Service History

[c13tay]

Been to look at a 1999 C180 sport.

The car seems to be in excellent condition and has no apparent faults.

It is also reasonably priced.

Trouble is the service book is missing (the whole wallet actually)

So no history, no receipts or anything.

I assume Mercedes will be able to tell me if it has any history with them ?

If I call them with the reg No, will they tell me ??

And finally - the million dollar question

would you buy such a car ??? as I said it looks and drives very well but obviously there is some risk involved in buying such a car without history

thanks

 

[verytalldave]

ALWAYS of course depends on the price. Cant you contact the last registered owner to find out more?

 

[television]

When I wanted some info once my MB dealer told me who did the servicing and that I should ask them, if all legitimate and up to date they will give you a new book

 

[lexuscol]

Doesn't mean a lot IMHO, because the majority of dealers don't do what should be done anyway. most just find things to try and con you into giving them money for nothing.

 

[Rose Chap]

Doesn't mean a lot IMHO, because the majority of dealers don't do what should be done anyway. most just find things to try and con you into giving them money for nothing.

And you're basing this on a survey of every Mercedes dealership in the country?

Of the seven I've used in various parts of the country I've been very satisfied.

 

[lexuscol]

I am not looking for an argument just relating to the experiences I have had. If your happy then well done you. I did not say all dealerships.
FSH or not the car can go sick in the next five mins, tomorrow. or the day after. You take your chance whichever way you buy.

 

[chriswt]

I am not looking for an argument just relating to the experiences I have had. If your happy then well done you. I did not say all dealerships.
FSH or not the car can go sick in the next five mins, tomorrow. or the day after. You take your chance whichever way you buy.

Its funny how everytime you take a car for a service it seems to need its aircon regassed (even my father-in-laws 12 month old Mondeo) or some sundry item or another needing replacement.

I just use dealers et al as advice centres and once they've told me something I'll come onto a forum like this and do some proper investigation myself.

When I took my old BMW to a specialist in St Albans they told me that my front discs were warped and needed replacing. "Thank you very much" I said, "you fitted them 3 months ago so I guess that means you'll be replacing them free of charge"....the look on the guys face was excellent!


As for missing service history it really depends on how comfortable you are with your own assessment of the car and above all, the price!

 

[Benz270]

A car will always be worth more and sell easier with complete service history. It really is a check to see what has been done on the car and also it helps to verify mileage.

A stamped book is one thing but service history with the receipts is better as you can see exactly what has been carried out at each service.

If there is no service history you should be able to ring the dealer who serviced the car and they will be able to provide details on the services.

However as i found in one instance they may not be prepared to provide you with a printout of this because the vehicle is not registered to you.

As for dealers not doing what they should do, thats a whole different issue. For me when buying a car FSH is a must and even then it should be checked to ensure it hasnt been falsified.