I'm looking at a 2012 Subaru Impreza that has done 55 000km. The only thing holding me back is the service history. Overall it has been serviced 4 times, last at 50 000km (6 months ago), however it went 2 years and 21000km between services (2014 to 2016). I am wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this. I would get a mechanic to review it prior to purchasing. Thanks in advance
Buying a Used Car with Incomplete Service History
bobkin on 15/04/2018 - 10:02
Comments
As long as a mechanic gives it the all clear and there was nothing bad found in its history, I would still consider it. Use the history as a negotiation point?
could have the KM wound back
Most cars theses days go 15,000km between services so it may be ok. Only way to tell would be to get an oil analysis done and look at the wear metals. Other than that you could listen for any unusual noises. I'd be looking for a decent discount.
It’s possible it was serviced between, just not recorded. Ie from a non dealer mechanic.
Still, if you are concerned about it, then maybe you should find another car. There are lots of used cars for sale and a similar enough one will come along soon.
Edit: I’m not sure of the benefit of taking it to a mechanic for inspection because without looking inside the engine or chemically assessing the oil it would probably not find much on a new-ish car.
21k between services will be fine. It's a modern engine. I highly doubt there was any damage done. IMHO modern engines are over serviced so car stealerships have a better revenue stream.
it's a boxer engine, so a bit more sensitive to infrequent oil changes
surely better to buy one that has been serviced correctly, it's not like it's a rare car
dime a dozen
I wouldn't in most cases.
Car with no service history = bad idea.
Maybe ask the owner why it's got 2 years of missing service. Were they travelling for an extended period during that time? Did it themselves? Do they have receipts to show a mechanic did do it but forgot to sign the book?
Go for it. If the car works, all g.
To be honest, I wouldnt judge. I service my own car every 10k like clock work and go over and above with everything. I.e. new quality filters regularly, premium fluids, miscellaneous checks, bolt tightening, balancing etc. I have never filled my log book since new. The car drives like new with 170k km. Obviously my situation is different, but the point I make is the logbook means squat really. Some service centres don't even change the oil sometimes. Get a mechanic to look at it and his/her word is best.I took my car to the mechanic once and I sat outisde the dealership waiting and they never even drove the car out the driveway, took $350 for an oil change, and not sure if they even changed it as there wasnt a drop around the filter base nor was there degreaser and my filter faces down so it leaks the second you unscrew it. That is the value of logbook servicing in my eyes.
Can always put a date on the oil filter that way they have to change it lol
What if they just change the date?
Marking like a “date” on the filter so you know they changed it or not.
If they didn’t change it, it will still have your “marking” on the filter.
If they did, would be a clean filter.
21k km two years means it isn't being used that often or for long distances. new cars shouldn't have any issues with 2 yrs service gaps..as long as it passes with the mechanic
I had a Subaru impreza that i didn't service for at least 2 years and 80,000kms and it never missed a beat
Nope, move on and find another. If its cheap, thats the reason.
Stamps in a book only mean someone has stamped that book… ask any ex service manager. :-) :-)
A good mechanic can tell if the car has been maintained and also if it has been abused.
If the price is right and an inspection by a qualified person gives it the thumbs up then go for it.
I have been servicing my car on time and only now have I realised (selling car) that my mechanic (not a dealership) hasn't filled any details out. He has only told me verbally.
Ask the mechanic to fill them in or present the car service invoices to the buyer
I have already told the mechanic and he is happy to do it. He knows I'm always on time and I only take my car to him.
Sounds a bit sus to me. Check odometer history using an online car history report and yes, always get a mechanical inspection. Sounds like a LONG time between services - not good!
Boxer engines have a tendency to use a bit more oil and require more frequent changing.
You have to ask yourself whether you are willing to risk any potential issues for the cheaper price.
Not a biggie, get a mechanic to go over it, hit the panels with paint depth meter for previous repairs, compression test on the engine and make sure everything works (electrical etc)
Couple points, if you pop the hood and the water bottle is brown, keep walking, may have overheating issues, on cold startup look for excessive water out of tailpipe and blue smoke and pop the oil cap if the engine is shiny like chrome its definitely had frequent oil changes. If it looks like oily sludge run and never look back!
If it’s a modestly priced vehicle - don’t do it. Seriously. I learned my lesson the hard way. 21k car, $1500 fuel pump, sparks, coils, $7500 turbo. Thousands more on parts and labour…
If it’s a $500 beater that dies… who cares.. throw it out, get another one.
Getting a pre-purchase inspection isn’t always going to reveal every hidden fault with the car & the dealer warranty might expire just before everything hits the fan… as for a private sale, yeah nah.
I wouldn't.
That car requires 6 monthly or 10000km services.
Your money.