Stamped Service Book...Is that enough?

[Jimbob 2705]

Now I'm starting to look very seriously at 182's I'd like some of your thoughts on Service History

People say buy on Service history, not mileage, which I agree with

Problem I'm finding is that I want something fairly low mileage (Prefersbly sub 70,000 miles) and finding something with good service history is difficult, most have only had a few services

What's the opinion on buying one with just the service book stamped? No receipts as such

Found a tidy one on just over 60k miles, which has 7 service stamps but no receipts

The belts needs doing as it was last done in 2011 (If it was done recently I'd want a receipt of the belts being done as more solid proof)

Over to you chaps

Many Thanks
James

 

[dangerous dave]

Just stamps are worthless, it's as good as never having one..

My old dears had hers from new and every bill gets put into the wallet.. It's not difficult..

If you were selling the car with just stamps, do you think people will trust it? Will they fk.. They would have to start ringing up all the garages, but that normal starts with a story about how the dealer changed and you can get the history from them..

 

[Amos91]

If it's stamped by Renault dealerships or specialists I would be fairly happy with that. Random unknown garages may create some second thoughts but I believe many people buy off stamped books.

 

[R3k1355]

Why does the belt need doing if it was last done in 2011??

 

[Jack!]

7 Nando's stamps?

Won't that get you a free chicken?

 

[The Russian.]

7 Nando's stamps?

Won't that get you a free chicken?

 

[Sir_Dave]

Found a tidy one on just over 60k miles, which has 7 service stamps but no receipts

A book with no receipts is an utterly pointless exercise.
You can buy a book & stamps off ebay. Instant service history innit.

 

[cat171]

I keep receipts for everything, MOT receipt, new bulbs, wipers, servicing. Everything gets filed.

 

[CrippsCorner]

I bought my current Clio 182 with just the stamped booked and no receipts... maybe I've been lucky but this car has been an absolute diamond. Now has almost 4 years of receipts which I hope will be good enough for the next owner

 

[Edd90]

I bought mine with hardly any history. It did have a parts only receipt for the belts but 2 weeks after buying it, the dephaser went. So i ended up getting it all done anyway. Other than that and now the CV joint after 2 years of ownership and approx 25k miles, I've had no other problems.

Also depends how much it is, I bought mine knowing I'd get most of money back from stripping it if something serious went wrong with it, head gasket etc.

 

[Jack!]

People always seem to use their own experiences of playing with fire and not getting burnt as reasoning...

"Yeah, I fucked a monkey and I didn't get AIDS, it'll be reet".

 

[imprezaworks]

Bills over stamps. But you pay your money and take a chance. Just because it has lots of history didn't mean nothing major will happen, obviously it may help. If the car looks and drives well, has a service book or bills then go for it.

One example. I've had my track car since September, been used energetically on track four times, zero issues, tempting fate right there.

And thinking a bit too much. There is nothing stopping a seller having a friend who owns a garage with access to a pen and workshop invoice pad.

 

[Mbeau]

With the age and prices of Clios now I think you need to buy on condition mechanically and cosmetically. Good test drive normally gives an indication. That along with service history, backed up by bills. Stamps as already stated mean nothing unless main/reputable dealer who can normally provide receipts etc if contacted.

Just because a car has an oil and filter every year at the main dealer does not mean its looked after(How many people with no mechanical knowledge bother to check oil level unless the dash light comes on!!!!). There are many enthusiasts out there who are more than capable of servicing and completing work on their own cars.

Some people are obsessed with history and rightfully so on certain cars. In my personal experience some of the best cars I have had are over 100k with little or no history. Purchased on how they drive, look, feel etc. Some of the low mileage ones with history have been shocking!!

One of the best Clio 182's I had was on 128k when I purchased. This had an extensive history, only two owners and wanted in its life for nothing. Drove fantastic and very reliable in the time I had it.

Just my thoughts!

 

[Adam93]

IMO, if the car has no bills to support the service history stamps, how do you know they are genuine ? a true enthusiast will keep all the receipts for service work, modifications and any other maintenance. I keep the bills for services, oil, upgraded parts, tyres etc.... then the next potential buyer knows exactly what has been spent on the car.

 

[Chrisgti6]

RECEIPTS RECEIPTS RECEIPTS!!

My current car has more in receipts that I paid for the car! At last count (not including the (1k+ i've spent on it) it was at about £5k, all Volvo main dealer. Even wipers were changed at the main dealer! Everything is main dealer up until I got it. I've just kept all my receipts for work i've done - most of which have been modifications to be fair other than the odd service and brakes.

 

[Chrisgti6]

Having said that, if were are talking about £1500 worth of 1*2 then buy on condition and condition alone.

 

[CrippsCorner]

Yeah my Clio 182 was at least £500 cheaper than it should have been at the time, so I knew even if I had problems I wouldn't technically be out of pocket