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!)?
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It doesnt really mean anything, hence its much used as it sounds better than it is.
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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
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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
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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"
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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.
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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.
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>> 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!
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>>>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.
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>>what, exactly, does the expression 'full service history' actually mean?
It could mean they've bought a stamped service book off ebay.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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>>Caveat emptor.
Indeed.
I trust you had serious words with relative?
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>>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 :)
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>> If that doesn't help me get a better than average price, I'll eat my hat.
>>
Is it a 'pork-pie' hat?
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Pork pie! Have you no taste, swizz?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
;-)
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... Must be in the extreme South West somewhere...
It's 182 miles from Truro, so perhaps it's on the Scilly Isles. :)
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It's worse than I thought then.
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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.
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...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.
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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.
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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.
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>>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 :)
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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.
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I'd ring the dealers in question just to be sure.
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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.
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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)
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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
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>>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!
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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.
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>>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!
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So ...
182 miles from Truro
71 miles from Maidstone, Kent.
161 miles from Biddulph, Staffs.
Reckon F/L could be about right then.
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Add 39 miles from Reading.
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I was just going by the house style and palm tree thing :-)
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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 :)
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>> Waterloovile, Hants,
Still a bit coastal then. Have a good look underneath if you drag yourself up there.
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>> 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.
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>>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".
:)
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advert is written in the style of a trader
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>>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!
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Supported by the non-negotiable, trade-like asking price.
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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.
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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/
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Interesting ... the plot thickens!
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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.
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Thanks bathtub - best to keep the ole Almera (the devil I know) one has to be a blimmin detective these days!
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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.
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>>contact is a 'M.Seaton'<<
Well spotted Lygonos ~ thanks!
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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.
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>>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.
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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.
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im in waterlooville this week so can have a look if interested. at least to suss out the seller
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>>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.
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'Course not, he's at his bombsite by the A3 shifting his cut'n'shuts! Busiest day of the week.
;-) ;-)
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>>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!
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i'll email him and get an address.
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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.
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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
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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. :)
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>>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.
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>>Both cars came from coastal areas, alas.
It's that sea salt you're so fond of...
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>>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.
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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.
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>>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)
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you dont really see rusty cars at the coast anymore. 15yrs ago it was common but i dont see any more now.
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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!
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>> How's about this Honda Civic EXI-VTEC then (scroll down to it) www.alanjgimblett.co.uk/pages/catalogue.php
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>> I've purchased my last 3 cars from them, they specialise in one owner, low mileage
>> jobbies.
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>> 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.
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A CVT would be great - it's actually an i-SHIFT which is a manual with automated clutch - a very poor gearbox indeed.
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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.
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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.
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Full Service History - Stuu
