How much does service history affect the value of your car?

If you’re looking at buying a used car, it’s important to check the car’s service history to make sure there are no hidden nasties that could be expensive to fix. If you’re selling your car, potential buyers will be looking at your service history to check the condition of the car before they buy it. This guide will explain what a full-service history is and how it affects the value of your car.  

It’s important to remember that your car should be serviced at a minimum of once every 12 months, or once every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. So, if you’re overdue,  make sure to book a service today.

What is full service history?

A full-service history Is a record of all the work and services that have been carried out across your vehicle’s lifetime. Your service history is recorded in your service book. Or, in newer cars, in an online log.

You’ll also see a record of every MOT that has been carried out along with any advisories. 

Do you need full-service history to sell a car?

Technically, you don’t need your full-service history to sell your vehicle. However, if you don’t have a full-service history available for potential buyers, it can dramatically reduce the value of your car. This is because if you are not upfront and transparent about your service history, potential buyers could assume that there could be hidden problems with your car.

If your vehicle has gaps in its service history, it’s a good idea to contact a garage that has carried out servicing in the past to see if they have any records for your vehicle.

How can PTA garages help?

Before you plan on selling your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to bring your vehicle in for a service. This will give your potential buyer an idea of any work that needs to be carried out when they purchase the vehicle. Here at PTA Garages, no additional work will be carried out without your say-so, so if there are any problems you’d like to repair that will add extra value to your vehicle, you can arrange for these to be carried out before you sell it.

If you’ve recently bought a used vehicle and don’t have a full-service history or recent service, we recommend booking it in for a service as soon as possible so that you can identify any potential issues that need addressing.     

Remember, you can save money when you book your MOT in with a service. Find your local branch or for more information contact our helpful team today.