"Full Service History"

[Nezquick]

I'm currently looking for a car (ideally an EP3 Type R or an S2000) as a bit of a weekend runabout and have been studying PH and Autotrader trying to find a suitable car.

During my extensive searching, it amazes me how many adverts say "Full Service History" when they clearly don't have.

I've seen numerous 2005 EP3's with that in the description and then it says something like "4 stamps in service book" or "serviced at 10500, 26000, 42000, 52000"

It clearly doesn't have a full fking service history then does it! Muppet!

[Nezquick]

RTaylor2208 said:

I have to agree with this one, a full service history should mean its serviced at the right mileage \ age, most people skip the whatever comes first part thinking that if they only do 3K miles per year and the car is on a 10K PA \ 12 Months service schedule they only service it every 3 and a bit years.

That's exactly my point and it drives me mad.

For instance, S2000's need servicing every 9000 miles or 12 months, whichever is sooner. That doesn't mean it needs servicing once every 2 years if you only do 4500 miles a year.

[Nezquick]

Butter Face said:

Nezquick, I sent you a PM earlier. Did you get it?

Replied - thanks.

[Nezquick]

justanother5tar said:

When I view a car, I just go on condition and how well it looks like its been maintained. Quality parts, matching decent brand tyres etc.

FSH is often a complete lie, and is very rarely manufacturers history anyway so could very easily be an eBay stamp and one oil change in 50k.

Whilst its nice to have, I don't think it should put you off. Have a thorough look around the car, take a mechanic etc. Possibly have it checked over after you've bought it if you're still worried.

I agree that condition is the main thing. However, my view is that if someone truly is looking after their car then they'll have it serviced by someone on time and get the book stamped. It's not much to ask. Lying about it in the advert is just pointless IMO.

I'm not advocating a main dealer FSH over anything else but at least do it on time.

[Nezquick]

It's an interesting one though isn't it.

It seems like "FSH" means many things to many people. I'm firmly of the view that it means the book is stamped, and the service is done (including everything that's necessary for that service) on time as per the manufacturers recommendations be that mileage or age related.

If there's a stack of paperwork with it too, all the better.