Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision—but only if you know what you’re getting. One of the most important aspects of evaluating a pre-owned vehicle is checking its service history. This tells you how well the car has been maintained and can uncover red flags like skipped oil changes, missed recalls, or frequent major repairs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check the service history of a used car before you make the purchase.
1. Ask the Seller for Documentation
Start simple: ask the current owner or dealer for the service records. These can include:
- Receipts from mechanics or dealerships
- A stamped service book
- Printouts of maintenance logs
A responsible owner will often keep these documents organized. If they hesitate or don’t have anything to show, that’s a red flag.
2. Check the VIN for a Service History Report
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is your key to unlocking a car’s past. Services like:
- Carfax (U.S./Canada)
- AutoCheck
- MotoringCheck (UK)
- NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System)
…can provide detailed reports using the VIN. These typically include accident history, title information, odometer readings, and some service records—especially if the car was serviced at larger chains or dealerships.
3. Contact the Dealership or Service Centers
If you know where the car was usually serviced (for example, Toyota dealership for a Toyota), you can call the dealership with the VIN and ask if they have service records on file. Many manufacturers maintain centralized databases for services performed under warranty or at authorized centers.
Note: Due to privacy laws, some dealers may require the current owner’s permission to release this data.
4. Look for Service Stickers and Logs in the Car
Don’t forget to physically inspect the vehicle:
- Oil change stickers on the windshield
- Service stickers inside the engine bay or door jambs
- Tire rotation records in the glovebox
These small clues can help verify whether maintenance has been done regularly—even if official records are incomplete.
5. Use Online Service Portals (If Available)
Some automakers offer online portals where service history is logged. For example:
- myToyota, HondaLink, BMW ConnectedDrive
- Many of these require an account, and possibly the current owner to grant access.
Ask the seller if they have used any digital tracking services or apps to log maintenance.
6. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
If the service history is incomplete, a professional inspection can give you peace of mind. A mechanic can spot signs of wear and neglect, such as:
- Old fluids
- Worn brake pads
- Leaks or corrosion
- Hidden accident damage
It’s well worth the cost—especially for cars with limited documentation.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip This Step
A car with a solid, well-documented service history is likely to be more reliable and retain its value better over time. It shows that the previous owner cared for the vehicle and followed manufacturer recommendations.
When in doubt, walk away from cars with missing or suspicious service histories. There are always other vehicles out there with clean records and honest sellers
