AM Service History Question

[limey1]

I have a question about service history and supporting documentation.

I'm currently in the process of purchasing a "Timeless Approved" Vantage from a reputed dealer, but I don't like the fact that all we have is the service book and associated stamps. No MOTs, no invoices, and the dealer say that they can't provide a print out due to data protection act. Also, they say that Gaydon cannot provide this info so I am curious if others have a contact so I can check on this further.

So... is a stamped service book sufficient without invoices, or should I be concerned? I checked the GOV website for the past MOTs and the mileage matches up with the book, so that looks fine. Still, I wanted to get an idea on what work has been done on the car in recent years, as it would be nice to know.

What happens when you come to sell or trade the vehicle, would this be flagged as a concern?

Thanks in advance!

[bogie]

Nothing to worry about...not all owners keep all their invoices in a nice neat folder to pass onto future owners.

[V8VTim]

I bought mine 3 weeks ago from an AM main dealer. I phoned the two AM dealers who had serviced it from new and within a day had every invoice and all work ever carried out on the car. All they did was blank out the payment details. Both dealerships couldn't have been more helpful. I'd ask the question again.

I discovered my Sportshift is on its 3rd clutch in 55k but last one fitted at 50k phew! Also the dreaded corrosion on the door, this had been addressed earlier in the cars life. There are a few things you get to find out that you might not want to know and some that put your mind at rest.

Service stamps are great but only tell half the story.

[shuzzy]

I asked the dealer who had previously serviced my DB9 for any previous bills or reports, but did not receive anything. Apparently partly due to a computer system change over the years and data protection laws.

[mrpseudonym]

shuzzy said:

I asked the dealer who had previously serviced my DB9 for any previous bills or reports, but did not receive anything. Apparently partly due to a computer system change over the years and data protection laws.

I had the previous owner give the dealer permission to release the records. Had them within 24 hours. As a previous poster said, service stamps only tell half the story. There are certain issues - like paint corrosion - that I would want to know about. I wouldn't buy an Aston without seeing the details.

[Murph7355]

The dealers are being lazy and are talking out of their arse.

There is absolutely nothing stopping them removing names and addresses (personally identifying data) and sending the info. It annoys me when they trot out this bks.

If I had the choice of two cars, one with all the papers (and nothing demonstrably amiss) and one without, I'd take the one with.

Stamps give no indication of what has needed to be done, nor what was advised and skipped. A stamp doesn't tell you that a car has been the source of constant issues (or not) for example. Or tell you if all the standard issues have been addressed.

(Prior MOTs are available on line to a point... Can't recall which year).

[Murph7355]

Just looked at my cars... Seems to go back to 2011 Reliably, but as far back as 2005 (patching it seems).

Checking my Audi (C7AOE) you'll see things on its MOT history that would be well worth checking the service history for (Fortunately I'm anal and any prospective vendor will see details of every penny spent, who with and that all MOT items are dealt with...service stamps would not do that).

[M5MarkM]

bogie said:

Nothing to worry about...not all owners keep all their invoices in a nice neat folder to pass onto future owners.

Perverts!

[limey1]

Thanks for all the replies. I will phone the dealership where it was serviced for the majority of it's life and ask nicely if they can send copies but blank out the owner's details.

This is the only issue I can find with the car, so I think it's worth persevering. If I can't get anything, then at least I have tried. I am purchasing the car from a main dealer so hopefully all should be fine...

[bigee]

Agree with the comments saying lazy dealers and the fact that lack of paperwork would put off a fair few people when selling/buying. They are still a fair chunk of money to buy so logically you would think most owners would indeed be paying out good money in maintenance if nothing else to 'protect' their investment,hence it makes no sense to me not having relevant invoices etc. Try and insist on the dealer doing a bit of legwork as a condition of you buying (you only have this leverage before you pay up obviously as even if they claim it will have to follow on it never does ! )

[Ken Figenus]

Interesting the difference in approach by dealers... Took a big bundle in with my recently traded in Beemer - they gave me the lot back as they didn't want them. Managed to hastily write in the service book that it had an allegedly 'unnecessary' auto gearbox oil and filter change at 100k but they next owner will never know its had lots of bits and bobs done (inc swirl flap removal) and extra oil services Stuff most of us love to know. Usually sell privately but still felt a bit sorry for the next owner so in the dark.

[jakesmith]

V8VTim said:

I bought mine 3 weeks ago from an AM main dealer. I phoned the two AM dealers who had serviced it from new and within a day had every invoice and all work ever carried out on the car. All they did was blank out the payment details. Both dealerships couldn't have been more helpful. I'd ask the question again.

I discovered my Sportshift is on its 3rd clutch in 55k but last one fitted at 50k phew! Also the dreaded corrosion on the door, this had been addressed earlier in the cars life. There are a few things you get to find out that you might not want to know and some that put your mind at rest.

Service stamps are great but only tell half the story.

So 11,000 miles to the next one then!!!