Maintenance Record
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,042
Likes: 1,523
From: Maine, Virginia
Yes-traditionally the folder with maintenance records go right in to the circular file-known as the trash can. There is no system to file such records-and most shops do post to CarFax-that will show oil changes and the like.
And the vehicle is worth what it's worth-maintenance records or not.
And the vehicle is worth what it's worth-maintenance records or not.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
I keep all my auto stuff in excel spreadsheets - one for each vehicle. I put an entry in no matter who does what, small or big, date and mileage, etc. - pretty handy to reference when something was done last, etc. +2 on going into Ford dealer and asking for an OASIS report on your truck 
, never heard of anyone getting turned down...
Oh and congrats on the truck!
, never heard of anyone getting turned down...Oh and congrats on the truck!
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 62
Likes: 7
Records
$100/$300/$500.00 MORE?
Everybody likes to tout their record keeping.
Now let's quantify it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
That said, I don't know what $ value to place on maintenance records, I do it for me...
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,042
Likes: 1,523
From: Maine, Virginia
Not sure what records are worth on their own but I sold my old '88 F-150 to a fella who was looking for that body style. I had all my records for the past 20+ years to include the new engine and all that was done after the engine install. The buyer was amazed that the wiring and plumbing in the engine bay still looked factory along with the records made for a quick full price sale. He didn't even try to dicker because I would have shot him down anyway.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 417
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
Maintenance records
I just purchased a 2018 XLT with 150k. I ran a CARFAX which showed oil changes at consistent 10k intervals. It also showed one minor repair at a local dealership. Based on that information, I bought the truck.
Because of the mileage, I took it into the local dealer for coolant and trans fluid service. They found the typical oil pan leak (although it was minimal) and a tranny/diff seal leak. Again, minimal. Even though it appeared the truck had consistent maintenance according to the records, there can always be an issue.
Fortunately, I was aware of the RTV sealant issue and it didn’t come as a surprise. While I’d prefer to have a complete maintenance history, it’s just a tool to help in the decision-making process.
Would I buy the truck again? Absolutely. While there was a hiccup, I’m confident that the previous owner took good care of the truck and with the money I saved being a high-mileage vehicle, it will suit my needs for a long time.
So maintenance records can affect the sale of a vehicle. But like others here have stated, it seems the dealers round-file them as a matter of prepping the vehicle for sale. Could be dealers may also do that in an attempt to hide the trade-ins from the auction cars. Fortunately, CARFAX had a history of my truck.
Because of the mileage, I took it into the local dealer for coolant and trans fluid service. They found the typical oil pan leak (although it was minimal) and a tranny/diff seal leak. Again, minimal. Even though it appeared the truck had consistent maintenance according to the records, there can always be an issue.
Fortunately, I was aware of the RTV sealant issue and it didn’t come as a surprise. While I’d prefer to have a complete maintenance history, it’s just a tool to help in the decision-making process.
Would I buy the truck again? Absolutely. While there was a hiccup, I’m confident that the previous owner took good care of the truck and with the money I saved being a high-mileage vehicle, it will suit my needs for a long time.
So maintenance records can affect the sale of a vehicle. But like others here have stated, it seems the dealers round-file them as a matter of prepping the vehicle for sale. Could be dealers may also do that in an attempt to hide the trade-ins from the auction cars. Fortunately, CARFAX had a history of my truck.
Last edited by offdutyagain2; Sep 13, 2023 at 11:21 AM.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: Pensacola, FL
I just bit the bullet and do a Carfax report. Looks like the maintenance has been kept up. It did show a deferential oil change at 59,000 miles but nothing on transmission so I will get that done here in a next couple of months. I did find out the 20 inch was factory so I am good there. Over all, it was taken care of so any concerns were answered. Thanks guys for answering any questions I had.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
Likes: 62
From: Southeast Kansas
Next weekend, I have plans to purchase a truck that I'll have to drive 550 miles one way to get. There are 2 trucks that are identical, in as much as the same color, engine transmission etc. Except one has a moon roof, and one don't. NOT a deal breaker to me that the one I'm interested in does NOT have a moon roof.
My point is this. The one I'm going after has personal records with it. (Am buying it off a individual). I wanted to see everything that had/has been done to it. I have a carfax of the vehicle, and I prefer to know what all has happened prior.
My point is this. The one I'm going after has personal records with it. (Am buying it off a individual). I wanted to see everything that had/has been done to it. I have a carfax of the vehicle, and I prefer to know what all has happened prior.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Next weekend, I have plans to purchase a truck that I'll have to drive 550 miles one way to get. There are 2 trucks that are identical, in as much as the same color, engine transmission etc. Except one has a moon roof, and one don't. NOT a deal breaker to me that the one I'm interested in does NOT have a moon roof.
My point is this. The one I'm going after has personal records with it. (Am buying it off a individual). I wanted to see everything that had/has been done to it. I have a carfax of the vehicle, and I prefer to know what all has happened prior.
My point is this. The one I'm going after has personal records with it. (Am buying it off a individual). I wanted to see everything that had/has been done to it. I have a carfax of the vehicle, and I prefer to know what all has happened prior.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,519
Likes: 403
From: W. Central FL.
As someone who has privately bought and sold many vehicles, I can not place any monetary value on records. I do see a good set of records as something that gave me a "feeling" for the vehicle; a vehicle that was maintained versus one that was "ridden hard and put away wet."