A car will ideally be issued with a service book when you buy it which will show the garage performing each service and a log of the mileage, completed works and an authentication stamp. Some drivers may also supply receipts or invoices for each job and the costs incurred, all of which forms the car service history. Reg Car Check is unable to provide the service history of a car in our car checks.
A full service history is essential when buying a car – you want to be sure that a vehicle has been cared for properly and that the seller isn’t attempting to hide any mechanical issues that could result in costly or dangerous problems later on.
We provide a thorough verified service to help you access a vehicle’s full history in a simple and accessible report. With Reg Car Check, you’ll have instant access to the data that really matters, that’s affordable and easy to understand. Here’s why thousands of people in the UK choose our vehicle history checks.
Knowing how to check service history for a vehicle is the key to checking how well maintained a vehicle is, and what condition your car is in. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to checking when a car was last serviced, but you can request a copy of a vehicle’s Digital Service History from the manufacturer, but this can vary considerably. It’s a legal requirement for trade sellers to advertise the most basic service history to a buyer. You can also request data from Reg Car Checks – we can supply you with records of previous owners and ensure that there are no outstanding insurance claims or insurance write-offs, along with a range of other details.
The best way to find out if a service history is authentic is to use common sense, since there’s no set formula for checking whether the details have been forged. Here are a few tips:
There’s no requirement for sellers to supply a service history. In fact, you could sell a 30-year-old car without any services and it would be perfectly legal. However, it’s not advisable and buyers should exercise caution when buying a car without any evidence of checks and services. A good seller will be able to provide evidence that the car has been maintained and fully insured, and they’ll have serviced it when required.
A vehicle without a full service history will typically be sold for around 23% less than the equivalent with a full service history. If you’re serious about buying a vehicle with only a partial service history, it’s worth taking this into account and be prepared to haggle for the final price you pay. Ultimately, you’re taking a bigger risk if you buy a car without a service history so bear this in mind for signing on for a vehicle.
A full service history is something of a misnomer, since there’s not really such a thing that any provider can show a buyer. However, you can check for things such as import and export status, outstanding vehicle finance and other details that will give you a better overview of the vehicle and the condition it’s in at the point of you buying it.
The difference between these types of service history is minimal, it’s more about personal preference as to which one is provided or requested. Research shows that providing there is a full service history for the vehicle which is genuine, this is the best way to buy or sell a vehicle privately. Buyers should be cautious about buying a car sold by a ‘competent mechanic’ who can’t provide a service history as this is often a ruse and isn’t backed by any qualifications or certifications.