Buying a used car that imminently needs a service and timing

[JeS10]

Hi all,

I've been looking for an Abarth 500 for a while, and found a nice one with good spec. It was first registered in May 2010 but has only done 17k miles. However, the first problem is it is being sold by Arnold Clark. This stopped being a major issue when the sales guy was fine - not even remotely annoying! The car has been serviced 3 times, the last one being at 14k miles in September 2013. Thing is the car should get its first 'big' service at 18k and given that it is 4 years old, it is apparently due a timing belt. Would it be 'the done thing' for the dealer to do this work before I get the car? Prices vary wildly for this service and belt change - not sure if I should take the Arnold Clark service plan for £249 for 2 years - I imagine though that this would at the most include oil, filter and a cursory glance; i'd still need to fork out for plugs, filters etc etc.

[James_N]

Please don't take out the service plan. Have you had a read of what it includes? Here, have a read:

Arnold Clark said:

Fixed Price Service Schedule


•Check Horn Operation
•Check Basic Instrument Operation
•Check Wiper & Washer Operation
•Check Heater & Air Conditioning Operation
•Check Hand Brake Operation
•Check for Excessive Oil Leaks
•Check Exhaust Condition & Security
•Check Brake Lining Wear & Tear
•Check Brake Disc Wear & Tear
•Check Brake Wheel Cylinders
•Check Brake Pipes & Hoses
•Suspension Safety Check
•Steering Safety Check
•Renew Engine Oil
•Renew Oil Filter
•Check Lights Illuminate

•Set Tyre Pressure
•Check Lamp Lenses for Damage
•Check Coolant Level & Anti-Freeze Content
•Check Brake/Clutch Fluid Levels & Top Up
•Lubricate Door Hinges & Locks
•Check Power Steering Fluid Level
•Check Battery Levels & Connections
•Advise if Timing Belt is Due Replacement
•Advise if Pollen Filter is Due Replacement
•Check Visible Drive Belts
•Check Wiper Blade Condition
•Check Air Filter
•Add Screen Wash Additive
•Check Spark Plugs (Advise If Replacement Required)
•Check Tyres for Wear & Damage (Complete Report)
•Road Test & Report

So basically, your paying a lot of money for an oil and filter change, even spark plugs are extras! Cheeky bds

Personally, I would walk away and find one that doesn't need the work doing but if you absolutely must buy this, then negotiate the servicing and belt change into the price, but that said, knowing Arnold Clark, it will be overpriced in the first place.

[DervVW]

Use it to bargain the price down, pay what you agree and they do the major service (no rules to say you can't do it early) Or get them to knock 300ish off the price and do it yourself/own garage?

Yes don't pay £249 for a list of common sense checks and oil!

[AJB]

All depends on the price, but in general I'd be happier buying a car then getting it serviced somewhere I trust than I would buying one and hoping/trusting that the seller had done the service they say they have.

So, if it was me, if I could get a fair price allowing for the fact that a cambelt needs doing soon then I'd prefer that.