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Old 24 December 2018, 02:52 PM
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willstep123
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Default Help, how critical is service history?

Hello,
I am looking to buy a hawkeye wagon with the n/a 2ltr 160hp engine. It has 116K and a fairly full service record, however, there is a 25k gap where it wasn't serviced. How critical is the servicing on these cars? Should I be put off even if the car is cheap?

Many thanks!
Old 24 December 2018, 04:02 PM
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Vxr2010
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If it’s apears to have been looked after then im sure it will be fine , 25k the biggest impact is on missing engine oil change , other bits can be left longer and still changed with little issues , cambelts should be done when they are supposed to be done but as long as it’s not snapped it’s not an issue , if that makes sense
Old 24 December 2018, 05:01 PM
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jaygsi
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It wouldn't bother me. I've bought a few non turbos with no history. Sold one at 116,000 and other I think was 120,000. Both solid.

Non turbo engines have a lot less stress on them than turbo models.

My service history stops around 70k mark then I serviced it myself every 2-5k.
Old 24 December 2018, 11:29 PM
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willstep123
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Ok thanks, seems like the risk is much smaller than I thought which is good news. I was half expecting advice to avoid.
Old 24 December 2018, 11:46 PM
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jaygsi
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I'd check when the cambelt was last done. As your talking £300-£500 for kit and labour.

Check oil level, my mate went to look at a newage turbo and no oil on the stick lol

Also gear box oil to left rear of engine has a dip stick.
Old 25 December 2018, 11:24 PM
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willstep123
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Ok,

jaygsi, do manual gearbox cars have a gearbox dip stick? I never knew that!

Will try try to check cambelt history, the guy said the service book just says "cam" hand written next to the 90k service stamp.
Old 26 December 2018, 12:02 AM
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jaygsi
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Yea. On turbo versions it's too the left of intercooler but as it's a non turbo just look to rear left of engine. Will have a metal handle with a loop on top. Don't worry if can't find it. There normally ok.
Old 26 December 2018, 12:31 AM
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Flat4x4-again
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Some good advice above, but a lot of the cars ive bought have been based on condition and what the owner was like (if a private sale). Dont trust the seller? walk away buy another one. 9 times out of 10 go off your gut.
Old 26 December 2018, 03:02 PM
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jaygsi
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I'd go along with this aswell. I bought an RX8 a few years ago and there was a few things just bugging me about the car. Nothing massive. But my gut feeling said walk away, guy dropped the price by £100 and my mate who gave me a lift convinced me to buy it. engine went month later.

Another one was a Focus ST, got there and engine light was on, brake fluid level low. Guy wasn't there when i arrived. walked away, glad i did.


Originally Posted by Flat4x4-again
Some good advice above, but a lot of the cars ive bought have been based on condition and what the owner was like (if a private sale). Dont trust the seller? walk away buy another one. 9 times out of 10 go off your gut.
Old 30 December 2018, 04:51 PM
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willstep123
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Thanks for all the advise, I ended up walking away. It looked and drove ok however it was all the rot underneath that put me off. Lots of corrosion on the calipers. It had an area underneath that had possibly been repaired and sprayed with black stuff. It had previously spent most of its life in the north of England and had good winter tyres all around so I believe it has used in salty wintery conditions (and rightly so). But I don't fancy dealing with any problems that may arise.
Old 30 December 2018, 06:55 PM
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jaygsi
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Always say follow your gut, did you check mot history aswell? You going to look out for another one?
Old 30 December 2018, 08:42 PM
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willstep123
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The only mot certificate was the current one, it said some arb bushes had play thats all. I will be looking for another one yes.

Last edited by willstep123; 30 December 2018 at 08:50 PM.
Old 30 December 2018, 09:05 PM
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jaygsi
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I mean mot history online. Would always check that before buying a car. Tells a lot about the cars history.

Originally Posted by willstep123
The only mot certificate was the current one, it said some arb bushes had play thats all. I will be looking for another one yes.
Old 30 December 2018, 09:43 PM
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Croney
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Yeah mot history online, just search for mot history check.
service history makes no difference for me, its all on condition, and its got to be a rot free car when im looking as when you find a bit it is always more hidding
Old 30 December 2018, 11:48 PM
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My mates just bought a high mile Audi. Every mot has next to no advisors, shows the owner had all work done before waiting for mot.
Old 31 December 2018, 06:38 PM
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The Trooper 1815
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https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
Old 31 December 2018, 06:59 PM
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willstep123
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Wow, I am obviously behind the times. I never knew I could look at a cars past mot history online! Thanks for the valuable info.
Old 31 December 2018, 07:01 PM
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jaygsi
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Yea bud, that started back in 2004 you can only go back to that date on mots.
Old 31 December 2018, 08:00 PM
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willstep123
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Oh! Im only 15 years behind then.
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