Someone who goes to the trouble of diy oil changes would also go to the trouble of noting it down in the service book and keep some receipts/evidence to pass on. Independents also give receipts. I'm surprised that this car is being offered at a honda dealer without them offering some explanation of the missing history.

Many private owners ignore regular servicing schedules and dash warnings if the car runs ok, due to idleness, plain ignorance or money reasons. The consequences of that come further down the line.

Unfortunately I've learnt the hard way that modern timing chains, fancy variable valve timing and turbos dont tolerate old oil well. And despite what John F may say, oil sat in an engine thats run sporadically for short runs over 5 years will be loaded up with byproducts, including water, acid, fuel, lacquers and soot. I recently drained one of our fabias after 4500 miles over 18 months and the oil was clearly in much worse condition that another skoda in our fleet that had done 10,000 miles over 6 months. You cant shift lacquer and carbon deposits in engines with just new oil or engine flushes. Strip downs, aggressive chemicals and steel brushes are required in my experience.

I admit there may well be little consequential damage, but then thats for a gambler to decide. We are talking about a 5 year undocumented gap, not 2 years.

Edited by brum on 26/08/2017 at 18:32