Quote:
Originally Posted by 101lifts2
Keeping service records IMO is only good to prove your engine didn't blow due to lack of maintence for a warranty claim. It doesn't increase the value at all. Dealer's go by wholesale numbers.
In my dealer mechanic days, I used to do used car inspections and then fix whatever was broke. There are things you look for to determine maintenance in the tranny fluid, engine oil and coolant. Look under the engine oil cap, smell the trans fluid and look at the color of the engine coolant. Then of course you test drive it.
I would say things you cannot detect like a timing belt record would be useful, but if the motor doesn't slap the valves when the belt breaks, I'd say just run the engine until it breaks. You can probably get 2x the life out of a stock belt vs. what the manual says. 
I only keep records in my head. |
First, it seems more and more engines are interference design. So if the belt breaks your valves get bent. Personally I don't know why more engines don't have chains instead of belts.... I guess it's so the dealers can make money replacing them.
Also, it's easy for a guy to change his fluids before showing his car to anyone. Let's say he does this at 30,000 miles......Sure the fluids look nice, but he could have skipped the first couple of changes. I would rather have a guy who obeyed the first one or two recommended intervals, or even went ahead of schedule. I know most of you do that, so why wouldn't you want to prove it if asked?