What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Seller of a car I'm looking at doesn't have all the service history paperwork. Is this a red flag?

I am looking to buy a 2010 car just to run around in but the seller can only provide evidence of its last service being 2017. He insistsIs this isn't a red flag. The oil and filter has been changed more recently but he has no evidence of it. What do you think?

Asked on 19 May 2020 by Richard

Answered by Dan Powell
Unless the car is very cheap (under £1000), I would walk away. The lack of history suggests it has not been looked after particularly well. And the lack of paperwork raises more questions than answers when it comes to the condition of the vehicle.
Similar questions
Is it fair to assume that when a car is advertised without any comment on its service history, either there is no history or it's very 'part-history'?
How can I check the service history on a used car?
Can I expect that a dealer will have done a car check and will know the car history if I purchase a car from them? Can I trust them not to sell me a car that is still on finance or has been written off?...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer