Getting a full service history

[liffy99]

In the good old days, when buying a car, it was easy to see the collected receipts, invoices, MOTs etc that many people retained. These usually showed enough detail to tell exactly what was done and when.
Now, so much of the history has moved online ( and it seems Sytner now act as a national database on behalf of Audi) access to this information has become very piecemeal.

For one thing, any work done outside of the dealership will not be included in the online details.
Furthermore it seems that even events that have occurred within the network are not always captured.
And, even when they are, the detail is so scant as to be almost worthless. What might be covered by ab ‘inspection service’ ? If it had led to spark plugs being fitted, or a transmission service being performed, I want to know.

For example, I’ve been looking at a car to buy ( outside of the dealer network) which I know has had the usual oil and inspection services done at point of sale, 16k, 19k and 36k. It also had its engine replaced at 38k.

Yet going through the application for detail with Sytner the only thing they have sent me is a summary record showing one oil service !
Speaking to the main dealer where the last service and engine replacement was done I just get directed to Sytner.

Crikey, if a car has had an engine replaced at Audi’s expense I would like to know a bit more detail at least - was it the whole engine ? Just the cylinder head ? Were any ancillaries changed. And why ?

Records must exist - so why can’t I get them ???

[JamesBaby]

I totally agree with you mate. It’s a joke the way Audi record and provide service history data.

They don’t provide details on what’s called extra work. Things like an engine change, or repair to a gearbox issue, or work under warranty etc. They just send you a list of inspections or oil services. Sorry but that’s not full service history to me.

I like to have all the receipts/bills with a car. That way you can see what was done. If I don’t get a good amount of actual historical receipts with a car I don’t buy it. Sorry but stamps in book never meant anything and neither does a digital print out of oil services.

I have taken to contact previous dealers individually and request the receipts from them. They can remove or cover the ‘GDPR’ nonsense excuse, address details of previous owner and send me a copy.

Independent garages happily send you the receipts. Audi need some pressure.


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[liffy99]

Managed to get more detail on my third attempt with the dealer of last service ( and insisting I speak with the actual service team, not get passed to a robot). What is involved in the 40k service on a B9 RS5 ?

The car I’m looking at had an oil change and pollen filter done at 34k.
Then had a replacement full engine ( courtesy of Audi UK) at 38k, complete with another oil change and new plugs.
Brake fluid was renewed 20 months ago.
Car has now ticked past 40k miles. Discs are likely to be originals, tyres are half worn ( in just 6k ?).
Guessing a new air filter might be next ?

A dream car for me, but the running costs are a bit of a shock after my B8 S4 - brakes and tyres . . . ouch ! Are the brakes 375mm or 360mm ?
Transmission fluid does not need changing apparently.

This would be by far the most I’ve ever spent on a car - a bit scary via a private sale