Motoring Discussion > Full Service History	Buying / Selling
Thread Author: scousehonda	Replies: 75

New Tue 29 Mar 11 22:17   Full Service History - scousehonda

Most advertisements for 'reputable' used cars include 'full service history' as one of the vehicle's attractions. But what, exactly, does the expression 'full service history' actually mean? Does it mean that the car's service book is present and all services that the car has had are recorded in it or is it necessary to produce receipts for all service items such as oil, brake fluid, tyres etc. And how much does the presence of a 'full service history' add to, say, a 4 years old Vauxhall Astra? Would the absence of whatever a full service history is turn you off an otherwise attractive car (not necessarily the aforementioned Astra!)? Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 22:27   Full Service History - Stuu

It doesnt really mean anything, hence its much used as it sounds better than it is. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 22:32   Full Service History - DP

According to one guy whose FSH'd 86,000 mile Fiesta I'd just driven 40 miles to see a few years back, it was two stamps in the book, a receipt for some tyres two years previously, and two Halfords receipts for bulbs and a litre of (the incorrect) oil. Mind you, he'd even got the engine size wrong in the ad, so I wasn't expecting much from that point on. He didn't disappoint. Last edited by: DP on Tue 29 Mar 11 at 22:32 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 22:35   Full Service History - Dave_

Yes, a Focus we looked at was advertised as FSH, which was correct if "full" means stamps at 18k, 36k, 54k and the word "serviced" written in biro at 97k. I used to service my Escort myself on the driveway, but I wrote the mileage, date and work done in the book each time. On a banger that's better than nothing at all. Last edited by: Dave_TDCi {P} on Tue 29 Mar 11 at 22:37 Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 22:34   Full Service History - Perky Penguin

If I was looking at 2 up-market cars I would give preference to one with a full Main Dealer service record AND an invoice for every item supplied during the life of the car, depending on what the price difference was. Depending on what level of the market one is looking at the phrase doesn't mean much more than "First to see will buy" Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 22:55   Full Service History - Videodoctor

When i have come to trade in my cars the service history does nothing for the trade in value(in my experience). It only benefits the dealer when he's trying to sell your car on. I have my cars serviced regularly for my own peace of mind not for adding value to the car when it comes to selling time. To me,stamps in a book mean nothing unless backed up by the receipts from the dealer, which if you look after your car then you'd make sure you had them as well. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 23:08   Full Service History - Hard Cheese

Of course it should mean a record of services to the manufacturers specifications, on time and either by a main dealer, independant or a mix of both. >>To me,stamps in a book mean nothing unless backed up by the receipts from the dealer>> Some manufacturers record service records centrally so any dealer can confirm or otherwise the authenticity of a service book without receipts, Ford and BMW are but two. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 23:29   Full Service History - rtj70

>> Ford and BMW are but two. My Mazda6 has no service book - it is all held centrally by Mazda on computer. Question is why does the lease company try to book it into an independent every service... I've explained to them why it should go to a Mazda6 dealer so far and won. And it's not my car! Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 23:41   Full Service History - Fenlander

>>>Would the absence of whatever a full service history is turn you off an otherwise attractive car Yes... I'd not bother to look at it. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 29 Mar 11 23:54   Full Service History - bathtub tom

>>what, exactly, does the expression 'full service history' actually mean? It could mean they've bought a stamped service book off ebay. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 08:54   Full Service History - DP

My cars have a full service history, which I can't prove. Both bought with documented FSHs (stamps and invoices), which have since been maintained on a cash basis by a mechanic mate to the VW service schedule. I reckon the cost saving and the peace of mind of having someone I know and trust do a good job more than outweighs the small reduction in resale value on what are relatively low value cars anyway. And in my experience, most buyers couldn't give a hoot. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 09:12   Full Service History - Clk Sec

I wouldn't buy a car without a full service history. When I get around to selling my car, probably next year, it will be advertised with a full main dealer history and will be accompanied by a fully stamped service book (including the annual bodywork checks), all receipts and all MOT paperwork. The dealer will also have this information on file. If that doesn't help me get a better than average price, I'll eat my hat. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 09:30   Full Service History - Dog

I bought a Toyota Supra from a relative some years ago, it came with a service booklet with pain dealer stamps in it. I sold the car onto a copper in London (quite innocently) He threatened to put me in the Scrubs as sed car had previously bin written orf and the service booklet was false ... Caveat emptor. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 10:02   Full Service History - Clk Sec

>>Caveat emptor. Indeed. I trust you had serious words with relative? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 10:25   Full Service History - Dog

>>I trust you had serious words with relative?<< My sisters son actually, he is a wealthy man now, here's his workshop ~ tinyurl.com/4q3ngrp 1st class coachworks, ask for Kieth, tell him Cornish Ray sent you :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 10:07   Full Service History - swiss tony

>> If that doesn't help me get a better than average price, I'll eat my hat. >> Is it a 'pork-pie' hat? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 10:13   Full Service History - Clk Sec

Pork pie! Have you no taste, swizz? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 13:05   Full Service History - Chris S

I once bought a Metro with a 'full service history' and didn't bother checking it until I got home. It didn't even have a full set of door locks. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 13:09   Full Service History - Iffy

My car has a main dealer service history. But by the time I come to sell, it will probably be too old for it to matter. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 13:23   Full Service History - captain chaos

It never fails to amaze me how some people interpret full service history. To me it means a correctly stamped book with main dealer invoices to back it up and every mot certificate from the first mot. Saw an Audi A3 for sale at the roadside advertised with 11 months mot, 2 months tax and "full service history." With Colway tyres fitted on the back I didn't think it was main dealer history somehow. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 13:50   Full Service History - Dog

How do my learned friends weigh this one up then, I'm interested in it, but haven't viewed it yet ~ tinyurl.com/4rc3482 Last edited by: Dog on Wed 30 Mar 11 at 13:51 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 13:53   Full Service History - Alanovich

Hmm. Palm trees on the drive. Must be in the extreme South West somewhere. Rust will have got it by now due to all the salty sea air. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:02   Full Service History - Iffy

... Must be in the extreme South West somewhere... It's 182 miles from Truro, so perhaps it's on the Scilly Isles. :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:02   Full Service History - Alanovich

It's worse than I thought then. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:05   Full Service History - Stuu

Looks nice as they go. Its been valeted, can tell you that much and boot wet-vacced too. Seems to my eye steep money for a thirsty estate car though. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:07   Full Service History - Iffy

...Seems to my eye steep money for a thirsty estate car though... I thought that. A similar car search on Autotrader shows it's about the going rate, although a lot of the others are diesels. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:11   Full Service History - Fenlander

If it's what you're after the one owner, history, auto and leather is a good start. Price these days is where you see it rather than what the guides say. A tidy Tudor/Elizabethan (!) house drive too. I'm guessing Oxford, Swindon, Newbury area roughly. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:15   Full Service History - Alanovich

Looking at comparable cars, he seems to be asking dealer prices for a private sale. Looks like he's 500-1000 over priced. There's a similar one at a Volvo main dealer for 4990. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:16   Full Service History - Dog

>>I'm guessing Oxford, Swindon, Newbury area roughly.<< I've no idea where it is yet, could even be the Silly isles for all I know but, reading through this thread makes me realize I wanna see those bills & mot's :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:17   Full Service History - Fenlander

Actually if the one owner has been about the same area you may see just one or two main dealers in the service book and I'd not be fussed for the receipts if it otherwise looks legit. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:22   Full Service History - Alanovich

I'd ring the dealers in question just to be sure. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:35   Full Service History - Fenlander

Yes worthwhile... I've always found they'll confirm at least the basics of a history. I really meant I'd not be worried for the details of when it had brake pads, silencer, battery etc. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:13   Full Service History - Dog

I don't do many miles these days, and I like the old Volvo's, it's got a 5 speed auto (I believe) so shouldn't be too bad on go-go juice (right foot permitting) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:14   Full Service History - Fenlander

BTW that's not your postcode in the link is it? Spoof one I'm sure... some nice houses down there anyway! Last edited by: Fenlander on Wed 30 Mar 11 at 14:15 Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:17   Full Service History - Dog

>>BTW that's not your postcode in the link is it? Spoof one I'm sure..<< Just as well we're 'on the move' then! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:40   Full Service History - bathtub tom

Put another couple known postcodes in and you'll be able to triangulate the distances to give you an idea of where it's located. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 14:50   Full Service History - Dog

>>Put another couple known postcodes in and you'll be able to triangulate the distances to give you an idea of where it's located.<< I had to think about that for a minute :-D I'll use the London postcodes that I know - thanks! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:03   Full Service History - Dog

So ... 182 miles from Truro 71 miles from Maidstone, Kent. 161 miles from Biddulph, Staffs. Reckon F/L could be about right then. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:05   Full Service History - Alanovich

Add 39 miles from Reading. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:08   Full Service History - Fenlander

I was just going by the house style and palm tree thing :-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:21   Full Service History - Dog

OK ... I fones him and it's in Waterloovile, Hants, It was his late Fathers car so it's not reg in his name (could be sus) He has already dropped the price by 500 notes and wont go *any* further, The car is a blinder IMO :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:25   Full Service History - Alanovich

>> Waterloovile, Hants, Still a bit coastal then. Have a good look underneath if you drag yourself up there. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:36   Full Service History - Armel Coussine

>> The car is a blinder IMO :) Looks it from the pix Perro, and if as described probably will be. I know autoboxes have improved but I wd expect only the most pussyfooting driving to return 30mpg though, even in the country. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:40   Full Service History - Dog

>>Looks it from the pix Perro, and if as described probably will be.<< What is it they say A/C "Never judge a book by it's cover". :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:23   Full Service History - Bellboy

advert is written in the style of a trader Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:25   Full Service History - Dog

>>advert is written in the style of a trader<< Yeah, well - I wouldn't be surprised at anything where mota's and money are concerned Bb! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:26   Full Service History - Alanovich

Supported by the non-negotiable, trade-like asking price. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:34   Full Service History - Dog

But then does it matter if he's a dealer? as long as the car is ligit but, tbh - I'm going off the idea now anyway, Better the devil you know etc. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:35   Full Service History - Iffy

The phone number seems to relate to a domain name sales business, based in Waterlooville. Only a PO box number, but that could fit with a guy running an internet business from home. domains123.tel/ Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:42   Full Service History - Dog

Interesting ... the plot thickens! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:45   Full Service History - bathtub tom

Says it's his late father's car - yeah right. Tell him you're really interested and want to do the full HPI before you do a four hundred mile round trip to see it. So he'll need to scan the V5 and e-mail it to you. You'll then have a name and address of the previous owner. Should be able to find an obit in the local rag. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:48   Full Service History - Dog

Thanks bathtub - best to keep the ole Almera (the devil I know) one has to be a blimmin detective these days! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:51   Full Service History - Lygonos

www.pistonheads.com/sales/2655158.htm Also here - contact is a 'M.Seaton' which would fit with the "BDS" initials on the plate if it was his dad's I guess. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 15:58   Full Service History - Dog

>>contact is a 'M.Seaton'<< Well spotted Lygonos ~ thanks! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:00   Full Service History - Iffy

There's a temptation to see a villain behind every small ad. The info we have suggests the seller's story is straight, so it probably is. I would be nervous about buying a secondhand car and would prefer to do it reasonably close to home. I'd suggest Dog does a search or two within a limited distance of home. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:03   Full Service History - Dog

>>I'd suggest Dog does a search or two within a limited distance of home<< Of course I agree there Iffi but, I'd be prepared to travel for *the right car*. If I do decide to view it, I'll HPI it beforehand like b/t says. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:07   Full Service History - Lygonos

This chap appears to be connected to the internet so his adverts will look like typical internet ones (ie. part-time dealers). It is entirely possible the story and car check out - the onus is on the seller to convince Dog/prospective purchaser of this, however. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:13   Full Service History - nyx2k

im in waterlooville this week so can have a look if interested. at least to suss out the seller Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:31   Full Service History - Dog

>>im in waterlooville this week so can have a look if interested. at least to suss out the seller<< I'd be glad of that nyx2k, thanks - nice area as well, I know he's not there on Saturday btw. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:33   Full Service History - Alanovich

'Course not, he's at his bombsite by the A3 shifting his cut'n'shuts! Busiest day of the week. ;-) ;-) Reply to this message | Report message       1

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:46   Full Service History - Dog

>>he's at his bombsite by the A3 shifting his cut'n'shuts! Busiest day of the week.<< (hehe!) ... many a true word spoken in jest! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:34   Full Service History - nyx2k

i'll email him and get an address. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:50   Full Service History - bathtub tom

The problem with doing an HPI when you haven't seen the car is you can't check the VIN on the V5 with those on the vehicle and that's one of the conditions of their guarantee. I'll admit to buying my Almera from the son of the deceased owner five years ago, when the advice from you lot was walk away. I was given the contact details of the solicitor dealing with the estate and the documentation provided (along with an HPI) was sufficient to satisfy me. That was around £5K too. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 16:59   Full Service History - Dog

I spoke to the chap on the fone and he sounded very nice (don't they all) but I've been around for nigh on 6 decades now + spent 14 years in the motor trade and you get to sort-of hear between the lines (if you know what I mean) I'd be surprised if sed car turns out to be a wrong'n. (A fool and his money etc., etc., etc.) :-D Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 30 Mar 11 17:17   Full Service History - Iffy

I reckon the story is straight and the car is as described. Work on that assumption unless further contact suggests otherwise. The car is maybe a little over-priced, which is typical of a private owner who doesn't realise there is a ceiling value for every car, however good its condition or however low its mileage. Bit like houses, Dog, which you do know a bit about. :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 31 Mar 11 07:24   Full Service History - Dog

>>Bit like houses, Dog, which you do know a bit about. :)<< Ah! ... My specialty :} watch out for my thread on that very subject WHEN we've exchanged!! Re: the jam jar - I've been thinking about what Alanović said about tin worm & coastal areas, 2 cars I've bought over the years suffered quite badly with that condition, a BMW 320, and a Volva (as my dyslexic friend used to call them) 240 GLT, Both cars came from coastal areas, alas. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 31 Mar 11 08:38   Full Service History - Clk Sec

>>Both cars came from coastal areas, alas. It's that sea salt you're so fond of... Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 31 Mar 11 08:53   Full Service History - Dog

>>It's that sea salt you're so fond of...<< (hehe!) That reminds me, I ordered 1kg of that coarse grey Celtic stuff orf ebay, and it hasn't arrived yet. Rusty. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 31 Mar 11 08:57   Full Service History - Iffy

I wouldn't worry about rust on a modern car. Waterlooville is hardly coastal. I lived in Portsmouth for a year and you don't get the salty sea air I recall from living on the Devon coastline as a child. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 31 Mar 11 09:36   Full Service History - Dog

>>I wouldn't worry about rust on a modern car.<< I looked at a nice one owner low milage Rav4 a few weeks ago, the underside was rusty from bumper to bumper (road salt) Would possibly have been OK, but I didn't want to chance it. The BMW I mentioned, had been used mainly to drive to a Links course :( The Volva 240 GLT (nice car) failed its MOT on chassis rust, I had it put down in the end (rust in peace) Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 31 Mar 11 13:57   Full Service History - nyx2k

you dont really see rusty cars at the coast anymore. 15yrs ago it was common but i dont see any more now. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Apr 11 11:46   Full Service History - Dog

How's about this Honda Civic EXI-VTEC then (scroll down to it) www.alanjgimblett.co.uk/pages/catalogue.php I've purchased my last 3 cars from them, they specialise in one owner, low mileage jobbies. I hope the gearbox is not a blimmin CVT though! Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Apr 11 13:46   Full Service History - corax

>> How's about this Honda Civic EXI-VTEC then (scroll down to it) www.alanjgimblett.co.uk/pages/catalogue.php >> >> I've purchased my last 3 cars from them, they specialise in one owner, low mileage >> jobbies. >> >> I hope the gearbox is not a blimmin CVT though! I reckon that will have a pretty jarring ride looking at that wheel/tyre combination, but that's personal. Don't forget they're not the most problem free Honda. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Apr 11 13:54   Full Service History - Lygonos

A CVT would be great - it's actually an i-SHIFT which is a manual with automated clutch - a very poor gearbox indeed. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Apr 11 17:25   Full Service History - Iffy

Dreadful ride and jerky gearbox. Although it has got flappy paddles on the steering wheel, as well as a full auto mode. And you can control it on the stick. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 3 Apr 11 18:43   Full Service History - Dog

We'll knock that idea on the head then - shame because I just luv the shape of the 06 onward Civic, The Volva V40 is orf as well - I don't need a large(ish) gas guzzler, so that leaves the Mazda 3, or the Suzuki SX4. Reply to this message | Report message