Just joined and need advice on service history
- Thread starter nigelord
- Start date
Depends on what’s the reasons are really. It should have at least some regular dealer servicing than an Indy or home mechanics with a folder of receipts. If a seller was claiming it was all lost the condition of the car should sell its self if it’s been looked after. Too many unscrupulous people out there to try and mug people off. I would be hard to part with my cash plenty out there to choose from so don’t rush into any think. If you can get hold of the vin the dealership should be able to give at least the BMW service history and any recalls on it. If the seller can’t even provide that beware.
Hi, welcome to the forum. I'd decide whether or not to buy the car on the way it looks, how it drives and runs how clean it is etc. Z3's are pretty solid and don't really suffer from body rot but there are exceptions. You can check MOT history on the DVLA site which will give you an insight into how it's been looked after as all advisories are recorded for everyone to see. If you aren't mechanically minded try to get someone to look at it for you.
There are always cars for sale here on the forum and the best thing about buying one here is that it's owned by an enthusiast. Good luck.
There are always cars for sale here on the forum and the best thing about buying one here is that it's owned by an enthusiast. Good luck.
Susan Lester
Regular Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2014
- Points
- 24
Don't touch it. Who would love a car and not even give it a drink?
Naaah, no service record AT ALL????? Unless you are planning on working on it, then if it's the right price.
The bitter disappointment of poor servicing lingers long after the sweetness ofcheap price!
Naaah, no service record AT ALL????? Unless you are planning on working on it, then if it's the right price.
The bitter disappointment of poor servicing lingers long after the sweetness ofcheap price!
A 20 year old car with a full service record is unusual.
The best I normally see is one with the handbook pack and service book stamped up to 50/70k then maybe a few bits of paper allowing a partial later history to be pieced together from there.
If you can find the original dealership who sold it they may have records. But I’ve tried that a couple of times and been told they replaced their system x years ago and didn’t carry the data over.
So for me lack of service record is the norm and judge on its own merit. If it’s got a full service record it’s unusual and expect to pay a premium (possibly) for it.
The best I normally see is one with the handbook pack and service book stamped up to 50/70k then maybe a few bits of paper allowing a partial later history to be pieced together from there.
If you can find the original dealership who sold it they may have records. But I’ve tried that a couple of times and been told they replaced their system x years ago and didn’t carry the data over.
So for me lack of service record is the norm and judge on its own merit. If it’s got a full service record it’s unusual and expect to pay a premium (possibly) for it.
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2016
- Points
- 218
- Location
- Maybole , South Ayrshire
- Model of Z
- Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
I would have to agree with much of what has been said unless you are paying top money for a one owner low mileage zed a lot of them will have had 5 + owners do things like service books get lost in change of ownership i bought my Dakar with no history had been off road nearly 6yrs and a house change had lost the service book somewhere along the line.
As said mot history will give an indication of upkeep as said if no mechanical knowledge take someone who does.
At the end of the day if the price matches the condition and reflects the amount of paperwork that you will get then I don't see why not .
Stephen.
As said mot history will give an indication of upkeep as said if no mechanical knowledge take someone who does.
At the end of the day if the price matches the condition and reflects the amount of paperwork that you will get then I don't see why not .
Stephen.
Hi and welcome from London
to the forum from me too in Staffordshire.