Missing service history is one of the biggest barriers to selling a car privately. Buyers want to see stamps in the book, receipts for work done, and evidence of regular maintenance. Without that documentation, many simply won’t consider your car.
At Surrey Car Buyer, we take a different approach. We buy cars without service history, assessing each vehicle on its current condition rather than its paperwork.
Why Service History Matters (and Sometimes Doesn’t)
Service history provides peace of mind. It shows that oil has been changed, belts replaced, and major services completed. But here’s the thing: many well-maintained cars have incomplete records. Previous owners might have:
- Used independent garages that didn’t stamp the book
- Done their own servicing
- Lost the service book during moves or changes of ownership
- Simply never kept receipts
A car with no service history isn’t necessarily a bad car – it just lacks documentation.
How We Assess Cars Without History
When we buy a car without service history, we look at:
- Current condition: How does the car look, feel, and drive?
- MOT history: Publicly available records showing mileage and past advisories
- Visible maintenance: Condition of fluids, filters, belts, brakes
- Overall presentation: Does the car appear cared for?
We’re experienced at assessing vehicles and can often tell whether a car has been looked after, even without the paperwork to prove it.
The Private Sale Problem
If you’ve tried selling privately, you’ll know the difficulties. Buyers ask about service history immediately, and without it, they either walk away or lowball you significantly. Dealerships often won’t touch cars without history at all.
This leaves many sellers stuck with cars they can’t shift at reasonable prices.
Our Solution
Selling to us is simple and fair. We make our offer based on realistic assessment, not just paperwork. You get:
- A fair price reflecting actual condition
- No haggling or pressure
- Free collection from anywhere in Surrey
- Instant cash payment
Other Missing Documents?
If you’ve also lost your V5 logbook, we can still help. We buy cars with missing paperwork of all kinds.
Get Your Quote
Request your free valuation today. We buy cars from Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Reigate, and throughout Surrey.