approvals and disclosures stay tight.
Stocking facts
Scan VIN/mechanical data, log mileage, options, and book values, and attach intake photos before work starts.
Customer/trade disclosures
Document warning lights, known damage, and drivability issues plus signatures so there are no disputes once the vehicle hits service.
Recon estimate approvals
Generate a labor + parts estimate for every car, including sublet vendors, and route for manager approval when costs exceed preset thresholds.
Fix the driving experience before spending time on cosmetics.
Scan + road test
Perform an OBD-II scan, capture all codes, and run a road test to spot transmission, alignment, or driveline concerns early.
Safety-critical systems
Inspect brakes, steering, suspension, tires, belts, hoses, filters, and fluids, logging measurements and replacements.
Recalls & calibrations
Close out recalls, ADAS calibrations, and software updates so the retail unit clears OEM databases.
Pair technical work with proof for regulators and warranty partners.
Inspection packets
Upload state inspection stickers, emissions slips, and multi-point forms with technician signatures.
Lighting & restraint systems
Verify headlights, DRLs, airbags, seatbelts, child locks, and TPMS sensors to avoid post-sale returns.
Manuals & spare keys
Confirm owner’s manuals, spare keys, wheel locks, and tool kits are accounted for and documented in the checklist.
Presentation sells; eliminate issues customers will find on the lot.
Exterior bodywork
Schedule paintless dent removal, bumper repairs, touch-ups, and wheel refinishing with before/after photos.
Glass + accessories
Repair chips, replace glass, test power features, and install accessories like mats, remotes, or infotainment updates.
Interior reconditioning
Steam clean fabrics, treat leather, eliminate odors, repair burn holes, and verify infotainment + climate systems.
Tie costs back to the stock number and front-line price before marketing.
Recon worksheet sync
Push recon costs into the DMS/CRM, tag sublet invoices, and keep gross calculations up to date.
Window sticker + disclosures
Update FTC Buyers Guide, warranty terms, and window stickers with accurate equipment lists and pricing.
Media readiness
Confirm photo/360 spins and merchandising copy reflect completed work, new features, and warranty statements.
Final checks make sure nothing slips between service and sales.
QC walk + sign-off
Have a second tech or manager walk the vehicle, sniff for odors, inspect paint, and test switchgear before signing the lot-ready form.
Test drive verification
Log a final road test with start/end mileage, verifying alignment, NVH, and ADAS prompts.
Lot staging + marketing handoff
Assign a line spot, connect battery maintainers where needed, and notify marketing/BDC team that the unit is live.
How high-performing stores use this checklist
- Recon standups: Managers walk through open stock numbers daily, updating CSV status and pushing approvals into DealerClick.
- Vendor scorecards: Attach sublet invoices and turnaround times to spot which body or glass vendors hit SLAs.
- Marketing coordination: Alert photo/BDC teams automatically when QC signs off so merchandising keeps pace with recon.
Pair it with other DealerClick tools
Use this checklist alongside the BHPH Compliance Checklist or BHPH Profitability Calculator to unify front-end quality with back-end risk management.
Need workflow automation or vendor portals? Our team can turn this checklist into a live board inside the DMS.
Get a recon workflow walkthrough
Show us your current intake and reconditioning process. We’ll tailor this checklist, build automation, and connect sublet vendors so every vehicle hits the line faster.