How important is service history?
Discussion
I've owned my 4.0 chimaera for a year now having previously owned it up to 1999. In the 8 years it was owned by one person. In the excitement of getting it back I didn't get all the service receipts. Now I have them and most of the old ones I paid for have disappeared and there is very little to show for the period 1999 to 2007 although it did only cover 3000 miles in that time. This February I had the usual service, replacemet dash, wishbones, waxoyl and some other bits and bobs. It will have a service every year and any faults rectified as they appear from now on.
So the question, I intend to keep the car for a long time but will the lack of service be a problem come sale price and if so what can I do to improve the situation?
So the question, I intend to keep the car for a long time but will the lack of service be a problem come sale price and if so what can I do to improve the situation?
Personally I think too much is placed on History.
On one hand it is always interesting to read what has been done and how much was spent. but on the other hand it can also mean that the new owner is likely to have to spend similar amounts which could put them off.
As long as there is a record of regular scheduled services then I believe that is more important.
If a car has only done 3k miles in 7 years then it is unlikely to have 7 services.
What went on it its earlier life in unlikely to affect the value.
If a buyer was interested and slightly put off then as soon as he knew that you previously owned it during that time, then it is very unlikely that you would buy it back if you hadnt looked after it.
If you keep it for a few years then as all of our P&J s they arent going to worth much then and a 10 year old plus service history is purely academic. I'd be more interested in the last 5 years. AIMHO of course!
Trev
On one hand it is always interesting to read what has been done and how much was spent. but on the other hand it can also mean that the new owner is likely to have to spend similar amounts which could put them off.
As long as there is a record of regular scheduled services then I believe that is more important.
If a car has only done 3k miles in 7 years then it is unlikely to have 7 services.
What went on it its earlier life in unlikely to affect the value.
If a buyer was interested and slightly put off then as soon as he knew that you previously owned it during that time, then it is very unlikely that you would buy it back if you hadnt looked after it.
If you keep it for a few years then as all of our P&J s they arent going to worth much then and a 10 year old plus service history is purely academic. I'd be more interested in the last 5 years. AIMHO of course!
Trev
Mine gets a bit patchy before 2003, but the service book is all stamped up from new. Have you not got that either?
Anybody with half a brain would be buying it on present condition, but any excuse to chip you on price I guess. If you have a brimming folder of stuff to hand over in a few years, buyers are unlikely to notice I would think.
Anybody with half a brain would be buying it on present condition, but any excuse to chip you on price I guess. If you have a brimming folder of stuff to hand over in a few years, buyers are unlikely to notice I would think.
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