Questionabout Maintenance Records and DIY'ers

I may be short sighted. I maintain my car by myself, for myself. Pictures are a nice touch, as are records of what you've done. At the end of the day I think you have to decide who you bought the car for. You or the next person you're going to sell the car to. I see many owners that are concerned about the mileage they put on the car as it reflects on the resale value.
Drive it like you stoled it. Maintain it to last. We only get one trip through life. You might as well have a good ride!!!

 

Good question you raise; personally I would almost be more satisfied if the buyer showed pics of work that was done and receipts for the parts - that is if I trust that the owner knew what he was doing. And to gain confidence that the owner knew what he was doing you just need to talk with them and make your own decision based on their mechanical ability / knowledge.

So in summary I'd never pay someone to work on my Ferrari just to have a receipt. I'm still undecided on my timing belt major, leaning towards tackling that myself this winter.

 

+1

 

Create "Italian Car Repair of BFE, LLC"

Pay yourself to repair your car

Write off lift, tools, etc.

Save receipt for next owner

 

I don't consider this a big deal. I have always serviced my own cars and sometimes I keep the parts slips and sometimes they get misplaced. When the time comes to sell it I won't dwell on the service records and I won't lower the price that I decide on. So if someone wants to come and inspect the car I will show them my personal records of what I have done and leave it up to them to decide if they want to buy it. There will always be a buyer and with cars like this there is usually no rush to sell them. So the 1st one with the money takes it and maybe they'll ask for records. Just my view on the matter. Enjoy the ride.

 

I keep a running log of all my repairs, part replacements, and adjustments made to included the date performed and description of work. All receipts and invoices are keeped in an accordion style file to include the running log, and all reference material used for each procedure performed . These are usually copies of Ferrari ChatLine threads, pictures, notes of any contacts made on the telephone , and notes from other sources. This file is now about 3" thick. Since there is no certified Ferrari mechanic nearby these records are better than nothing.

 

Immensely valuable way to do things. Good Show!

 

Keep all your receipts, take lots of pictures, and keep a log. On a 328 I think that will be more valuable to future owners than a simple invoice. Of course make sure you know how to maintain it so that you can tell future owners any of the tech stuff if they ask. The newer cars require the SD computers so harder to work on.

 

Hi Dave,

For my DIY work I save the parts/supplies receipts with a note indicating what they were for if it's not self-evident.

Given the way the market for these cars works, I would be hesitant to perform my own major service, even if I was competent to do so - unless I was never going to sell the car. It seems the vast majority of buyers want to see that work done by a pro, why eliminate many potential purchasers when there are so few to begin with?

Anyway, that C5 is getting worth less every day, while 328's are going up - better make the jump while you can! You won't regret it.

 

Whenever I perform a DIY on my car, I always include a receipt for the parts I used...if I think about it, I will snap a picture, but usually I am too lazy. I do type up a quick Word document with mileage, date, and specific services I performed. Then attach the reciept. I put everything in plastic pages, and insert them in a 3 ring binder.

 

Right. I keep my car receipts in a file, so I know where they all are. Also, dates and mileage when work was done, and notes of unusual stuff which may not be easy to remember.

 

Think the IRS allows this? I heard it could be a big red flag, no? Proceed causiously.......