Why Is It Important to Check MOT History and Service History of a Car Before Buying It?

Exploring a car's service history will reveal any major or small concerns, as well as the vehicle's mileage. Finding out a vehicle's mileage will likely offer you an idea of how many more years it has left in it, as well as which car parts may need to be replaced soon.

Some brake pads, for example, should be replaced every 20,000 miles, whereas brake discs should be replaced every 40,000 miles. These fees may quickly add up, so monitoring a car's mileage is critical to avoid any unexpected charges down the road.

Aside from a service book, it's a good idea to examine other confirmation that your possible new vehicle has been well-maintained and check MOT status to ensure it has a valid MOT certificate. While service book stamps may be faked, invoices and service sheets are irreplaceable, and the more documentation you can gather to show the value of your car, the better.

When Buying a Used Vehicle, Watch Out for These Red Signs

Now that you've learned how to see the signs that a car is worth buying, it's time to learn how to spot the red flags that indicate a vehicle isn't up to par. These are only a few:

1. Advisories not being repaired - If specific faults with a car are found during a MOT test (such as poor tyre tread), you may be able to verify yourself whether the seller has addressed these concerns, and if they haven't, this is a tip to stay away. If minor faults haven't been resolved, there's no way of knowing what other essential issues have been overlooked, so it's best to steer clear of caution and keep looking.

2. Complicated history - Being able to check MOT history of the car is great, but if it's packed with failures and repairs, it may be a hint that your vehicle isn't worth the money. After all, a vehicle that is prone to difficulties is likely to incur a slew of unanticipated charges down the road, so it can be worth spending a little extra up front to buy a car that operates more smoothly.

3. Missing or questionable stamps - A completely stamped service book indicates that a pre-owned vehicle was carefully cared for by its previous owner, while missing stamps may indicate a lack of thoroughness in upkeep. Similarly, if the stamps seem dubious, they may have been forged to inflate the value of a car, and if you suspect this, the transaction should be avoided at all costs. A faked service book indicates that the vehicle has been neglected in the past, and it is also unethical. So, to guarantee you acquire the vehicle of your dreams, look for a reputable seller who can offer all of the necessary documents. You can also request a car garage in Reading to complete a pre-purchase inspection for a small fee if the seller agrees to this.

When Searching for Garages in Reading, How Do I Choose the Right One?

Review our top 5 suggestions to help you choose the best garage for your needs:

1. Check to see whether the garage is a member of any respectable industry associations. We support the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which accredits properly educated technicians, as well as the Trading Requirements-approved code Motor Codes, which garages join and agree to follow their set of rules and operating standards.

2. Be satisfied with the description of what work is required: it is usually beneficial if the team and car mechanics provide excellent customer service and assist you in diagnosing and understanding the problem. If they can't offer you a set price for a certain job, make sure they explain the problem and provide you a thorough breakdown of the components and labour costs.

3. If you are looking for garages in Reading and take your vehicle to an independent garage while it is still under warranty, be sure that original manufacturer components are used and that the garage can ensure that your warranty is preserved. Even if your vehicle isn’t covered by a guarantee, you might be curious about the quality of the parts utilised.

4. If you haven't used the garage before, look for reviews or testimonials from past customers to offer you piece of mind.

5. For many individuals, their vehicle is a necessity in their daily lives. If you rely on your car to travel to and from work or the school run, make sure you inquire about the time it will take to complete the job. Whether they are unable to offer you with a firm response, inquire if a courtesy car may be provided while your vehicle is being fixed. Many car services in Reading garages offer a courtesy car but even better, offer a free collection and delivery service.