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Hi. I am keen in buying an used car from a dealer. He claims that there is no service book as it is an imported car. Is that possible? I’ve test driven the car and it sounds okay to me but I’m by no means any expert at all.
Unsure if it is usual for imported cars to not have service records? Also I asked when was the last time a service was done and he said he wasn’t sure and he don’t know.
It is a VW polo 1.2 turbo engine, 2011 and has done 69000km. Seems like it’s imported from japan too as that’s the language displayed on the radio/screen, if it makes any difference at all
Thanks!
This is often the case with Japanese import models they may have stickers under the bonnet or in door jambs that may shine a light on servicing, its always a gamble. The best option is often to do an AA pre Purchase inspection to assess the vehicles condition ad it stands.
Hey Ian thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the impulsive part in me had placed a bid on the car on trademe and it has now closed (and I got it!). I plan to bring it in for an Euro Platinum service though, figure that will possibly uncover issues with the car if any? And am I right to say that as I am covered by the consumer act, if the service does show problems with the car, thus proving that the dealer misled me on it, I’ll be able to get a refund on my payment?
Thanks again!
If you have bought the vehicle from a dealer you will be covered by the consumer guarantees act, a good service is always a good idea on an imported vehicle.
If you do discover any faults you must offer the dealer a opportunity to remedy the faults in the first instance. A fault would have to be a serious fault to seek a refund.
Oh cool thanks Ian :)
Just to double check overall - so it’s normal if it comes with nothing (service book or manual etc)? And he said that he can’t book it in for a service yet as it’s the holidays. So he is happy to discount $100 off the price so that I can bring it to a service myself. That sounds okay too? (And that’s why I plan to bring it in for an AA platinum service!)
Yes it is quite normal for Japanese imports to not have service records, and a good service is always advised.
As this is not a domestic model in japan it may be possible that VW NZ may have access to some records from japan if their systems are linked it could be worth asking.