Service History
Discussion
Do Kiwis not care about service history?
I realise imports tend to have none, but looking at cars on trademe I've found it impossible for most sellers to provide any details. For example, there is a VX220 turbo on at the moment, the seller has never changed the cambelt and has no idea about servicing. I was interested in a motor-home for the summer, but no one seems to record the motor services or have habitation services (and yet they want top dollar). I'd take the risk on a 600GBP shed, but even the equivalent here would be $4k+
And yet, you see so many cars with super high mileages here - presume that is because there is no emissions test on the wof?
I realise imports tend to have none, but looking at cars on trademe I've found it impossible for most sellers to provide any details. For example, there is a VX220 turbo on at the moment, the seller has never changed the cambelt and has no idea about servicing. I was interested in a motor-home for the summer, but no one seems to record the motor services or have habitation services (and yet they want top dollar). I'd take the risk on a 600GBP shed, but even the equivalent here would be $4k+
And yet, you see so many cars with super high mileages here - presume that is because there is no emissions test on the wof?
Many people do basic servicing themselves and only use mechanics for major services or repairs. Lets be honest, basic servicing is not hard and if I do it myself at least I know its done properly, not by some half-trained muppet apprentice.
Of the people who do get all their servicing done at a mechanic or dealer (more often new car buyers I guess), many of them won't bother keeping receipts because its not something they would think about when buying a car themselves, and they are more likely to trade in their old car on another new one than sell privately.
I guess overall not enough people care about it (buying or selling) to make it the norm instead of the exception.
Of the people who do get all their servicing done at a mechanic or dealer (more often new car buyers I guess), many of them won't bother keeping receipts because its not something they would think about when buying a car themselves, and they are more likely to trade in their old car on another new one than sell privately.
I guess overall not enough people care about it (buying or selling) to make it the norm instead of the exception.
Thanks. I brought a car before I moved over - luckily it was a one owner, NZ new car with a full service history. I'll service it myself, but as usual keep all receipts and write down what I did and when. I think I'll just have to inspect cars a little closer when buying a second one and factor in a comprehensive service as soon as I get it!
Many people don't keep the service records themselves, and it's often easy enough to go and ask where they got the car serviced. Used imports rarely have any service history unless they are specialist vehicles (and if they did it'd likely be in Japanese!). NZ new vehicles will often have their service manuals stamped by the main dealer while in warranty, but beyond that it's not so common. Obviously easier to do if you're near a main centre.
My experience is that cars in NZ are generally in better mechanical and much better body condition than in the UK. Distances between towns are larger, so mileages can rack up quite easily. Outside of Auckland, the traffic is lighter, so less idling going nowhere. In other words, more engine friendly. The lack of salt on the roads means corrosion is less of an issue.
My experience is that cars in NZ are generally in better mechanical and much better body condition than in the UK. Distances between towns are larger, so mileages can rack up quite easily. Outside of Auckland, the traffic is lighter, so less idling going nowhere. In other words, more engine friendly. The lack of salt on the roads means corrosion is less of an issue.
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