How to Verify Vehicle Service Records When Buying Used

TL;DR: Service records prove maintenance history. Fake records are common. Verify records independently. Check with dealerships and shops. Look for red flags. Incomplete records cost $1,500-$4,000 in deferred maintenance. Always verify before buying.

You're buying a used car. Seller shows service records. Looks good. But are they real? Fake service records are common. Learn how to verify them.

Service records prove maintenance. Missing records mean problems. Verify before you buy.

Why Service Records Matter

What service records show:

• Maintenance history
• Service dates and mileage
• What was done
• Who did the work
• Parts replaced
• Problems found

Why they matter:

• Prove car was maintained
• Show maintenance schedule followed
• Reveal problems and repairs
• Verify mileage
• Predict future costs

Cost if records are fake or missing:

• Deferred maintenance: $1,500-$4,000
• Unknown problems: $1,000-$3,000
• Reduced value: $2,000-$5,000
• Total: $4,500-$12,000

How to Verify Service Records

Step 1: Check with Dealership

What to do:

• Call dealership with VIN
• Ask for service history
• Verify dates and mileage
• Check what was done

What to ask:

• "Do you have service records for VIN [number]?"
• "What services were performed?"
• "What were the dates and mileage?"
• "Were there any problems found?"

What you'll get:

• Official service records
• Dates and mileage
• Services performed
• Problems found

Cost: Free (phone call) Why it works: Dealerships keep records. They can verify what was done.

Step 2: Check CARFAX/AutoCheck

What to check:

• Service history section
• Mileage at service dates
• Services performed
• Shop information

What to look for:

• Consistent mileage progression
• Regular maintenance
• Services match records
• No gaps in service

Cost: $25-$50 per report Limitations: Not all shops report to CARFAX. May miss independent shop work.

Step 3: Check with Independent Shops

What to do:

• Contact shops listed in records
• Verify services were performed
• Check dates and mileage
• Ask about problems found

What to ask:

• "Did you service this car on [date]?"
• "What was the mileage?"
• "What services were performed?"
• "Were there any problems?"

What you'll get:

• Verification of services
• Actual dates and mileage
• Problems found
• Additional information

Cost: Free (phone call) Why it works: Shops keep records. They can verify services.

Step 4: Check Mileage Progression

What to check:

• Mileage increases consistently
• No drops or plateaus
• Matches service records
• Makes sense for age

What to look for:

• Consistent increases
• No suspicious patterns
• Matches vehicle age
• Matches service records

Red flags:

• Mileage decreases
• Mileage stays same
• Large jumps
• Doesn't match records

Red Flags in Service Records

1. No Records

What it means:

• Car wasn't maintained
• Records lost or destroyed
• Seller doesn't have them
• Major red flag

What to do:

• Get professional inspection
• Check vehicle history report
• Verify mileage independently
• Negotiate price down

2. Incomplete Records

What it means:

• Missing services
• Gaps in maintenance
• Incomplete history
• Red flag

What to look for:

• Missing oil changes
• No brake service
• No transmission service
• Gaps in service

What to do:

• Check what's missing
• Get inspection
• Verify what was done
• Account for missing maintenance

3. Recent Major Service Before Sale

What it means:

• Seller fixing problems before sale
• Hiding issues
• May have more problems
• Red flag

What to look for:

• Major repairs just before sale
• Transmission service before sale
• Engine work before sale
• Suspension work before sale

What to do:

• Ask why service was needed
• Get inspection
• Check for related problems
• Be cautious

4. Fake Records

What it means:

• Records are fabricated
• Services never performed
• Seller is dishonest
• Major red flag

How to spot:

• Records don't match dealership
• Shops can't verify
• Dates don't make sense
• Mileage doesn't match

What to do:

• Walk away immediately
• Don't buy from dishonest seller
• Report seller
• Find another car

5. DIY Maintenance Only

What it means:

• No professional service
• Unknown quality
• May be incomplete
• Red flag

What to look for:

• Only DIY records
• No shop receipts
• Handwritten notes only
• No professional verification

What to do:

• Get professional inspection
• Verify maintenance was done
• Check for problems
• Account for risk

What Maintenance Should Have Been Done

Every 3,000-7,500 Miles

• Oil change
• Oil filter
• Tire rotation

Every 15,000-30,000 Miles

• Air filter replacement
• Cabin filter replacement
• Brake inspection
• Fluid checks

Every 30,000-60,000 Miles

• Transmission service
• Coolant flush
• Spark plugs
• Timing belt (if applicable)

Every 60,000+ Miles

• Major services
• Timing belt replacement
• Suspension components
• Major fluid changes

Check owner's manual for specific intervals.

How to Spot Fake Records

Signs of Fake Records

• Records don't match dealership
• Shops can't verify services
• Dates don't make sense
• Mileage doesn't match
• Handwriting looks suspicious
• Receipts look fake
• No shop contact information

How to Verify

• Call shops listed
• Check with dealership
• Verify dates and mileage
• Check receipt authenticity
• Compare to vehicle history

What to Do If Records Are Missing

If no records:

1. Get professional inspection - Find problems
2. Check vehicle history - Verify mileage
3. Assume worst case - Plan for deferred maintenance
4. Negotiate price - Account for missing maintenance
5. Consider walking away - If too risky

Cost of missing maintenance:

• Oil changes: $300-$500
• Brake service: $200-$400
• Transmission service: $150-$300
• Timing belt: $500-$1,200
• Other services: $500-$1,500
• Total: $1,650-$3,900

Creating Service Records for Your Own Car

Why it matters:

• Increases resale value
• Proves maintenance
• Helps with warranty
• Shows care

What to keep:

• All receipts
• Service records
• Maintenance logs
• Repair documentation

How to organize:

• Keep in binder
• Organize by date
• Include receipts
• Note mileage

FAQ

Q: Are service records required? A: No, but they prove maintenance. Missing records reduce value. Q: Can I trust seller's records? A: Verify independently. Call shops. Check with dealership. Q: What if records are missing? A: Get inspection. Assume deferred maintenance. Negotiate price. Q: How do I verify records? A: Call shops. Check with dealership. Verify dates and mileage. Q: Are DIY records valid? A: Less trustworthy than professional. Get inspection to verify. Q: What if seller won't show records? A: Red flag. Get inspection. Be very cautious. May want to walk away.

The Bottom Line

Service records prove maintenance. Fake records are common. Verify records independently. Check with dealerships and shops. Look for red flags. Missing records cost $1,500-$4,000 in deferred maintenance. Always verify before buying.

Want to verify service records yourself? SKANYX VIN History Reports (Coming Soon) include comprehensive service history. See our pricing for diagnostic tools.

Need Help Verifying a Car's Service History? Join the Skanyx waitlist to get comprehensive vehicle history reports that include service records, maintenance history, and help you verify a car's service history before buying. Learn more about SKANYX features or see our pricing to get started. For more used car buying guidance, see our complete Used Car Buying Guide and learn about pre-purchase inspection.