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Hello everybody. I want to buy a car from a dealer in Torrevieja but when I asked to see record of timing belt having been changed, the dealer says I can't get the service history because of some data protection act regarding the previous owner. That sounds a bit too dodgy, but I'm open to opinions from people who have had similar dealings. Thanks
Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2023 10:33am
Very helpful member
Well, it speaks for itself, look for another car from other dealers.
Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2023 11:15am
Helpful member
That’s a new one for sure. Stay well clear of them.
What a load of rollocks!
The service history along with any receipts etc. for work clamed to have been done sensibly and logically should be with the car and especially so if it's being offered for sale, why wouldn't you show it unless you had something to hide?
If absent walk away.
Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2023 12:05pm
Very helpful member
Load of old tosh. Based on that experience, I would not buy any car from that dealer, you could not be confident the car will get registered in your name.
There have also been cases where the dealer has failed to pay the previous owner of the car, so I’d definitely look elsewhere.
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Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2023 7:23pm
Helpful member
That's definitely dodgy a cars history shouldn't be hidden.
Avoid. 👍😉
Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2023 10:15pm
Very helpful member
The problem is a lot of car service histories are now electronic and some cars no longer have service books. I tried to get a service history one time from the manufacturer not a dealer and the answer was the same quoting GDPR. As I did not own the car they could not tell me the details I wanted. Another few questions could be what is the car, how old and how many miles.
Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2023 10:36pm
Helpful member
Use Frank at FWReurocars, hes not far from you and an absolute gent 👍
Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2023 7:58am
Very helpful member
Timing belt change is on the engine, it usually has the date done and how many miles were on it when it was done. Service history is usually in with the manuel. Can you name the dealer for anyone else who maybe looking to stay clear
Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2023 9:38am
Very helpful member
Martyn1986 wrote on Wed Oct 4, 2023 7:58am:
Timing belt change is on the engine, it usually has the date done and how many miles were on it when it was done. Service history is usually in with the manuel. Can you name the dealer for anyone else who maybe looking to stay clear
What do you mean timing belt change is in the engine? If you mean a sticker then that is not usual practice some belt suppliers supply a label, some don't . Some dealers used to use them some didn't. I worked in the motor trade 20 odd years and never put a sticker on the engine. It's part of a scheduled service and would be carried out as and when specified by the manufacturer. The reason I asked for the car details are, some were 4 years 40,000 MILES. Then changed to 8 years 80,000 miles some are 10 years etc. Also as I said some cars no longer have service books for stamping. Honda being one as the record is online.
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