ADVICE WANTED

J

Jimmy Gee

Member
 Midlands
Ive been to look at a z4 (53 plate 3.0i) at an independent garage, the car was advertised as having full service history but when I got there and looked through the service book it didnt have a single service stamp. The bloke told me that because of the low mileage (24,000) it should only have one stamp anyway at 15,000 and that he was tracking the garage down that serviced it to try and get a stamp. Sounded a little bit dodgy to me so ive tried to do a hpi check but it just says that the dvla dosn't have any info on this car. Has anybody any suggestions as to what to do next? In terms of how to find out any history on the car. I could just walk away but it looks like a really tidy car and ive been looking for a zed for ages now and wouldnt want to miss out on a good example.

Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated

cheers.
 
Service is not time based but condition based. so if you thrash it then the service intervals are shorter. 15k interval is possible and in your case it would have been an oil service BUT in the manual it states that the oil should be changed every 2 years, so IMO... WALK AWAY!!!!
 
As Peddy says mileage and use based not time however you would expect to see on a '53 plate you would expect to see stamps in respect of oil in at least '05, '07 and '09 (assuming a Sept 03 car) Same for brake fluid as that's a 2 year interval too.

He's got a lot of stamps, receipts and evidence to find to support that or it's one to pass on.

If you're really keen on this car ask for the last owner details and contact them. Get the MOT certificate and look up test history on the DVLA to see past fails and/or advisory. Will all help to build a picture
 
peddy said:
Service is not time based but condition based. so if you thrash it then the service intervals are shorter. 15k interval is possible and in your case it would have been an oil service BUT in the manual it states that the oil should be changed every 2 years, so IMO... WALK AWAY!!!!
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+1, you can find better than that IMO. A 53 plate (7 years old) should have a minimum of 3 services/oil changes in the book at 2 years, 4 years and 6 years, regardless of mielage.

Should have an oil change at least every two years even if the mileage is low. My 54-plate is a similar idea: was only on 18k miles when I bought it at 4 years old and was due an oil change immediately, but that was only the second oil change/service in it's life of 4 years.
 
I'd much rather buy a car with average miles and full dealer service history than a low mileage car with no service history, plenty of Z's for sale at the mo, its better to wait than fine out you've got yourself a lemon. Plus when you come to sell the car the buyer may be asking the same questions as you.
 
If it does not 100% stack up then walk away ........... you will find another and its a buyers market at the moment.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys, really helpful, i think i will take your advise cj and try to get hold of the previous owners details and try to find some info on the car. I think if that fails i may have to walk away which will be a shame because its absolutely mint, apart from slight stretching in the leather of the seat you would think its almost brand new.
 
Jimmy Gee said:
Thanks for the feedback guys, really helpful, i think i will take your advise cj and try to get hold of the previous owners details and try to find some info on the car. I think if that fails i may have to walk away which will be a shame because its absolutely mint, apart from slight stretching in the leather of the seat you would think its almost brand new.
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For sure if you can piece together a solid proven history, find a good pile of receipts and evidence of a caring past and you are indeed getting a low mileage 2003 car in near mint condition, then it can be a winner. Any sniff of a dodgy deal, 7 years with no maintenance then take the advice of others and walk away and don't become emotinaly attached to a particular car.

If you want to post a link to the car/dealer knowledgeable members will freely comment on the car, value, etc.
 
I managed to track down the previous owner who seems a genuine guy, he told me that he only used the car at weekends hence the low mileage. As far as the lack of history goes, he has serviced the car himself because he owns an mot centre in lincoln which I know to be true. But I just cant understand why he wouldnt stamp the service book even if he did the service himself. He told me that if I were to buy the car I can send him the book and he will put a stamp in at 18000 miles for me.

Does anybody have any thoughts on this?
 
If its a good price, runs well, I would just go for it and get it stamped for future sale purposes

PS mine is a 53 plate (bought earlier this year) it also had low mileage 19k and i was a tad suspicious , but the book stacked up and so did the sellers story
 
Cheers ranski, I think you may have just helped me make my mind up. When I spoke to the previous owner it sounded like he'd really looked after it so I think I will go for it. Its just a shame it dosn't have full service history but I suppose thats why it was on at only £9000. Did yours have full history?

Was just wondering aswell, what size are the double spoked propeller wheels? Are they 17s?
 
mine only missed one oil service - but if it had many more miles on the clock i would have been a tad more picky

Alloys? if they are like the ones mine orginally came with they will be 17"

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Ive put a deposit down :D :D :D

Yeah they are the wheels. I think I may have to look into getting some ellipsoids, ive always thought they looked the best wheels on the zed. How much were they if you don't mind me asking?
 
ive got 2 sets, one new (£900+) the other set from ebay (£200) and had them powder coated the same colour as the car
 
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