20-09-2013, 05:24 PM
Hi,
I'm looking for some advice from the experts. I'm after a Mk2 1.6 petrol and have found one locally that's pretty much what I want.
It's a 55 reg with 60000 miles, MoT, cosmetically good, engine runs quietly and without smoke or anything untoward. Reasonable price etc.
BUT, there's a big gap in the service history. Main dealer up to 22K then no service records since 2008. MoT history indicates it has had a couple of failures on front suspension components and the odd bulb, but of course gives no indication of how the engine's been treated.
It appears to have had a new radiator relatively recently. I couldn't find any signs of accident damage/repairs though I will HPI check if I proceed. Engine bay looks good.
I'm fairly sure it hasn't gone unserviced- both the oil and the air filter are relatively clean but not brand new.
How much of a risk is the missing service history? Are these petrol engines fairly tough things? I'm not too worried about it affecting resale value, as I'll probably keep it for a fair few years, by which time it'll be worth very little anyway.
Every indication is of a well looked-after vehicle, but the doubt remains...
I'm looking for some advice from the experts. I'm after a Mk2 1.6 petrol and have found one locally that's pretty much what I want.
It's a 55 reg with 60000 miles, MoT, cosmetically good, engine runs quietly and without smoke or anything untoward. Reasonable price etc.
BUT, there's a big gap in the service history. Main dealer up to 22K then no service records since 2008. MoT history indicates it has had a couple of failures on front suspension components and the odd bulb, but of course gives no indication of how the engine's been treated.
It appears to have had a new radiator relatively recently. I couldn't find any signs of accident damage/repairs though I will HPI check if I proceed. Engine bay looks good.
I'm fairly sure it hasn't gone unserviced- both the oil and the air filter are relatively clean but not brand new.
How much of a risk is the missing service history? Are these petrol engines fairly tough things? I'm not too worried about it affecting resale value, as I'll probably keep it for a fair few years, by which time it'll be worth very little anyway.
Every indication is of a well looked-after vehicle, but the doubt remains...