When you’re buying a used car, what happens before it reaches the showroom is just as important as the test drive. From sourcing quality stock to carrying out detailed inspections and preparing every vehicle to the highest standard, there’s a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. Just ask the team at Redgate Lodge, Newcastle’s leading used car dealership.
In this latest episode, we take you through a typical week at our dealership, showcase some exciting new arrivals, including a rare Kia Stinger GT-S, and explain why our preparation process sets us apart.
New Used Car Arrivals This Week
It’s been another busy week with a fantastic selection of vehicles arriving, including:
• Kia Stinger GT-S
• Kia EV6
• Volkswagen Golf
• Audi RSQ3
• BMW M340i
• Mercedes A35 AMG
• Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4
• Toyota RAV4
• BMW X3
• Polestar 2
With demand constantly changing, sourcing quality used cars means acting quickly while ensuring every vehicle meets our standards before going on sale.
Why Vehicle Preparation Matters
One of the biggest differences between dealerships is the level of preparation they carry out before handing over the keys.
Take our recent Ford Puma as an example.
During its inspection, our Bosch-approved technicians discovered the air conditioning condenser was leaking. Although some dealerships may leave repairs like this until after a customer experiences a problem, we believe in fixing issues before the car reaches the forecourt.
As well as removing the entire front bumper and replacing the faulty condenser, it also meant we pressure-tested the system and re-gassed the air conditioning before finally reassembling everything before final quality checks.
It’s a more expensive approach for Tyne and Wear’s most trustworthy used car dealership, but it means customers receive a car that’s ready to enjoy from day one.
Investing in the Workshop
Preparing modern used cars requires more than skilled technicians.
We’ve invested heavily in our workshop with specialist diagnostic equipment, as well as certified air conditioning servicing equipment, professional vehicle inspection pits and improved tyre storage systems.
Organised preparation lanes efficiently speed up the workflow, while maintaining Redgate Lodge’s high safety standards.
Why Organisation Makes a Difference
As our stock levels have grown, we’ve introduced a new preparation system.
Instead of vehicles sitting wherever there’s space, each car now moves through dedicated preparation stages including:
1. Mechanical inspection
2. Paint and cosmetic repairs
3. Wheel refurbishment
4. Valeting
5. Photography and video
6. Display on the forecourt
This keeps everything moving and helps reduce delays before vehicles become available for sale.
The Kia Stinger GT-S Review
One of the highlights of this week’s episode of Redgate Lodge | Dealership Diary was finally getting behind the wheel of the Kia Stinger GT-S.
Although the Stinger never sold in huge numbers, it’s become something of a hidden gem in the performance car market and, when you watch our used cars YouTube channel, you’ll see just how much Scott and Anthony enjoy it.
Standout Features of the Kia Stinger GT-S:
• 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine
• Automatic transmission
• Brembo brakes
• Harman Kardon sound system
• Heated and ventilated leather seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heads-up display
• Apple CarPlay
• Drive modes including Comfort, Eco and Sport
On the Road
The biggest surprise wasn’t just the acceleration; it was how effortlessly the Stinger delivers its performance.
In Comfort mode, it’s refined, quiet and comfortable enough for everyday driving.
Switch into Sport mode, and the car completely transforms, tightening up and delivering serious performance while remaining incredibly smooth.
For a practical four-door performance car, it’s hard not to be impressed.
It’s easy to see why the Kia Stinger has developed such a loyal following.
Fair Part Exchange Values
One topic we often get asked about is part exchange valuations.
We believe customers deserve a fair valuation based on current market data.
That’s why we don’t allow sales staff to purchase customer part exchanges themselves, removing any potential conflict of interest and ensuring valuations remain transparent and competitive.
If you’ve previously purchased a vehicle from us and are thinking about selling it, we’d always recommend contacting Redgate Lodge first.
Why We Don’t Cut Corners
Whether it’s replacing an air conditioning condenser, refurbishing alloy wheels, repainting bodywork or carrying out additional cosmetic improvements, we believe doing the job properly pays off.
It leads to happier customers, fewer problems after collection, better long-term reliability and greater confidence when buying a vehicle from the best used car dealers in Newcastle.
Customer Experience Comes First
Every vehicle that arrives goes through the same process before appearing online or in the showroom.
From professional photography and detailed videos to thorough inspections and final quality checks, our goal is simple:
To make buying a quality used car as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
Watch the Full Episode
If you’re interested in seeing what really happens behind the scenes at a busy used car dealership, it’s well worth a watch.
Watch the Full Episode on YouTube.