Question: How important is service history when buying a used car?

Should a used car have service history?

The most important reason to have your car’s previous service history is also the most obvious: It lets you know exactly when and where previous services have been performed. If you purchase a car without any prior service history, you’ll have no idea when it received its last oil change, for example.

Does service history affect car value?

The two times that a service history becomes vital are when you come to buy or sell a used car. Not only does it have a big effect on vehicle valuations, as a well-maintained car will depreciate less, but it will also factor into the cost of ownership if you want to maintain a full-service history with a main dealer.

Is a service history important?

A service history is only one consideration, along with the vehicle’s cosmetic and mechanical condition, so the service history alone is significant but not crucial”. No surprises there then; a car with a service history is often more saleable and more valuable than one without.

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Is no service history bad?

This means you won’t have the full story of the car, how it has been treated and what condition it is in, which could end up costing more money in the long run. An incomplete service history isn’t necessarily a bad thing and doesn’t always mean anything sinister – sometimes documents are simply lost.

How do I know if my car has full service history?

How do I check that a vehicle’s Service History is genuine?

  1. Ask to see a copy of the service book. …
  2. Check over the service book carefully and if you’re suspicious, note down at least TWO of the garage addresses listed. …
  3. Look at the mileage at the time of each Service.

What is classed as full service history?

What’s a full service history? Usually shortened to FSH, a full service history means that a vehicle has been maintained in line with a manufacturer’s service schedule and comes with all the relevant documents as proof. It also means that any paperwork for repairs is on hand.

Is it worth getting a dealer service?

As long as you use a dealer that sells new cars from your car’s brand, you’ll be fine. … It’s also worth bearing in mind that a car with a main dealer service history will be easier to sell on in future. That’s because buyers can have total peace of mind that the car has been serviced correctly.

Is it worth getting a car serviced?

Having your car serviced at the correct intervals using the correct items as recommended by the manufacturer can save you money in the long run. An engine that hasn’t been serviced regularly will use more fuel than one that is well-maintained, which means more trips to the pumps.

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Do dealerships keep service records?

If the vehicle was serviced by an official manufacturer or franchised dealership, records are maintained in their computer system. It is often easy enough to obtain them from the dealership directly. … Buyers should be aware that problems can, and often do, arise when a vehicle has no service history.

What to do if a car has no service history?

Can you recover a missing service history? If you still own the car, you could try calling the garage that has serviced it during your ownership. Once you’ve provided them with a few personal and vehicle details, they’ll be able to email or post records.

Does full service history mean every year?

Basically, the car has been serviced by an official dealership on time, every time. All regular work has been undertaken, as well as major items like cambelts when they fall due.

How do I recover my service history?

In this instance, tracing the car’s history is easy. Call the garage that has serviced the car during your ownership. Once you’ve provided them with a few personal and vehicle details, they’ll be able to email or post records to you. When you buy a used car, make sure you have the service book.

What happens if you don’t service your car regularly?

What would happen if I didn’t get my vehicle serviced? … You may also notice your car becoming slow and lethargic as your engine efficiency will reduce, as well as your fuel efficiency, decreasing the average life span of your vehicle.

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