Just wondered what peoples opinions were on cars that have been serviced by their owners.

I'm not talking major stuff like cambelts, more the regular oil and filter change/spark plugs/air filter/pollen filter.

Having done regular servicing on my old Pulsar and 300ZX (oil changes every 3000 miles etc) I know what to do and when to do it, but I wouldn't want to ruin my chances of selling the car on when the time comes

Andy

If I was a buyer, I'd be looking for a history at a main dealer or recognised independent specialist. The problem is I don't know if the owner knows what he's doing and I wouldn't want to risk having a problematic car as a result. There's also the warranty implications if the car is under 3 years/60k miles....

Chris

The problem is I don't know if the owner knows what he's doing and I wouldn't want to risk having a problematic car as a result.

A potential future buyer also has to trust the fact that the work has actually been done.

Maybe worth keeping receipts for all your oil and consumables purchases to back up what you say you have done.

Depends on car and mileage I thinik...

If I keep my vrs past 100k i'll probably start servicing it myself and keep all service parts receipts together.

I service the girlfriends 205 gti myself and keep all the receipts, for it. Might sell it soon, saving for a house for the lose :(

So far I've ben going to independant specialists, but I was just wondering if it would really make much difference.

And regarding the trust issue, do you really know that your oil and filter has been changed during a service? You're told it has and pay for it, but unless you actually watch them doing it, is there any guarantee? Or is it the question of liability?

If we're just talking oil changes, new plugs, air filters etc, is there really much that could go wrong that would be caused by these factors?

If we're just talking oil changes, new plugs, air filters etc, is there really much that could go wrong that would be caused by these factors?

Depends on the car but a lot are pretty fussy about the type of oil they take! You're right, the stamps are no guarantee the work has been carried out, but if the dealer/garage is reputable then I see no reason to question it, plus there may be some comeback if something fails. It may actually be better for a garage to fail to do it than an amateur mechanic to attempt and bodge it. Horses for courses

It will also depend on the age of the car - I tend to buy mine at or just before 3 years so I look for a decent service history and will try and maintain it while the car is worth something. My car is now reaching higher miles and is pretty much worthless to anyone but me, so I'll be giving up on my local independent and DIYing it

Chris

Depends on the car but a lot are pretty fussy about the type of oil they take!

Absoultely, and I would only use VAG approved oil

It will also depend on the age of the car

Mines a 51 plate, so just over 6 years old, and just over 70k. Got quoted £3500 trade in by a main dealer, so I know its not really worth much to anyone but me!!

I service my own fabia, and i think i do a better job of it than the dealers.

I tend to swap things like gearbox oil, coolent and brake fluid much sooner, i also check the condition of the brakes every 10k instead of every 20k which the dealers do.

I Keep every reciept and only use genuine parts. So I hope when i come to eventually sell the car, the buyer will appreciate the amazing condition of the veichle and also the recipts which are dated and mileage and reg on the invoice too.

___

john

I am all for self servicing and will do soon as i have had my 60000 service due in very soon

I Keep every reciept and only use genuine parts. So I hope when i come to eventually sell the car, the buyer will appreciate the amazing condition of the veichle and also the recipts which are dated and mileage and reg on the invoice too.

Just gotta hope that they don't read your posts on here :P:rofl:

Chris

Do pretty much everything myself, or with the help of a garage I know very well.

Did self servicing on an old BX and 306 and they did very well.

Major issue you have to look out for is making sure you do everything, I'd put a check sheet with all the receipts attached to it if you want to sell it.

The reason we self serviced was that we never sold the cars and just ran them until they were no longer viable.

Do pretty much everything myself, or with the help of a garage I know very well.

Alex.... I think I broke something! Which way was the bolt supposed to turn?

Just gotta hope that they don't read your posts on here :P:rofl:

Chris

why,

Look at my sig, everything thats broken has been replaced with better

Im keeping a detailed and comprehensive log of all work done on mine including receipts and nicely formatted pages all in a nice folder.

I do all the jobs which I can do on my cars,I always have to keep the cost down ,and to know it was done right. If I dont know how to do it, I look on this site, the internet , or ask other people.

There are sometimes when I have to use a garage as I havent got a pit , or specialist tools are needed which is becoming more frequent as car technology changes and/or improves.

I service my own cars myself, but if under 3 years I'd get a dealer to do it, likewise if I wanted to ensure I got top dollar for a car come resale time.

In all honesty, I believe by maintaining my car myself its being looked after better than if I paid a dealer to do it, but I certainly wouldn't expect a buyer to have the same mindset. I hope that if I sell mine the condition and wallet full of receipts etc will speak for itself.

anything i do myself i get receipts for and put in book. i think it depends on your plans for the car long term.

some form of stamp is reassuring but receipts for all bits would be enough for me aslong as it is all the correct stuff.

all depends on your buyer, a VRS shopper may know more about it so not be so bothered about lack of stamps but a some other models may not attract such car enthusiasts and to them a stamp is more suitable as they may not be as tuned into cars.

all depends on your buyer, a VRS shopper may know more about it so not be so bothered about lack of stamps but a some other models may not attract such car enthusiasts and to them a stamp is more suitable as they may not be as tuned into cars.

I think it would be the other way around, personally.

Chris

Just wondered what peoples opinions were on cars that have been serviced by their owners.

I'm not talking major stuff like cambelts, more the regular oil and filter change/spark plugs/air filter/pollen filter.

Having done regular servicing on my old Pulsar and 300ZX (oil changes every 3000 miles etc) I know what to do and when to do it, but I wouldn't want to ruin my chances of selling the car on when the time comes

Andy

To keep the warranty lot happy, it has to be serviced at a VAT registered garage and any items and/or consumables be to published specs or equivalent OEM quality.

J.