Buyers increasingly want to see a used car properly before they travel to view it. A two-minute walkaround filmed on your phone answers most condition questions, builds trust, and filters out time-wasters. The hard part is not filming — it is keeping the video with the car, sending it quickly, and knowing whether the customer actually watched it.
Why walkaround videos sell used cars
Photos show a car at its best. Video shows it honestly: panel gaps, tyres, the interior in natural light, the engine starting. Customers who have watched a walkaround arrive better informed and more committed, and are less likely to be surprised at handover.
For independents competing with larger groups, a personal walkaround from the person who will hand over the keys is a real differentiator.
How it works in DealerPilot
Record or upload the walkaround to the car's record from the mobile app or the web. When a customer asks about the car, send a branded showroom link by SMS in one tap — the page shows the video, photos and key details for that car.
DealerPilot records when the link is opened and the video is viewed. If the customer enquires from the showroom page, it lands as a lead with the car attached.
Timing the follow-up call
The best moment to call is shortly after the customer has watched the video. A notification that the walkaround was viewed turns a cold chase into a natural conversation: “I saw you had a look at the Golf — any questions?”
Combine that with follow-up reminders on the lead so nobody goes quiet after the first message.
Tips for better walkarounds
Keep it under three minutes. Start with the exterior in daylight, then the interior, then start the engine. Mention the mileage, MOT and service history in your own words, and point out any marks honestly — it builds more trust than a perfect-looking video.