Would you buy a car with missing history?

[markjay]

My CLK had a full MB history when I bought it with 70k on the clock. Since then it has never been near another MB dealer, except from the customer car park when buying parts. So it doesn't have a full history ? it has been to a well known indi "Nick Webster" for a gearbox service, front disc's and pads, needed a new calliper too. Most other stuff, water pump, oil and filters, aircon condenser Etc I have done myself using either MB or Lemforder parts.
I have a genuine thermostat housing to fit when the weather lets up. Just arrived today is a new Pierburg auxiliary water pump. Most people don't bother replacing them, but I do like things to be right. The file of invoices would suggest that my car is in equally as good or maybe better shape than one with a book full of pretty and expensive main dealer stamps.

I think that most people will expect to see MB dealer service for the first 3 years, then annual servicing by an independent specialist. Having full MB service history on cars older than 3 years is obviously a good sign (because it is an indication that the previous owner did not skimp on maintenance costs), but it's not something that potential buyers really expect to see.

The issue is with cars that have gaps in their service history. You can't tell if the servicing was actually been carried-out but the records were lost, or perhaps the previous owner tried to cut corners with the car's running costs - in which case you have to wonder what else might be wrong with the car? That been said, if you know how to inspect a car, you'll be able to tell if it has been well looked after or not, even without the service records.

 

[colinallcars]

I knew you'd ask this! Yes it is....it's a c250d. I've looked at C350e hybrids but at this age I'm put off due to battery life and failing airmatic shocks. I've also looked at the C200 but am not overly impressed with this engine and reading across many sources, average mpg is high 30's if you drive with any force (which I do). A common factor from my research seems to be people having AdBlue issues when the diesel car is only being driven around town/low mileages and the systems isn't getting hot enough - it seems to mirror some of the issues when DPF's first became widespread. I know it's a risk and have read ALOT about it but it seems if yu're going to do longer, 'spirited' journies then it's less of an issue and I'll also take preventative actions i.e. remove the AdBlue injector and clean it, add some cleaner to tank to break down any urea crystals and also keep the tank around half full - all recomendations from a mate who's an MB head-tech. For me, diesel still makes sense.

Can’t you get your mate, the MB head-tech, to look the car over?

 

[Flyinspanner]

i imagine there will be loads of cars with no service history for the “Lockdown years”.
Cars sat at home unused, garages were shut. = No Services done.

I wouldn’t over worry if you have given it a good look over.
(maybe push for a years warranty).

 

[Jobsworth]

Most decent independents have access to DSB. We aren’t expensive and can maintain the service history and the car properly. You can buy one with no history, but it’s a gamble.

 

[ray_hennig]

I remem ber looking at a 300CE-24 at a local garage. No documents of any sort.

And the seller was getting ever more rattled as I looked at the engine oil, sniffed the auto box fluid and, finally rubbed the oily stuff in the coolant expansion tank. I think he knew that any potential sale to me was there and then doomed.

R

 

[DrMariano]

Most decent independents have access to DSB. We aren’t expensive and can maintain the service history and the car properly. You can buy one with no history, but it’s a gamble.

Most decent independents have access to DSB. We aren’t expensive and can maintain the service history and the car properly. You can buy one with no history, but it’s a gamble.

Hi, I was wondering if you could

Most decent independents have access to DSB. We aren’t expensive and can maintain the service history and the car properly. You can buy one with no history, but it’s a gamble.

Hi @Jobsworth,
I am looking to purchase the following vehicle W1N1671172A256795. The RAC report says no previous keepers nor registered services.. would you be able to validate that please?

 

[Bortig]

You can check it's mot history via dvla website all you need is the reg. number, if you are happy to put that on here more info might be forthcoming from others

 

[Jobsworth]

Hi, I was wondering if you could

Hi @Jobsworth,
I am looking to purchase the following vehicle W1N1671172A256795. The RAC report says no previous keepers nor registered services.. would you be able to validate that please?

Car has 3 services on the DSB,
25.5.21 @ 16,247 miles A service
18.11.21 @ 32,696 miles A service
24.6.22 @ 49,981 miles A service

 

[Jobsworth]

Before anyone moans, I was just sitting here inputting two days worth of services, it was a few button pushes to look.

 

[DrMariano]

Before anyone moans, I was just sitting here inputting two days worth of services, it was a few button pushes to look.

Really appreciated, thank you. The car is on an action with deployed pyro fuse so mileage info is not available. It is less than 3 years old so no records on DVLA. I did get RAC report but it is completely useless, nothing besides info that you can get free on motorscan. I did review pictures but I couldn’t find service stickers anywhere. I zoomed in on rotors and I could spot a bit of a lip there and so that brought me here.

 

[Riva811]

I wouldn't and I would also check if all items are done when needed, like spark plugs and gear box. Lots of cars never had them done due to price

 

[davymead]

Depends. If the car was rare and very sought after then I’d spend time digging.
Run of the mill vehicle, find another with full history.

 

[Spider10]

I take it that its on copart? Pyro fuse usally blows when airbags are deployed

 

[SmartAmg]

If it's your ideal car, spec, colour, extras, and it drives ok, then yes, definitely.

 

[cws196]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I decided against the car as the more questions I asked, the more evasive the salesman became. Went for an almost identical car from MB used approved at the same price.

 

[SmartAmg]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I decided against the car as the more questions I asked, the more evasive the salesman became. Went for an almost identical car from MB used approved at the same price.

Result! Enjoy your new motor.

 

[merc estate]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I decided against the car as the more questions I asked, the more evasive the salesman became. Went for an almost identical car from MB used approved at the same price.

Well stick a picture up lets see what you bought in the end

 

[markjay]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I decided against the car as the more questions I asked, the more evasive the salesman became. Went for an almost identical car from MB used approved at the same price.

Good news!

A few suggestions:

- Check the car as you would any used car, and regardless of the fact that it is an Approved Used.

- Ask to see a printout of the service history.

- On collection, check carefully that everything that has been agreed with the salesperson, has been done (e.g. paint correction, cleaning, tyre change, wheel refurb, etc). If anything is still outstanding, then personally I would leave the car there and collect it only when it's fully prepared as agreed.

- One thing to keep in mind, is the legalities behind the Approved Used purchase. Any fault or issue that should have been rectified prior to delivery, falls under The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (and not the Approved Used warranty), and can only be resolved directly with the dealer that you bought the car from. Then, faults that occur under your ownership or that could not have been detected prior to delivery, fall under both the Act and the Approved Used 1-Year warranty, and only when claiming under the Approved Used scheme faults can be fixed by any MB dealer (and not necessarily the dealer that you bought the car from). Just something to bear in mind.

Good luck with the car!

 

[ALFAitalia]

i imagine there will be loads of cars with no service history for the “Lockdown years”.
Cars sat at home unused, garages were shut. = No Services done.

Service centres and MOT stations were NEVER shut....certainly at least not around here. There were deemed essential so did not have to close for lockdown.

 

[Spider10]

The MOTs were extended by 6 month's