All service records/documentation lost
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 6
From: San Jose, CA
All service records/documentation lost
Hello, it’s been a while since I was last on here. Would appreciate any thoughts on selling my 2003 53,000 mile, C4 specifically speaking to the fact that I lost my meticulously kept service records in a house fire. I’m the 3rd owner. How much does it devalue it? I’m guessing I’ll get a lot of “it depends on the buyer comments” but all opinions welcome. I can speak to everything that’s been done of course, but it was a blow to not get those out of the house. I’d hoped to pass off to the next owner one day. Sad day but at least we got the car out!
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 5,723
Likes: 2,291
From: Zuffenhausen, Georgia
Hello, it’s been a while since I was last on here. Would appreciate any thoughts on selling my 2003 53,000 mile, C4 specifically speaking to the fact that I lost my meticulously kept service records in a house fire. I’m the 3rd owner. How much does it devalue it? I’m guessing I’ll get a lot of “it depends on the buyer comments” but all opinions welcome. I can speak to everything that’s been done of course, but it was a blow to not get those out of the house. I’d hoped to pass off to the next owner one day. Sad day but at least we got the car out!
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 2,978
From: Richmond, TX
Don't sell it, then it doesn't matter.
I have all of my record in a file in my filing cabinet.
My wife asked me why I was keeping all the records recently.
I told her so I'd have the full history.
She said, "why, you're never selling it, and you have all the records storred electronically"
I just replied, "Yup, I guess I'm keeping them because I'm a hoarder."
For sale, 2002 996 repair/maintenance records...car NOT included.
I have all of my record in a file in my filing cabinet.
My wife asked me why I was keeping all the records recently.
I told her so I'd have the full history.
She said, "why, you're never selling it, and you have all the records storred electronically"
I just replied, "Yup, I guess I'm keeping them because I'm a hoarder."
For sale, 2002 996 repair/maintenance records...car NOT included.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 1,162
From: Bay Area on the Peninsula
If I were to buy it, it would not matter to me at all. What matters is the present condition of the car and the results of a PPI is a lot more important than the fact that it has an oil change 20 years ago. Zip !
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 637
From: SE Pennsylvania
a simple way to at least get the high-level service is to add the car to your garage on Carfax.com. Input your VIN or plate and it will show you all of the recorded service history for the car and sometimes describe what was done. It usually provides contact info for the shops it shows as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 404
From: Greater Toronto Area
If you are really concerned about not having service records, take it to a reputable shop, maybe even the dealer to get a basic ppi. The intent here is not the quality of the ppi but solely as a marketing tool. For example, I paid $600 to have my home of 19 years inspected before listing. Home inspection content was useless, but it served me well as a marketing tool.
The house I purchased also had a home inspection. I looked at it for all of 3 minutes. IMHO content was irrelevant and did not influence my purchase. But the home inspection just like service records are very important to most buyers.
Since you appear to be selling the car yourself, you will find a buyer that will believe your story especially if the condition of the car shows attention to detail.
Heck, In 2018 when I bought my 996 from a Porsche dealer, I got records for first 15000 miles and last 15000 miles. Typical stuff. But 18 months before I purchased it, it had a replacement battery put in - at the dealer with a Porsche branded battery. That to me was an indicator of a well sorted car.
The house I purchased also had a home inspection. I looked at it for all of 3 minutes. IMHO content was irrelevant and did not influence my purchase. But the home inspection just like service records are very important to most buyers.
Since you appear to be selling the car yourself, you will find a buyer that will believe your story especially if the condition of the car shows attention to detail.
Heck, In 2018 when I bought my 996 from a Porsche dealer, I got records for first 15000 miles and last 15000 miles. Typical stuff. But 18 months before I purchased it, it had a replacement battery put in - at the dealer with a Porsche branded battery. That to me was an indicator of a well sorted car.
Last edited by steam_mill; Mar 11, 2021 at 09:51 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 888
From: Flyover Country
I agree with most of the above. When I bought my car it had zero service records...zero. A good invasive PPI, a significant test drive and in-depth discussions with the current owner is most important to me. Twenty years of records do not tell the whole story.
BTW: Sorry about the house fire. I hope everyone got out safely.
BTW: Sorry about the house fire. I hope everyone got out safely.
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 53
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From: Nova Scotia CANADA
The previous records simply serve to show that maintenance has been done over the years. For me, they are more important on a newer car than an older car. The 996 is in between those extremes.
I no longer keep detailed records of my cars. I do keep a diary for each to try and record when the various maintenance was done. This is more so I know in the future about when certain services are required. And the diary is in a small enough booklet that I can keep it in the car. I also do most of the maintenance by myself, so I have no receipts as proof of work done (proof of purchase for oil and filters does not mean a lot to me).
You could re-create some of your lost records as described by others, and by writing major items in a journal. With the 996, am sure that most prospective buyers care most about about the biggies - IMS, RMS, AOS and other items that are not readily available for inspection.
As you summised, "it depends" - based on the individual buyer and the condition of the car.
I would guess most cars get purchased without having the detailed history available, but that's only my opinion based on looking at many vehicles that had minimal records.
jb
I no longer keep detailed records of my cars. I do keep a diary for each to try and record when the various maintenance was done. This is more so I know in the future about when certain services are required. And the diary is in a small enough booklet that I can keep it in the car. I also do most of the maintenance by myself, so I have no receipts as proof of work done (proof of purchase for oil and filters does not mean a lot to me).
You could re-create some of your lost records as described by others, and by writing major items in a journal. With the 996, am sure that most prospective buyers care most about about the biggies - IMS, RMS, AOS and other items that are not readily available for inspection.
As you summised, "it depends" - based on the individual buyer and the condition of the car.
I would guess most cars get purchased without having the detailed history available, but that's only my opinion based on looking at many vehicles that had minimal records.
jb