Service history on used car

stefanovich

Hi there,
Bought a second hand 02 toyota corolla about a year ago. It was my first ever car so I was a bit clueless. It's been running very well since and is very reliable.
It's due an NCT shortly and I have the test booked for next month. One thing which I never received was the certificate of ownership. Apparently it was posted but I never received it. They suggested I fill in the form, get the guards to sign it, pay 12 euros and fingers crossed it won't be "lost in the post" again.

That was 8 months ago Procrastinated some and then procrastinated even more. Should it be a problem that I have left it so late?

Also, certificate, logbook, service history... How exactly does this work? When you bring the car to be serviced is there some central database that keeps track of what has been done? Should there have been a physical service book?

mickdw

Was the car actually transferred to your name?
If a book was never issued to you, I think you have to get the car inspected by a dealer to confirm it is what you say it is (correct reg vs chassis etc) and then get a declaration witnessed.
As for service histroy, you should ideally have a wallet full of receipts / garage stamps showing what was done to the car over the years. Failing this, you could call dealers that may have serviced it (if you see dealer service stickers on the car etc) and ask for any details they have on the history of the car. I would only do this if it was a much newer car tbh. Given the type and age of the car, I wouldnt be overly worried about it, just keep on top of the servicing now and keep your own records.

biko

Garages will for the most part have a system of their own but yes, there should be a physical service book. This often gets lost down the years.
Now, for an 02 corolla it won't be a major issue as I suppose you will hang on to it for many more years?
About the VRC (aka logbook), get a replacement. If you are unlucky you will have problems when bringing the car to NCT (and you should have a VRC anyway).

stefanovich

Okay, thanks guys. Yes the car is in my name. Just didn't receive the certificate in the mail.

Thought it was strange there was no service information. There does seem to be evidence of some panel beating haven taken place. The front right mirror was a bit wonky and slight discolouration of the paint in the same area.

djimi

You need to get the registration documents sorted out before the NCT, as they may require you produce this certificate when you go for the test. They will still proceed with the test even if you dont have the logbook, however they will not issue the NCT cert until you produce the logbook.

stefanovich

djimi wrote: »

You need to get the registration documents sorted out before the NCT, as they may require you produce this certificate when you go for the test. They will still proceed with the test even if you dont have the logbook, however they will not issue the NCT cert until you produce the logbook.

Okay, thanks guys will try not to procrastinate further.