Why dont people keep service records?

[Homeslice]

So on the one hand, you guys are saying proof of maintenance isn't important, yet on the other hand you're saying you'd call a shop to find out if it's been maintained. Which is it?

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

So on the one hand, you guys are saying proof of maintenance isn't important, yet on the other hand you're saying you'd call a shop to find out if it's been maintained. Which is it?

I'm consistent... I don't ask and I wouldn't call.

I've interviewed, managed, and sold enough people over the years to tell with freakishly good accuracy, when someone is lying... even when someone is REALLY good at it. That said, most people are REALLY bad at it.

Also, I'm no expert, but I can look over pretty much anything mechanical and tell if it was abused or in the least, poorly maintained. AND you can tell a lot about how something's maintained based upon how well the person responsible for it maintains their other shit. It's not rocket science...

And... I think what the people are saying, without double talk as you imply, is that if they are that concerned about maintenance records, there are other ways of obtaining the information without saving/asking for every receipt for everything that's ever been done...

[101lifts2]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

....I've interviewed, managed, and sold enough people over the years to tell with freakishly good accuracy, when someone is lying... ...

I'm Jesus Christ. Wanna buy a bridge?

[Rangerscott]

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

I'm Jesus Christ. Wanna buy a bridge?

As long as it's made of toothpicks.


I refill the gas tank when it gets low. Isn't that maintenance enough?

[shmike]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

So on the one hand, you guys are saying proof of maintenance isn't important, yet on the other hand you're saying you'd call a shop to find out if it's been maintained. Which is it?

Unnecessary redundancy is not important.
Unnecessary redundancy is not important.

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by shmike

Unnecessary redundancy is not important.
Unnecessary redundancy is not important.

It is important if it saves me time when deciding whether to buy someone's car. No matter which make & model I'm looking for, there's always several of them being sold in my local area. Asking about service history is one way to whittle down the options and save time, rather than going over to everyone's house.

[the chi]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Sometimes I think you people just take the opposite side just to disagree.

Ding ding ding...I think he gets it boys...not saying all member here do it, but several admit to arguing just to argue. They like seeing ppl (you especially) get their panties in a wad so to speak.

Originally Posted by Flexin

Even the most well kept car can break the day after you buy it.

James

Yeah, just ask Drewpy.

tee hee.

I have to say, in my short like I avg a car at least every 2 years. New, used, etc. Bikes too, tho I kept the GSXR a good long time. And NONE, I repeat NONE of the purchasers, be they private or dealer have ever asked or cared about records. Nor can any be provided the few times I ask when they tell me how good it was taken care of.

I dont keep them, I dont see the point in more unnecessary paperwork cluttering the place. Not to mention, most of ours is done by the family mechanic, Dad. I'm sure he keeps every single receipt for our stuff and has it filed alphabetically and by date. But thats his thing, and he does it for himself, as he doesnt to my knowledge hand over any of his records when we buy and sell.

As far as mods and such, unless its something crazy awesome, which it never is, I'm not paying more than a vehicle books just because you think you should make some money back that you put into it. Cars arent houses, they dont appreciate. They depreciate. (Again, unless its something insane, like an original Shelby racing Cobra or something along those lines.)

Originally Posted by Homeslice

It is important if it saves me time when deciding whether to buy someone's car. No matter which make & model I'm looking for, there's always several of them being sold in my local area. Asking about service history is one way to whittle down the options and save time, rather than going over to everyone's house.

Now thats a valid point. If you are into whittling them down. But if its something that speaks to your soul and you just gotta have it and no one else has one, are you going to refuse to buy it because they couldnt provide records?

[Trip]

Originally Posted by the chi

Yeah, just ask Drewpy.

tee hee.

I wouldn't call Drewpy's choice "the most well kept." Bart is pretty hard on his stuff.

[anthonyk]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

It is important if it saves me time when deciding whether to buy someone's car. No matter which make & model I'm looking for, there's always several of them being sold in my local area. Asking about service history is one way to whittle down the options and save time, rather than going over to everyone's house.

Well shit, if we all kept service records, it wouldn't save you any time would it?

[Flexin]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

It is important if it saves me time when deciding whether to buy someone's car. No matter which make & model I'm looking for, there's always several of them being sold in my local area. Asking about service history is one way to whittle down the options and save time, rather than going over to everyone's house.

Forget saving time. How about saving money? Ask your questions by email or by phone and decide which ones to go look at. Don't go by a piece of paper. Any papers that make the car look bad can be tossed in the garbage. Now the car looks like a great car that was well taking care of.

Look at the car yourself and decide. Going in knowing what things cost can also help when your deciding what to pay.

James