We’re always told not to buy a car without a service history, but does it really make a difference?
Should you automatically rule out buying a used car because its service history is missing or incomplete?
Motus Select highlighted five reasons why service history is crucial when buying a used car.
• If there is no service history, there is always the possibility that a used car has been “clocked”. Clocking describes the process of lowering a vehicle’s recorded mileage in order to make it appear newer and more appealing to prospective buyers.
• A service history demonstrates that the previous owner of the car cared for it and was organised when it came to car maintenance. While this is not a guarantee that the vehicle is in mint condition, it is a promising sign.
• By buying a used car with a service history, there is no reason to lower the price of the vehicle if you decide to sell it in the future. The lack of a service history can reduce the value of a vehicle by up to 20%.
• Manufacturers will honour warranties on any components that fail if the car has been properly maintained and used.
• The more maintenance performed, the more likely the car will function properly for many more years to come.
