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General => General discussion => Topic started by: leon101 on 09 May 2022, 16:51

Title: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: leon101 on 09 May 2022, 16:51
Hi everyone.

I deposited for a MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance last week but I'm worried I might've made a big mistake.

The car only has 15k miles and no previous owners. Condition looked great, very clean and looks barely used. It's being sold by a Volvo dealer. Was priced at around £25k.

When I went to test drive the car, they said the vehicle doesn't have a full service history but was serviced before. Their reasoning for this was because of the service reminder that's shown in the infotainment display.

They said they tried to get in touch with the person who sold them the car but was apparently hard to get a hold of. They also said they called Volkswagen but was told that there's no official service history on there. I also called them to see if they have anything but they don't.

I was told they'd do a service on the car before I pick it up, so I went ahead and deposited for the car (£1k).

Now that the excitement has faded a bit, I have a feeling that I've made a big (and stupid) mistake.

Is there anything I could do now to help the situation? The deposit is also non-refundable. Maybe I should try and ask them to get information on where it was last serviced?

Thanks in advance and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: Adam T7 on 09 May 2022, 18:11
I suspect all will be ok if the condition is immaculate and it has been serviced at least once. I had mine serviced by a local Independent who had access to the VW electronic service records ( I had it from new anyway but was a bit concerned about losing its history post move away from a Main Dealer) - might be worth fishing around a bit for piece of mind. Good luck.

Ps - what do you mean by ‘no previous owner’?
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: madstaff on 09 May 2022, 18:19
You could register with VW Erwin, anyone can do this, https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do, and input the vehicle details to see if its got a digital service record.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: leon101 on 09 May 2022, 23:24
Just to clarify, Volkswagen said that the car has never been serviced with them. The only evidence of service is the service reminder shown in the car (which could be faked I guess).

The Volvo dealer that's selling the car has said they'd do a service just for peace of mind. Would this be good enough given the age and mileage?

And by no previous owner I mean it's only has 1 owner (I'd be the 2nd owner).
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: jv on 10 May 2022, 00:11
I'm not clear on your logic of the service reminder meaning it has had a service - couldn't it mean it's never had a service - as VW are telling you? Otherwise you are saying that the service reminder doesn't show the very first time it needs a service.

3 year old car on 15k that's never been serviced, that's what it sounds like.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: leon101 on 10 May 2022, 04:49
I'm not clear on your logic of the service reminder meaning it has had a service - couldn't it mean it's never had a service - as VW are telling you? Otherwise you are saying that the service reminder doesn't show the very first time it needs a service.

3 year old car on 15k that's never been serviced, that's what it sounds like.

It's not my logic - it was what the Volvo dealer told me and showed me. It wasn't until later that I realised it could be fake.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: SRGTD on 10 May 2022, 07:49
@leon101; if the car’s three years old - or close to three years old, it’ll also be due to have the first brake fluid change at three years. I’d be looking to get the selling dealer to agree to do this at no cost to you, in addition servicing the car.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: leon101 on 10 May 2022, 08:27
@leon101; if the car’s three years old - or close to three years old, it’ll also be due to have the first brake fluid change at three years. I’d be looking to get the selling dealer to agree to do this at no cost to you, in addition servicing the car.

Thanks SRGTD, I'll make a note of that. They did say they'll do a service on the car before I pick it up, but wasn't clear on whether it'll be a minor or major service. I'll make sure I get a proper invoice for it though.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: SRGTD on 10 May 2022, 10:11
@leon101; if the car’s three years old - or close to three years old, it’ll also be due to have the first brake fluid change at three years. I’d be looking to get the selling dealer to agree to do this at no cost to you, in addition servicing the car.

Thanks SRGTD, I'll make a note of that. They did say they'll do a service on the car before I pick it up, but wasn't clear on whether it'll be a minor or major service. I'll make sure I get a proper invoice for it though.

As there’s some doubt over service history, I’d be pushing for a full major service.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: joe6 on 10 May 2022, 10:34
@leon101; if the car’s three years old - or close to three years old, it’ll also be due to have the first brake fluid change at three years. I’d be looking to get the selling dealer to agree to do this at no cost to you, in addition servicing the car.
A major service at 3 years includes a VAQ oil change as well. They will have to source the appropriate oil. May not have the expertise?
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: Watts on 10 May 2022, 10:37
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: joe6 on 10 May 2022, 10:48
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?
Getting a vw dealer to do the service also has the benefit of software upgrade check since there is no service record. My 7.5 required a software update to cure a stop/start problem. Might be worth going for the discount if they are willing?
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: leon101 on 10 May 2022, 14:12
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?
Getting a vw dealer to do the service also has the benefit of software upgrade check since there is no service record. My 7.5 required a software update to cure a stop/start problem. Might be worth going for the discount if they are willing?
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?

Great point guys thanks. I've called them and asked them to cancel their "service" (which was a healthcheck and oil + filter change) and they've knocked off £200 for me so that I can go to VW. It's still under warranty so I guess that'll come in handy when I take it for a service.

They also said they're going to try and get in touch with the 1st owner again and see if they'll get any info on the garage it was last serviced at (which I highly doubt).

Hopefully they'll find something, but as I'm expecting to have this car for 5-7 years, I think the first 2 and half years of missing service history will be okay.

On a more positive note  :smiley: specs are: DSG, 18-inch wheels, tartan seats. Got all the gadgets I've been looking for (lane assist, parking camera, keyless entry). Is in great condition minus a few dents which will be fixed, very clean, and nothing felt strange when I took it for a drive.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: leon101 on 10 May 2022, 14:35
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?
Getting a vw dealer to do the service also has the benefit of software upgrade check since there is no service record. My 7.5 required a software update to cure a stop/start problem. Might be worth going for the discount if they are willing?
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?

Great point guys thanks. I've called them and asked them to cancel their "service" (which was a healthcheck and oil + filter change) and they've knocked off £200 for me so that I can go to VW. It's still under warranty so I guess that'll come in handy when I take it for a service.

They also said they're going to try and get in touch with the 1st owner again and see if they'll get any info on the garage it was last serviced at (which I highly doubt).

Hopefully they'll find something, but as I'm expecting to have this car for 5-7 years, I think the first 2 and half years of missing service history will be okay.

On a more positive note  :smiley: specs are: DSG, 18-inch wheels, tartan seats. Got all the gadgets I've been looking for (lane assist, parking camera, keyless entry). Is in great condition minus a few dents which will be fixed, very clean, and nothing felt strange when I took it for a drive.


Actually I've just realised, the missing history will void the warranty correct? Would I still be able to get an extended warranty after the manufacturer warranty in this case?
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: Watts on 10 May 2022, 15:05
Being a 2019 it's going to be close to the end of it's warranty if not already ended. VW do an All in One plan which is good value, 2 year extended warranty, servicing and vW Assistance all for a reasonable monthly price. Have a look at the terms and conditions on their website or when you take it in for a service, they can advise you. If it has been to VW for a service, they can also tell you what has been done. My dealer gives me a full history print out each time.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: joe6 on 10 May 2022, 17:49
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?
Getting a vw dealer to do the service also has the benefit of software upgrade check since there is no service record. My 7.5 required a software update to cure a stop/start problem. Might be worth going for the discount if they are willing?
The diff requires an oil change too. 3 years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Personally, I wouldn't be overly worried if the car looks well otherwise. The oil is longlife and can last up to 20k. In the two services it should've had, the main thing other than the oil change is just looking over the car for anything broken or falling off. Or minimally worn brakes that they can convince you need replacing.

Provided they either fully service it or give you an equivalent discount so you can take it to a VW dealer for them to do, I'd say go for it. The cars seem generally robust and reliable. So I don't think you've been stupid or made a mistake :smiley:

On a more positive note, what's the spec?

Great point guys thanks. I've called them and asked them to cancel their "service" (which was a healthcheck and oil + filter change) and they've knocked off £200 for me so that I can go to VW. It's still under warranty so I guess that'll come in handy when I take it for a service.

They also said they're going to try and get in touch with the 1st owner again and see if they'll get any info on the garage it was last serviced at (which I highly doubt).

Hopefully they'll find something, but as I'm expecting to have this car for 5-7 years, I think the first 2 and half years of missing service history will be okay.

On a more positive note  :smiley: specs are: DSG, 18-inch wheels, tartan seats. Got all the gadgets I've been looking for (lane assist, parking camera, keyless entry). Is in great condition minus a few dents which will be fixed, very clean, and nothing felt strange when I took it for a drive.


Actually I've just realised, the missing history will void the warranty correct? Would I still be able to get an extended warranty after the manufacturer warranty in this case?
Even flexible service is 2 year or 18.6k so yes unfortunately. All in one plan might be possible as Watts suggests but read the small print. Lack of service history may be a problem.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: ajmoir36 on 14 May 2022, 08:08
I would have thought with no service history VW will turn it down. The issue is could the car have been clocked back mileage wise? I would be very suspicious of a car with no service history! If it were 2years old it could have been on long life servicing so would have been fine.
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: Mileymk6 on 12 July 2022, 11:53
You could register with VW Erwin, anyone can do this, https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do, and input the vehicle details to see if its got a digital service record.

Can anyone do this, does it cover older cars like my mk6?
Title: Re: Missing Service History - MK7.5 2019 Golf GTI Performance
Post by: madstaff on 12 July 2022, 13:30
Can anyone do this, does it cover older cars like my mk6?

Anyone can register for an VW Erwin account but i dont think digital service schedules were introduced until the MK 7??

Someone else may be able to clarify??