Who keeps maintenance records, and how?

[Swank]

I have almost everything done at the dealership, I'd do my own oil changes if they weren't free there. When I switched dealerships due to moving across the city they printed out my entire service history to provide to the new dealership, it was pretty detailed so I kept a copy. I think that would satisfy a potential buyer, and if it doesn't then they weren't the right one.

[nickyh]

I keep all mine. if i sell the car privately I give them to new owner if they want them, if they don't i shred.
My next car may be a trade in, so I don't think the dealer will want those.

I also keep my payoff letters on my car loans and let the new owner inspect that, but I keep that for my CYA file.

[rage2]

My cars all have built in service reminders, where I get it serviced at the dealer. I don't keep any of it because the dealer can print them all out for me if/when I need it.

Fuck paper.

[drivingcanada]

Thanks for the awesome and helpful responses - looks like it's currently a binder of papers for many people, with a few venturing into excel/online territory.

For those who buy/sell privately through craigslist, kijiji etc, I wonder - if you had instant online access to all the maintenance records (both DIY and dealer/independent with invoice snapshots ) along with a seller's ad, and could view them before having to contact the seller, would that save you time or change the way you filter through ads?

Or as a seller, if you had an easy way to (optionally) include your records with your ad, do you think it would help in selling your vehicle?

[relyt92]

I keep invoices and receipts in an envelope, and also keep a Google Docs file with date/mileage/what and where it was done that I could pull up on my phone anywhere or show to a potential buyer.

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by drivingcanada
Thanks for the awesome and helpful responses - looks like it's currently a binder of papers for many people, with a few venturing into excel/online territory.

For those who buy/sell privately through craigslist, kijiji etc, I wonder - if you had instant online access to all the maintenance records (both DIY and dealer/independent with invoice snapshots ) along with a seller's ad, and could view them before having to contact the seller, would that save you time or change the way you filter through ads?

Or as a seller, if you had an easy way to (optionally) include your records with your ad, do you think it would help in selling your vehicle?

If I was buying used on Kijiji, I don't think it'll change the fact that I'll still need to physically touch/feel the vehicle. Right now, Kijiji offers the seller to link/purchase a carproof report, which hardly any seller offers.

If I was selling used on Kijiji, unless its intergrated free of charge to link/post my receipts, I wouldn't pay any extra for it though.

[MalibuStacy]

Every car I've owned I keep a service record

[Moff]

I type myself an email and print it if I do the work myself

[Neb]

Well, if you want to get started easily, you could just add a folder to your filing cabinet (if you have a filing cabinet) and place all your repair invoices in there chronologically.

Then get a little notebook and keep that in your glove compartment. Make note of anything you think is important: Dates and mileage of oil changes, the last time the brakes were done, optimum tire pressure, etc...

[revelations]

I use an online note-taking app. Web based - Diigo - I just log in with my garage PC and add anything relevant (eg. to do) and anything completed as far as maintenance (Month/year, mileage, work done).

I can also make notes on it while in my car.

[bigbadboss101]

Keep ours in a binder. Similar to some of the other replies. Keep they until I sell the car. If buyer wants the record I give to them.

[HiTempguy1]

I mile my cars out. Taking a potential car for a test drive and checking the fluids reveals way more than a binder full of receipts does.

Having said that, if I had a NICE car and was selling it before it was miled out, I can see that being useful for the sale. But I've personally never had a problem.

Just sold my 520k km duramax, guy asked if I had invoices for all the parts I put on, which I did since they were all online order, but he didn't care to take them.

[FraserB]

I have an Excel sheet that everything goes on. Gas, car washes, modifications, maintenance, insurance. All with cost, date and mileage against each one.

[btimbit]

Binder here too. Dividers for different categories, everything goes into it.

[v2kai]

Keep a folder of receipts and track my maintenance and fuel economy using fuelly. I just make brief notes of maintenance performed when enter the next gas up in the log. Quick and simple

[The_Penguin]

Excel sheet with mileage, work done, where done, and cost.
Searchable PDFs scanned of all receipts for DIY stuff and work orders for dealership/other.
No paper kept at all.

[roll_over]

Originally posted by rage2
My cars all have built in service reminders, where I get it serviced at the dealer. I don't keep any of it because the dealer can print them all out for me if/when I need it.

Fuck paper.

Except for when I sold my car from my company to myself and Lonestar refused to print shit cause of some freedom of information mumbo jumbo.

[RealJimmyJames]

Don't you trust yourself?

I pretty much don't keep anything. Haven't had anyone ask for anything in decades of selling vehicles. Most people don't even pop the hood, let alone want to read a stack of invoices.

[roll_over]

Originally posted by RealJimmyJames
Don't you trust yourself?

I pretty much don't keep anything. Haven't had anyone ask for anything in decades of selling vehicles. Most people don't even pop the hood, let alone want to read a stack of invoices.

I think it depends on the vehicle. One of my business’ is a small car dealership that specializes in niche and high end cars and nearly 100% of my clients ask.