We’re often told not to buy a car without a service history, but how much of a risk is it? In this article, we look at how important a vehicle with an MOT history is and what to do if you have bought a used car that didn’t come with one.
Is Service History Important?
If you have ever bought or sold a used car, you will know that buyers want to see a car service book as it provides reassurance that the car in question is regularly serviced, has had any repairs, and that the advertised mileage is accurate. If the service history is missing, you can often ask for between a 10-20% discount off the price just for that. Buyers are also looking for positive MOT check results to ensure the vehicle has been looked after properly.
Well-preserved service records also give buyers confidence that a car has been cared for. Furthermore, a car with a service history is often more appealing and valuable than one without. However, a service history is only one factor to consider when choosing a car to purchase, so while it’s important, it’s not the be-all and end-all.
Is It Illegal To Sell A Car Without A Service History?
It is legal to sell a car without a service history, but the seller may not get as much money for the sale. Although having a service history is ideal, you should still be able to sell a vehicle without one, especially if it is an older car. For newer cars, service history would be more important to buyers, especially in terms of warranties.
Is It Illegal To Sell A Vehicle Without Disclosing That It Doesn’t Have A Service History?
When selling a car, the seller’s main responsibility is to ensure a truthful and accurate representation of the vehicle to potential buyers. While private sellers aren’t obligated to guarantee the car’s condition, it is crucial to refrain from falsely claiming it’s in good working order. Additionally, it’s important to note that misrepresenting the condition of the car is not only ethically questionable but also illegal. Complete transparency is essential, and if a prospective buyer asks about the vehicle’s condition, it is imperative to provide an honest response to stay within legal boundaries.
Is It A Bad Sign If A Car Has No Service History?
While a service history is important, you could buy a car without one for a lower price. It is possible to do an MOT check, so a car with no service record need not be a problem. Many cars now have their service history electronically stored, so you might not receive a physical copy of the service history as you would with older cars.
How To Check If Your Car’s Service History Is Legitimate
If you’re purchasing a second-hand car, be careful that the service history hasn’t been forged. This is a crime that has increased over recent years, as many sellers know they can get more money for a vehicle with a complete history.
For a car that’s three years or younger, the service records should be held on a central database with the manufacturer, so call them to double-check that the service history is correct. If the car is older, you can check that the repair centres listed in the stamp book are legitimate by calling the garages and asking if they completed the work listed in the book.
Buying A Car Without A Service History
If you bought a car without knowing about its service history, you may be able to track some of it down to give yourself peace of mind and even increase the value of your vehicle. There are legitimate reasons why a car may not have a service history, such as it being lost during a house move, and those records aren’t necessarily lost forever. To find out details for your vehicle, contact the manufacturer and ask them about your car using the VIN number, which you can find on your car’s door frame, engine compartment, or windshield, depending on your vehicle.
They should be able to tell you which dealer originally supplied the vehicle when it was new. You can then approach that dealer and see if they have information on your car. If the car was serviced at more than one garage, many manufacturers now have centralized records, so a main dealer should be able to give you the entire service history for that car.
How To Find Out A Car’s Service History
Another step worth taking to find out as much information as you can about your vehicle is to check the .gov.uk website to source the information you require from the DVLA, using the registration number. You should also be able to check for outstanding safety recalls, insurance status, and when its road tax and MOT expire.
Where To Find Car Parts
If you find a car you love that needs and repairs that require part replacements, search our stock of car breakers online or visit one of our car breakers yards in Edinburgh and York. We have thousands of vehicles available and our stock is changing all the time, so even if you don’t have a popular car, we may have the spare parts you need.
