Service History

ALN

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After a few recent discussions with friends and reading various forums it’s amazing how obsessed we are with main dealer service history and how it seems anything else devalues a car.

Would you value a car less because it’s history wasn’t from a main dealer despite having a clear and concise history otherwise?
 

trev 1515

RMS Regular
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E39 M5 Evo ix
Completely depends on what car it is. On a few year old M car or Porsche etc I wouldn’t touch one without a main dealer history. My evo is almost all Indy specialist.
 

Coog

Admin
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GTI
As above, it really depends. I wouldn't think of taking a newish car in warranty to anywhere but the dealer - rightly or wrongly. I'd expect most others to do the same to be honest. After that and when it's up the miles and down in value, I'm not that fussy.

To be honest I can't think of any issue I've ever had that standard dealer vs indy vs DIY servicing would have prevented, but I've had a few occasions where a main dealer service history has resulted in quite significant goodwill on repairs, where others in similar situations have had to fork out for it themselves.
 

Nicky Glanza

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Lisburn
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the only thing I would study is the service history itself, went to view a 107 in Downpatrick a few months back for a mates sister, the book was fully stamped all the service history from the same citreon garage, only the same person with the same pen serviced the car over a 10 year period :cool:
 

Jason

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23,365
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Ballymoney
In the grand scheme of things it means **** all, I could show you some shocking low mileage main dealer history cars
 

NickR

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A6/E39 530i
As said, if it was an M car or the likes then I would rather have a dealer history. However on the likes of my GTI I would be happy with an Indy history and buy on condition.
 

Dub_cub 89

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Norn iorn
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Evo 6 / cbr400rr
For me it’s often a case of the less main dealer history the better, I’d much rather see a wod of receipts with grubby fingerprints over them than a stamp in a book. More specifically I look for the quality of the parts used, did the previous owner just use the cheapest parts available from his local parts place or did he go out of his way and opt for the better quality item from say Meyle or Lemfoerder with a longer life expectancy, tyres always get very close scrutiny too, they tell a lot about a car, from the brand (hopefully they’re all matching) to their hopefully nice even wear pattern.
 

AlpineF30

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BMW M3
I buy based on condition.

As said above if it was something which was still newish would want a dealer history but any after that its all based on condition of the car and receipts for servicing.

Pay very little attention to service books as a fully stamped book can be bought on eBay for a tenner.

I sold an E60 which was DIY serviced for the 3 years I owned it. Sold it with 180k on the clock.

Was on Gumtree a month later with 100k on the clock and a full dealer service history with a stamped service book.
 

Cossers

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I bought my j vxr Astra new 3.5 years back, never been over a dealerships door, my wife has a Vauxhall too and after they bent the sills twice on hers I vowed Mine would never be over their door (btw two separate dealerships did this!!)

I bought all the genuine service stuff and a friend of mine (only one I trust with my car and vat registered) serviced it, tbh I’m not to worried about warranty stuff because if they can’t even lift a car without damaging it, what change have they of fixing something complex! I’d rather get it diagnosed and do it myself! I’m very fussy though.

You can usually tell by a chat to the owner and look around the car how genuine it is!
 

surprising_skoda

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Dungannon
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Skoda/BMW/Austin
the only thing I would study is the service history itself, went to view a 107 in Downpatrick a few months back for a mates sister, the book was fully stamped all the service history from the same citreon garage, only the same person with the same pen serviced the car over a 10 year period :cool:
If the service book has been lost and a new obtained from the dealer, with someone there writing down all the records as held on the computer - this is exactly how it will look.
Not always the worst case scenario ;)
 

stevieturbo

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Antrim
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Old Ford
After a few recent discussions with friends and reading various forums it’s amazing how obsessed we are with main dealer service history and how it seems anything else devalues a car.

Would you value a car less because it’s history wasn’t from a main dealer despite having a clear and concise history otherwise?

Speak for yourself ?

IMO, some main dealers are the worst culprits for poor work. A service stamp really does mean nothing these days. Knowing who serviced it and whether they can be trusted is what matters. Dealers are terrible for claiming work has been done...but hasnt.
 

Gemma

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10,056
Ok, I know the five series is not exactly a brand new car etc but a dealer was selling her.
She was last stamped at 80odd k and for sale with the dealer at 120k.
I said I was worried about the missing 40k without service history.
I still really wanted it so took it a test drive anyway and I just knew from sitting in her idling and the way she drove that someone was just lazy in getting the book stamped for her services lol
I will admit, I have her oil changed every 5k miles and haven't stamped the book either lol
 

Terry

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Carefully
I'd be similar to some of the above, buy on condition. If it's a new(er) car, still under manufacturer warranty, then it can be safer to stick with them until the term is up.

I'm happier seeing a file full of receipts and things written down over the years.

Unfortunately, I've learned to not really trust many. Whether it's main dealers, independents or private sales - if they can't give you the information there and then about the service history, warranty, or proof of service plans remaining etc then it's unlikely to appear after you buy it and safer to assume it's non-existent. If you decide to buy then price with that in mind and have it serviced & looked over by a mechanic you trust.
 

_James_

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Larne
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V50/M135i
If the service book has been lost and a new obtained from the dealer, with someone there writing down all the records as held on the computer - this is exactly how it will look.
Not always the worst case scenario ;)

I have had to do this occasionally for vans....and the odd car. It does happen but mainly because I’m lazy and if you don’t present me your book....I won’t go looking for it.

I also do fully dealer stamped service books tailored to your needs for an offering from the local soda van!
 

JH86

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2,328
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Carrickfergus
Big **** @Ollie pointed out the other week during a late night moira chat saying he still thinks an 05 car is fresh really made me realise the truth he spoke

But service history miles etc etc means nothing until your staring flesh to metal
 

j44nty

RMS Regular
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And all the receipts to match including the old mot’s . Only way I roll
 

greyfloppyhat

RMS Regular
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1,548
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Tassagh
Depends on the car, in my eyes it shows the vehicle hasn't necessarily been run on a budget. Also helps when you come to sell the car as it gives it a slight edge in the market.

Something special and or expensive I would prefer it, but for a daily or run around couldn't care less
 

Graham

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By the sea
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Press Cars
After a few recent discussions with friends and reading various forums it’s amazing how obsessed we are with main dealer service history and how it seems anything else devalues a car.

Would you value a car less because it’s history wasn’t from a main dealer despite having a clear and concise history otherwise?
A full independent history would mean it's been better cared for that a main dealer, in my eyes.

Only really worth getting main dealer on the high end performance stuff, as it seems it helps the value.
 

Odhran

RMS Regular
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2,216
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Derry
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A5 Sportback
Tbh I always appreciate a car with full main dealer service history over one without and usually keep it up myself for resale purposes.
Lack of main dealer history has put me off cars in the past especially when they are being offered at the same price as cars with full dealer histories.
 
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