Buying used: How to spot a car that needs a major service
When buying used, be aware that many cars are sold just before a major service is required. Here’s how to spot the tell-tale signs.
Every car has a recommended service interval, and here’s how you can dodge a dreaded major service when buying used. Found in the user manual of all vehicles, these intervals happen annually or when a certain mileage is reached … whichever transpires first.
A car with a full-service history is the best car to buy, particularly if an authorised dealer has serviced it. That’s the best way to keep track of what has been done at each service interval. These books tell the story of the car you’re looking to buy.
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There are key service milestones in the life of a used car. The major service tends to be every 40 000 km and these can cost more money. If you’re buying pre-loved, it helps to know when the major service happens and what it entails.
ACCOUNTING FOR A MAJOR SERVICE
It can indicate that a major service needs to be undertaken as soon as you drive off the lot and you could be footing a big bill. Or, depending on the car, that it’s perhaps already happened, and your next major service is still a long way down the line.
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It’s important to remember that services shouldn’t be skipped, just because everything drives or feels okay. So, when looking at kilometres on your pre-loved car, you need to ask servicing questions around:
- 80 000 km
- 120 000 km
- 160 000 km
- 200 000 km
- 240 000 km
COMMON SERVICE MILESTONES
1. BELT, CHAIN AND HOSE
This is the expensive one that can hurt financially if there’s a problem, it’s a major service item that needs to be done every 100 000 – 160 000 km or 5-8 years. The timing belt/chain/cam belt keeps key components working, as the name suggests, in sync with one another.
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2. AUTOMATICS
These require a service roughly every 40 000 km or two years, while it’s not a big job and replenishes the gearbox fluid, it can be more expensive than a standard service due to labour.
3. COOLANTS
Every 80 000 – 100 000 km your car will need it’s coolant system to be flushed out and new coolant added. Check all the pipes for leaks and that everything is running well. Consistent coolant top-ups suggest a leak in the system.
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The parts themselves are not expensive but it’s the labour that gets pricey. Quite a few cars are sold just as the maintenance plan expires and these major jobs need doing. So, do your due diligence when these jobs need doing and how much they will typically costs on your desired car.