Service Records What do they mean?

I just received the complete service records from my soon to be delivered 1991 Mondial t Cab. I had seen the most recent three years but the prior decades were not available.

Reviewing them in detail for the first time- I thought several conflicting ideas.
One - the previous owner spent a lot of money between 2001 and 2007 and drove the car in total 4k miles. There were two major services records with belts etc for 10-12K each (2001 and 2007). Clutch has been done, the fusebox has been replaced.

The car was serviced at four centers in LA/Beverly Hills and had a history of running rough. The alternators were r and r'd then replaced. The battery twice ( three times maybe). Multiple electrical gremlins were fixed. There is a charger hard wired now. And jumper cables.

In total I think I have 40K of service on the car in six years ( for what was a ten year old car then) Very high running costs for what it was at that point. In contrast, my 430 has cost me 3K in work including a major and miscellaneous little things in three years. What a different experience. IF my 430 was 40 K in six years, I do not think I would keep it.


Good news is no body work, no issues, stored in climate controlled environment. Good recent service ( although I will do a major later this year/next year).

So would you be happy that the work has been done, and the owner would do whatever it took and run his card- or would you be concerned about a car needing so much work?

Lastly as others have suggested- from the records, it seems the quality of resolving the complaints is truly variable in some known and very expensive independents in CA.


Thoughts?


ScottS

 

I agree. It's kind of like going to the doctor. Really only other doctors know who is good.


I agree about the problem not being fixed. One can almost see the process of elimination by repair and part replacement. Total miles is 29k. I talked to the prior owner. Loved the car, expected to pay for the Ferrari experience and did. Clearly it was well cared and serviced but whether the work was needed. ...? At least it has a lot of new parts.


That's the thing about service records I think. They show intent and ability to care for but that may be it. At least I know there are no hidden neglected issues. Now there may be hidden issues but not for not going to the mechanic.

The last thing is it is Amazing to see those numbers rack up.


Scotts

 

Just curious if you did not have records how did you know that nothing was tinkered with? Records show what- if anything- has been tinkered with and or serviced. For me it means the car has been looked after with no intent of neglect. Do I care if the air mass sensor was replaced? Not really. But it has. It also means that I know what has been done so if my guy suggests that the alternator should be replaced, I will suggest that there is another solution or cause since its been done.


What is the minimum service history that one would consider acceptable for twenty four years?

I am like you- I presume I will be restoring this car inside out. But it is nice to do it on my timetable and not all at once from the get go.

BTW none of the previous work was really noted on the PPI at all.

We buy the car from the person as much as the car itself. Having talked to the previous owner, and seen he is, like me, an owner who services his vehicles as best as he can. In addition, he was never planning to sell the car- it was a turn in business, told on the internet, and the need to pay college tuition for a daughter that forced the sale.



Scott

 

? Battery and Alternator done in 2014 for sale.
Alternator 1-2007
Alternator and Clutch 2006- same shop
Rough Running 2005 prior to major- all done, no notes after. 1.5 K miles ago.
Prior- both Cat convert temp ECus replaced.alternator 2004 again.
And then little things- fuel door solenoid

Does not say about fusebox- I was going to replace with Dh version (Scucderia Rampante)

Current owner suggested the aftermarket radio and amp was killing the battery and alternators.
What are your thoughts?

Scotts

 

29K.orig.miles from new.2 owners from new.Sold new in Monterey,Ca.

Second owner bought car in 2001,and paid $48K.

It had had the 7500 service.(8/92)
15K.service(6/95)
22500 service(98)
FIRST 30K.service{10/01}for $10,000.
Second 30K.service {6/05}for $12800.
an additional $18000.+for servicing from `04-`07
From about `07 till a month ago it has been stored in a collector cars warehouse in So.Ca.

Driven only about 2000 miles in 7 years.+/-.It just had a light $3000 re-activation service( I cannot find the R/O at the moment).


ScottS