Audi Missing Service History
Discussion
I'm looking at buying a new (to me) car, and was viewing an A4 today. Very local to me, dealership has amazing reviews, seem like a genuine family owned business, offer to do a new MOT and service upon purchase etc.
It's a 2016 Audi with 44k on the clock, exterior condition seems to be great for its age, hardly any paint chips or other wear and tear. The car drives really nice and smooth, although I guess that's expected compared to my diesel Ibiza!
It's been listed for just under £11k and I've agreed a part ex price for my car which I am satisfied with (has a bonnet crease and crack in bumper, so getting extra for it is a nice bonus).
The only possible deal breaker is that it has had a Audi service done last year, at 36k, but there's no record of anything being done before that? I've given Audi a call ans they were helpful, but also confirmed the same thing, done last year, but nothing else on record.
It's had 2 owners, so I think it's a case of unfortunately the first owner neglecting to do a service or getting it done independently (although you'd still expect to see paperwork for that)
I have a feeling I know the answer already, and there are a couple more very similar ones for sale with FSH, albeit I'd have to drive around an hour to each to view, but as this is a fairly large amount of money for me to spend, am i right to be concerned about the lack of history before last year? Would it be worth worth £100-200 extra elsewhere to have the peace of mind of a FSH?
It's a 2016 Audi with 44k on the clock, exterior condition seems to be great for its age, hardly any paint chips or other wear and tear. The car drives really nice and smooth, although I guess that's expected compared to my diesel Ibiza!
It's been listed for just under £11k and I've agreed a part ex price for my car which I am satisfied with (has a bonnet crease and crack in bumper, so getting extra for it is a nice bonus).
The only possible deal breaker is that it has had a Audi service done last year, at 36k, but there's no record of anything being done before that? I've given Audi a call ans they were helpful, but also confirmed the same thing, done last year, but nothing else on record.
It's had 2 owners, so I think it's a case of unfortunately the first owner neglecting to do a service or getting it done independently (although you'd still expect to see paperwork for that)
I have a feeling I know the answer already, and there are a couple more very similar ones for sale with FSH, albeit I'd have to drive around an hour to each to view, but as this is a fairly large amount of money for me to spend, am i right to be concerned about the lack of history before last year? Would it be worth worth £100-200 extra elsewhere to have the peace of mind of a FSH?
If the car was still "in warranty" and that was voided by missing service history I'd leave it but its 5 years old and the warranty is gone.
If the car was suitably cheaper (£500+) than any other car with actual service history then maybe.
Maybe i'm negative but If i imagine worst case that car has done 4 years and 36000 miles without a service I'd probably leave it. Its likely not going to cause you any issues but not changing lubricants leads to big bills not small ones and for the sake of a couple of hundred quid vs something that has service history its not worth the risk.
If the car was suitably cheaper (£500+) than any other car with actual service history then maybe.
Maybe i'm negative but If i imagine worst case that car has done 4 years and 36000 miles without a service I'd probably leave it. Its likely not going to cause you any issues but not changing lubricants leads to big bills not small ones and for the sake of a couple of hundred quid vs something that has service history its not worth the risk.
You state A4 but not what model (just as an interest).
Alas i don't think anyone can tell you what you need to do, it would be your call.
However i did read this of audi - "The Audi Long Life Service is so called because there are no fixed service intervals and depending on how you drive your Audi, a service will be required anywhere between 10,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs first), up to a maximum of 20,000 miles or 2 years (whichever occurs first)." - Someone more clued up on Audi could perhaps comment? I service my b8 via independents and its every 5/6k for oil and so on. But thats just me.
It would seem that the maybe the original owner of the vehicle took that extended service interval a bit too far and got the first service at 32k (can't remember as i type what you said) - it could have been a lease company? Done inhouse? But then with the second service now being due at 40k. You say the mileage is 44k. So again, a little late.
So really, its late on its first service and late for the second, but there should only be two on that basis if my understanding is correct. Therefore servicing the car, recording that as is now, brings the servicing up to date but doesn't really answer the question as to why?
If you would prefer everything documented and a FSH car - travel the distance and set your mind at ease.
I personally wouldn't be put off by this with a bit of investigation, check MOT history, see how many miles between MOT's etc, see if you can get a feel for how it was used before you buying it. As with all used cars, a history is important and if they've slightly skimped on servicing they may have in other areas. But i always go on condition and not paperwork. I've bought cars with all the papwerwork in the world and they've literally exploded a few months later. Its not always an indicator of care etc.
This perhaps offers little help. Ultimately its what makes you feel better and gives peace of mind.
Alas i don't think anyone can tell you what you need to do, it would be your call.
However i did read this of audi - "The Audi Long Life Service is so called because there are no fixed service intervals and depending on how you drive your Audi, a service will be required anywhere between 10,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs first), up to a maximum of 20,000 miles or 2 years (whichever occurs first)." - Someone more clued up on Audi could perhaps comment? I service my b8 via independents and its every 5/6k for oil and so on. But thats just me.
It would seem that the maybe the original owner of the vehicle took that extended service interval a bit too far and got the first service at 32k (can't remember as i type what you said) - it could have been a lease company? Done inhouse? But then with the second service now being due at 40k. You say the mileage is 44k. So again, a little late.
So really, its late on its first service and late for the second, but there should only be two on that basis if my understanding is correct. Therefore servicing the car, recording that as is now, brings the servicing up to date but doesn't really answer the question as to why?
If you would prefer everything documented and a FSH car - travel the distance and set your mind at ease.
I personally wouldn't be put off by this with a bit of investigation, check MOT history, see how many miles between MOT's etc, see if you can get a feel for how it was used before you buying it. As with all used cars, a history is important and if they've slightly skimped on servicing they may have in other areas. But i always go on condition and not paperwork. I've bought cars with all the papwerwork in the world and they've literally exploded a few months later. Its not always an indicator of care etc.
This perhaps offers little help. Ultimately its what makes you feel better and gives peace of mind.
andburg said:
If the car was still "in warranty" and that was voided by missing service history I'd leave it but its 5 years old and the warranty is gone.
If the car was suitably cheaper (£500+) than any other car with actual service history then maybe.
Maybe i'm negative but If i imagine worst case that car has done 4 years and 36000 miles without a service I'd probably leave it. Its likely not going to cause you any issues but not changing lubricants leads to big bills not small ones and for the sake of a couple of hundred quid vs something that has service history its not worth the risk.
I agree, its a bit of a risk that it wasn't looked after properly, and if there are similar around with full history, that reduces the risk a lot. Shame, because everything else was ideal.If the car was suitably cheaper (£500+) than any other car with actual service history then maybe.
Maybe i'm negative but If i imagine worst case that car has done 4 years and 36000 miles without a service I'd probably leave it. Its likely not going to cause you any issues but not changing lubricants leads to big bills not small ones and for the sake of a couple of hundred quid vs something that has service history its not worth the risk.
If you were trying to sell that car to an Audi main dealer they'd simply pass on it.
So would many independents, they'd rather have one they can sell with FSH.
Think about that in the worst case scenario that you might want to sell it in the next few years.
It's a high value car that not many dealers would buy without FSH.
So would many independents, they'd rather have one they can sell with FSH.
Think about that in the worst case scenario that you might want to sell it in the next few years.
It's a high value car that not many dealers would buy without FSH.
stevekoz said:
You state A4 but not what model (just as an interest).
Alas i don't think anyone can tell you what you need to do, it would be your call.
However i did read this of audi - "The Audi Long Life Service is so called because there are no fixed service intervals and depending on how you drive your Audi, a service will be required anywhere between 10,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs first), up to a maximum of 20,000 miles or 2 years (whichever occurs first)." - Someone more clued up on Audi could perhaps comment? I service my b8 via independents and its every 5/6k for oil and so on. But thats just me.
It would seem that the maybe the original owner of the vehicle took that extended service interval a bit too far and got the first service at 32k (can't remember as i type what you said) - it could have been a lease company? Done inhouse? But then with the second service now being due at 40k. You say the mileage is 44k. So again, a little late.
So really, its late on its first service and late for the second, but there should only be two on that basis if my understanding is correct. Therefore servicing the car, recording that as is now, brings the servicing up to date but doesn't really answer the question as to why?
If you would prefer everything documented and a FSH car - travel the distance and set your mind at ease.
I personally wouldn't be put off by this with a bit of investigation, check MOT history, see how many miles between MOT's etc, see if you can get a feel for how it was used before you buying it. As with all used cars, a history is important and if they've slightly skimped on servicing they may have in other areas. But i always go on condition and not paperwork. I've bought cars with all the papwerwork in the world and they've literally exploded a few months later. Its not always an indicator of care etc.
This perhaps offers little help. Ultimately its what makes you feel better and gives peace of mind.
Its an A4 Sport 1.4 TFSI.Alas i don't think anyone can tell you what you need to do, it would be your call.
However i did read this of audi - "The Audi Long Life Service is so called because there are no fixed service intervals and depending on how you drive your Audi, a service will be required anywhere between 10,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs first), up to a maximum of 20,000 miles or 2 years (whichever occurs first)." - Someone more clued up on Audi could perhaps comment? I service my b8 via independents and its every 5/6k for oil and so on. But thats just me.
It would seem that the maybe the original owner of the vehicle took that extended service interval a bit too far and got the first service at 32k (can't remember as i type what you said) - it could have been a lease company? Done inhouse? But then with the second service now being due at 40k. You say the mileage is 44k. So again, a little late.
So really, its late on its first service and late for the second, but there should only be two on that basis if my understanding is correct. Therefore servicing the car, recording that as is now, brings the servicing up to date but doesn't really answer the question as to why?
If you would prefer everything documented and a FSH car - travel the distance and set your mind at ease.
I personally wouldn't be put off by this with a bit of investigation, check MOT history, see how many miles between MOT's etc, see if you can get a feel for how it was used before you buying it. As with all used cars, a history is important and if they've slightly skimped on servicing they may have in other areas. But i always go on condition and not paperwork. I've bought cars with all the papwerwork in the world and they've literally exploded a few months later. Its not always an indicator of care etc.
This perhaps offers little help. Ultimately its what makes you feel better and gives peace of mind.
It's had 2 owners, so looks like the only service was done by the 2nd owner, hence the concern of the 1st owners treatment.
MOT wise, unfortunately there's only 2 tests as it's a modern car, and they both may have been the 2nd owner, so no telling what the mileage variation was beforehand.
Trevor555 said:
If you were trying to sell that car to an Audi main dealer they'd simply pass on it.
So would many independents, they'd rather have one they can sell with FSH.
Think about that in the worst case scenario that you might want to sell it in the next few years.
It's a high value car that not many dealers would buy without FSH.
Think your comment has well and truly made my mind up.So would many independents, they'd rather have one they can sell with FSH.
Think about that in the worst case scenario that you might want to sell it in the next few years.
It's a high value car that not many dealers would buy without FSH.
If it was an amazing bargain, £500+ cheaper than any other one on AT etc. I'd give it a bit more thought, but I'll only lose a bit of travelling time to (hopefully) find a similar one with more peace of mind and better resale value later on.
DaSam21 said:
Trevor555 said:
If you were trying to sell that car to an Audi main dealer they'd simply pass on it.
So would many independents, they'd rather have one they can sell with FSH.
Think about that in the worst case scenario that you might want to sell it in the next few years.
It's a high value car that not many dealers would buy without FSH.
Think your comment has well and truly made my mind up.So would many independents, they'd rather have one they can sell with FSH.
Think about that in the worst case scenario that you might want to sell it in the next few years.
It's a high value car that not many dealers would buy without FSH.
If it was an amazing bargain, £500+ cheaper than any other one on AT etc. I'd give it a bit more thought, but I'll only lose a bit of travelling time to (hopefully) find a similar one with more peace of mind and better resale value later on.
I had this before with a FSH advertised car, service book was anything like FSH. Missing stamps etc. I had to go back to the original lease company and with a bit of digging via the company who leased it got copies of the service history. In the end it hadn’t had a 12month/12k mile service and I walked, but I did find 3 or 4 of the missing services.
Can you find out who the original owner was?
Can you find out who the original owner was?
DaSam21 said:
It's a 2016 Audi with 44k on the clock, exterior condition seems to be great for its age, hardly any paint chips or other wear and tear. The car drives really nice and smooth, although I guess that's expected compared to my diesel Ibiza!
It's been listed for just under £11k and I've agreed a part ex price for my car which I am satisfied with (has a bonnet crease and crack in bumper, so getting extra for it is a nice bonus).
I'm not sure I'd walk away so easy.It's been listed for just under £11k and I've agreed a part ex price for my car which I am satisfied with (has a bonnet crease and crack in bumper, so getting extra for it is a nice bonus).
If you're going to keep the car for a few years, then what matters now is its current condition. Service history is of course a good thing, but sometimes it also means naff all. Its possible missed a coupe of oil changes, it might however had some cheaper independent servicing, but there's just no proof. Its still a modern Audi and it should be just fine with just 44k on it.
You say its in great condition and drives real good. You say the dealer has excellent rep, and will service it before sale. I'm assuming it will come with a warranty too. If its got a years warranty with the LOCAL dealer selling it that's got to give you some peace of mind.
Truth is in a few years time, it will be worth not a lot as its a relative normal car. By then you will have added to the history and it will sell on easily enough.
And the p/x deal suits you too considering the damaged to the trade in.
Either way, good luck.
ALawson said:
I had this before with a FSH advertised car, service book was anything like FSH. Missing stamps etc. I had to go back to the original lease company and with a bit of digging via the company who leased it got copies of the service history. In the end it hadn’t had a 12month/12k mile service and I walked, but I did find 3 or 4 of the missing services.
Can you find out who the original owner was?
I guess the v5 could have the previous owner who handed it over? Not sure, but I don't think they would share due to privacy concerns etc. Can you find out who the original owner was?
Anyway, I did put down a £100 (refundable) deposit originally to hold it for me until the end of the day tomorrow, so can see what they say.
moonigan said:
Audis of that era have electronic service history so worth contacting Audi directly as they will have the history on file and will print it out if you ask. My RS4 didn’t have a service book and nor does my current A6.
I did call the Audi this afternoon (and I think the dealer was planning to aswell), and they had last years service on record and all the recalls, but no other servicing history. Lincsls1 said:
I'm not sure I'd walk away so easy.
If you're going to keep the car for a few years, then what matters now is its current condition. Service history is of course a good thing, but sometimes it also means naff all. Its possible missed a coupe of oil changes, it might however had some cheaper independent servicing, but there's just no proof. Its still a modern Audi and it should be just fine with just 44k on it.
You say its in great condition and drives real good. You say the dealer has excellent rep, and will service it before sale. I'm assuming it will come with a warranty too. If its got a years warranty with the LOCAL dealer selling it that's got to give you some peace of mind.
Truth is in a few years time, it will be worth not a lot as its a relative normal car. By then you will have added to the history and it will sell on easily enough.
And the p/x deal suits you too considering the damaged to the trade in.
Either way, good luck.
Yeah, I understand where you are coming from, compared to a viewing in a chain dealer I had on Sunday which really put me off (2 hour lectures on their extras, in the waiting room for 1 hour after my appointment etc.) It did seem like the ideal place, literally a 10 minute drive from me too. If you're going to keep the car for a few years, then what matters now is its current condition. Service history is of course a good thing, but sometimes it also means naff all. Its possible missed a coupe of oil changes, it might however had some cheaper independent servicing, but there's just no proof. Its still a modern Audi and it should be just fine with just 44k on it.
You say its in great condition and drives real good. You say the dealer has excellent rep, and will service it before sale. I'm assuming it will come with a warranty too. If its got a years warranty with the LOCAL dealer selling it that's got to give you some peace of mind.
Truth is in a few years time, it will be worth not a lot as its a relative normal car. By then you will have added to the history and it will sell on easily enough.
And the p/x deal suits you too considering the damaged to the trade in.
Either way, good luck.
Unfortunately it's only a 3 month warranty with the car. Although like others have said, if its possible to get a very similar one at the same price, except with history, would that not be a safer bet?
It really is up to you mate.
Perhaps discuss your concern with the dealer, they may be happy to contact the previous owner who might be able to shed a little bit more light on the history. After all, they were clearly happy to buy the car off the first owner despite the history gap.
The dealer may offer to extend the warranty at no extra cost to reduce your concern - suggest this.
However, if resale is your concern then yes might be better to go elsewhere, but keep it a few years and it will make very little difference on value.
I wouldn't be concerned about the reliability aspect.
Perhaps discuss your concern with the dealer, they may be happy to contact the previous owner who might be able to shed a little bit more light on the history. After all, they were clearly happy to buy the car off the first owner despite the history gap.
The dealer may offer to extend the warranty at no extra cost to reduce your concern - suggest this.
However, if resale is your concern then yes might be better to go elsewhere, but keep it a few years and it will make very little difference on value.
I wouldn't be concerned about the reliability aspect.
moonigan said:
Audis of that era have electronic service history so worth contacting Audi directly as they will have the history on file and will print it out if you ask. My RS4 didn’t have a service book and nor does my current A6.
Yep.A friend has recently bought an Audi from a main dealer and there's no service booklet with the car.... all electronic.
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