Lost Service History book.

Been looking at at C4s for sale whoses owner has said the service book has gone missing. He has tried his local OPC to find out if he can get a duplicate book, but they have said they do not have a centralised database so will not be able see which other OPC has carried out previous service. Is this true, if so how would i go about finding which OPC carried out previous work and could i get a duplicate book?

You can certainly get replacement books from the OPC and then you will need to contact all the likely opc's etc and get them to restamp it which they will do willingly. I did this with my previous 996 - it was worth it though. You tend to find if the book is missing it was because the vehicle has gone through the auction process at some stage or because it has been clocked!

Does that mean that i have to ring every OPC until i find one that has carried work out on the car? Won't my local OPC tell me which OPC originally supplied the car? I'm rather suprised that OPC's dont have a centralised database system[ ]

You shouldn't be surprised. Both MB and BMW do exactly the same. MB dealership even wanted money (1/2 labour cost) to stamp 4 stamps. IIRC the book will have 'DUPLICATE' stamped on it. HTH

I think they do have some kind of centralised data. My OPC knows on the computer the "recall" work done on my 993 and also that the most recent OPC service was done at OPC Exeter - perhaps they know more than they will admit....

They do know more than they admit, but good old "Data Protection ", is a get-out for them

If it's the gun-metal grey car on Pistonheads...it's unbelievably cheap! The paperwork can be sorted out, unless he's hiding something?. If I were you I'd get on the case pronto...it's an absolute steal at the price!

Is that the one photographed at night in a petrol station forecourt? The owner has not had it serviced for 2 yrs- Do your due dilligence carefully.

He has said he only covered 4k in that time but im sure its still recomended that a yearly service is carried out no matter the miles!

Yes regardless, he would have had to have an annual inspection at least (as long as it doesn't replace a major service). However, the annual inspection, is just that, an inspection, nothing is changed...pretty pointless IMO. So if that IS the case, and he is asking £32k (maybe he will take £30-1k?), you are getting a £7-8k discount because of a missing but pointless inspection. It's not the end of the world. Get it serviced properly at an OPC (just to show you're not cutting corners to the next buyer), get a 111 point inspection done, that should come out well - if not, get the seller to rectify any thing that needs doing, and get a warranty.... The next buyer cannot possibly also want a £7-8k discount come re-sale time when you have all of that under your belt.....that is assuming you can get the rest of the service history in order, whcih I don't see why you shouldn't. IMO a bargain!

There is a centralised database but it only goes back a few (not sure how many) years. An OPC or reading may be able to help you with some history. Otherwise, call a few OPC's that are likely to have serviced it based on location. I would imagine that an OPC would be happy to stamp it accordingly. I did ask about getting copies of bills (which in may ways is MORE important. Shows what has been done!) and thats when I got the data protection act crop up. Good luck, Rob Also, the DVLA have records of milage when the car changes hands or on renewal of a tax disc. They may be able to provide some continuity and peace of mind.

Unfortunately, this information is purely optional in both cases & is often not given. Old MOT's remain one of the best proofs of mileage.

Have it checked out completely by your local OPC. They will be able to tell you everything about the car.......if you pay them.

I've finally done all my checks![ ] The car is straight, just that its not a C16 model so an import! DVLA have recorded the wrong digit on there records! No services have been likely to be carried out by an OPC because the first owner was Lloyds Autolease and they have said that although they do not have a computer printout of the work, most of there cars are serviced in-house! I can't find an OPC to back the story of the present owner that he did have a service book with the car, although he has now had it stolen! As the car really has no OPC service history, not been serviced regular and an import I have told the owner that I do not think it is worth the price he is asking and that I will not be going ahead with the sale[ ] Oh well, at least I have learnt a lot about what to look for when buying a C4s. I just wish that I could stretch my budget so I can buy an excellent example.[ ] Who knows the owner may knock the price down and I may get a bargin[ ]

Never let your heart rule your head tirfor, well done. Better to wait until you can afford one or just keep looking for a genuine c4s. Better to have one with high mileage that's been well looked after than go for a dodgy import![ ]

Well done on your hard work. Shame it turned out the way it did. But nothing ventured..nothing gained, and as you say it's been a good learning experience. I can't believe Lloyds Autolease service these kind of cars in house..madness...guess we'll see this car go to auction eventually...wonder what it will go for...25k?

Hi, I looked at that on PH and could not understand why: A thief would steal the log book and not the car? How did he get in the car? Not service the car for 2 years? Present owner take photos at a service station in order to sell? I was aware it was an import and there is paperwork for some recent work carried out at a local specialist. Could be a bargain for someone. Alan

Do you know of this car? What work had been carried out?

Tifor Tifor, there are plenty of good 996's to choose from , take your time & find a good one that you are happy with, it is all well & good getting a cheap price but ultimately the majority would not be comfortable with that cars history, so a cheap price now means a cheap price when you want to sell & no doubt some big bills in between, so where is any benefit in going for this car! Mark my words if you bide your time the right car will come along & become your pride & joy rather than a nagging doubt!... half the fun is in the looking & choosing anyway! Best of luck!!!