Buying a car with no service history??

[dave_s13]

I went to see this car last sunday and it was [typically] not quite as good as the ad would suggest

Spazzy Shape Multipla

It's a spastic shaped Fiat Multipla, ok, don't laugh, I know they are a bit weird but the wife really likes them. tbh, so do I.

Anyway, it was clean enough, the odd scratch but nothing out of the ordinary. Excellent tread on all tyres, interior clean with a couple of minor trim items missing but no biggy. Engine bay clean, engine sounded entirely normal, all fluids correct level/colour etc. AC worked as did all the other bits and bobs (except radio needed code).

Only real issues were:-

1. One of the 2 keys had snapped (clicker for locking still worked) and I know these are pricey from Fiat.

2. NO literature or service record of any kind whatsoever.

I stopped at this point as couldn't be arrised getting them to rearrange the jam packed car park esque lot to let me drive the thing. But then I've thought about it and tbh, does it matter? Based on condition the car seemed spot on. Only realy issue will be selling it on afterward. Obvioulsy it would need belts doing and a service but that's not too big a deal is it.

So the question is, I've forgoten, what was I asking again.........do I make him a low offer with a reasoned argument as above as I could do all the belts/service myself (I think).

[dave_s13]

bozmandb9 said:

Yes, but make it an incredibly low offer. He's trying to position it as a low mileage one owner car. That's not an option without a service history!

To be honest he should probably be paying you to drive that thing, but if its what you want I wouldn't let the missing history put you off. I wouldn't worry about re-sale value either. If you can ever find anybody crazy enough to buy it after your ownership, they'll probably willingly accept a goldfish in a bowl instead of the service history!

Ha

I know what you mean, they are proper $hite marmite aren't they!

To be fair though they seem a good sprog/dog lugger and seem good on fuel too.

[dave_s13]

WeirdNeville said:

Fiat multiplas are ten a penny - so you can find a decent on WITH history. If you buy without ,you're buying blind.

To be fair, they aren't. Not if you want the dizzy heights of an ELX 1.9td, with reasonable mileage and not travel 300 miles to see it.

Anyone know how easy/hard a belt/tensioner/water pump change is on one of these engines?

Edited by dave_s13 on Tuesday 10th January 12:06

[dave_s13]

jimxms said:

I'd avoid tbh.

My folks had a Multipla for about 5 years which they used as a snotter. It never had a service, never had any coolant/oil/filter changes. If anything went wrong, they took the cheapest (bodged) way of repairing it.

It was a RIGHT st heap when they traded it in, but you can bet the dealer they traded it with probably gave it a quick tart up in the paint shop, did what was needed to MOT it and sold it for triple profit.

Hence why I'm not travelling more 20 miles (less preferably, this one is 10mins away).

This particular car is actually very tidy. Inside is pretty much like new so I'd be suprised if it's been clocked. In fact the only bit of trim missing was the rear passenger seat recline wheel thingy. Same with the engine bay, it was just very "tidy", and sounded correct too.

I'll wait and see anyway, need to see how my Volvo does on ebay (finishes on Thurs night) and then might go back for a test drive at the weekend.

[dave_s13]

sday12 said:

dave_s13 said:

jimxms said:

I'd avoid tbh.

My folks had a Multipla for about 5 years which they used as a snotter. It never had a service, never had any coolant/oil/filter changes. If anything went wrong, they took the cheapest (bodged) way of repairing it.

It was a RIGHT st heap when they traded it in, but you can bet the dealer they traded it with probably gave it a quick tart up in the paint shop, did what was needed to MOT it and sold it for triple profit.

Hence why I'm not travelling more 20 miles (less preferably, this one is 10mins away).

This particular car is actually very tidy. Inside is pretty much like new so I'd be suprised if it's been clocked. In fact the only bit of trim missing was the rear passenger seat recline wheel thingy. Same with the engine bay, it was just very "tidy", and sounded correct too.

I'll wait and see anyway, need to see how my Volvo does on ebay (finishes on Thurs night) and then might go back for a test drive at the weekend.

Another ask for advice then do what you were going to do anyway, why bother posting?

Because I'm a knunt. What's your excuse.

Edited by dave_s13 on Tuesday 10th January 17:06