Bought a new car with missing service history

[Tomzoomy]

Hi all recently bought a 6 year old volvo with minimal service history - last service was done at 15k, the car now has 70k miles on it, everything runs and sounds fine but theres nothing in the book.

Is there anyway of finding out the condition of the engine? The dealer had it serviced a couple of months before i bought so its got good oil in it now, my main worry is if the oil hasnt been touched for 50k miles...

Any help for be appreciated!

[J1990]

Not really sure what you're expecting as an outcome, unless there's anything overtly obvious from listening to the engine and/or driving the car then there's not much you can find out. My F-Type had quite a few receipts for services and had been through the used approved main dealer a few years ago but I wasn't confident about when some of the less frequent items had last been maintained. In order to put my mind at rest I've just had a trusted local garage give the car a thorough going over and had a all of the less frequent items changed so I know the last time they were done (Gearbox service, supercharger belt replaced etc).

I would hope you got it for a good price if it's got so little history, if you let us know what the vehicle is then people may be able to advise you of common issues with that model which you may wish to get checked out.

[South tdf]

Easiest thing to do is check the MOT history and see who completed the MOT tests as they may have serviced it at the same time but not stamped the book.

[paddy1970]

Here's what you can do (in no specific order):

Dealer service history: Some dealers keep digital records of any services done. You could check with a Volvo dealer if they've got anything on your car.

Get an independent Volvo specialist to check it: The best bet is to take it to a Volvo specialist for an inspection.

Oil Analysis: This takes a bit of time but you just send a sample and they check the oil for any nasty stuff like metal bits which can tell you if there's been some internal wear and tear.

Look and listen: Check around the engine for any oil leaks and listen out for any weird noises when it's running. Knocking or tapping sounds can be a bad sign.

Check the glove box for old records: Sometimes the previous owner might have kept their own records of services.

Check all the fluids: Not just the oil – make sure all the fluids (coolant, brake fluid, etc.) are looking good and topped up.

[Monkeylegend]

Tomzoomy said:

Hi all recently bought a 6 year old volvo with minimal service history - last service was done at 15k, the car now has 70k miles on it, everything runs and sounds fine but theres nothing in the book.

Is there anyway of finding out the condition of the engine? The dealer had it serviced a couple of months before i bought so its got good oil in it now, my main worry is if the oil hasnt been touched for 50k miles...

Any help for be appreciated!

Did you know that before you bought it?