Service History Red Flags - Opinion

[Scubaregs]

Tyre manufacturers recommend a tyre life of 6/7 years. Tyres harden with age, they may look fine tread wise, but they will not grip anywhere near as well.

[Simon 3.2M]

All depends on price of the car really - I actually buy my cars in feel and less on history. We all know it’s only a piece of paper, as mentioned it could have been thrashed and it may not have actually had the servicings done and the book stamped by an unscrupulous garage. I don’t subscribe to the vanos / bearing paranoia either - if you thrash your cars or track them then yes, do the bearings, for everyday driving I wouldn’t panic too much initially other than doing an obligatory oil change. The key, like with all engines, is letting them get to full operating temperature before playing. Again with the vanos, unless it bogs down massively then just be aware of it as it only really affects around 3k rpm. Yes it is noticeable, especially when you drive a car with the vanos refreshed, but it shouldn’t stop you enjoying the car and it feeling pretty quick.

[pvr]

Tyre manufacturers recommend a tyre life of 6/7 years. Tyres harden with age, they may look fine tread wise, but they will not grip anywhere near as well.

I agree, but was surprised the Porsche dealer passed my 8 year old fronts as absolutely fine. For the warranty, the tyre sealant has to be no more than 4 years old but the tyres can be way more. Does help that my tyres never see sunlight of course when not being driven.

[MikeyH]

Are they Vamptires

[pvr]

Are they Vamptires

Wrong thread

[Scubaregs]

Tyre manufacturers recommend a tyre life of 6/7 years. Tyres harden with age, they may look fine tread wise, but they will not grip anywhere near as well.

I agree, but was surprised the Porsche dealer passed my 8 year old fronts as absolutely fine. For the warranty, the tyre sealant has to be no more than 4 years old but the tyres can be way more. Does help that my tyres never see sunlight of course when not being driven.

Shouldn’t have, pretty sure it's 7 years for Porsche iirc.

[where.is.lee]

thanks all! Great info all round. I've decided to pass on this vehicle, so the hunt continues! Hopefully the hunt ends sooner rather than later.

[AndyBeech]

That's a shame, hope it wasn't based too much on all the advice given, I would take some of it with a pinch of salt personally. Honestly if I was selling mine and someone started wanting money off for VANOS / bearings / head gasket etc etc. I'd send them packing pretty quickly as a liability and annoyance to sell to.

You can't expect someone to cover every eventuality with these cars, you could haggle them down to literally nothing if that was the case. I would say as long as it's priced reasonably, don't get too hung up on bearings / VANOS etc. If it feels right and the condition checks out then go for it, worry about the other stuff as costs of ownership and if it's had some of that stuff done it's a bonus.

The one you posted didn't seem too bad at all from the description personally, not like it's never had a service or has massively deviated from the schedule

Anyway, good luck!

[where.is.lee]

Not at all, it was more of a gut decision, which is a shame as it's lovely in person. I spoke with the garage that looked after it and they said the car should have a more regular oil change but for whatever reason some owners just don't. The car is asking strong money and quite frankly needs more spent to get it to where I would be comfortable with it.