When you're buying a used car, checking its service history is one of the best ways to avoid an expensive mistake. But "service history" actually covers two different things: the car's service logbook, which records the maintenance and repairs it has had, and a vehicle history report, which reveals things like finance owing, write-offs and whether it has been reported stolen. Here's how to check both, starting with the logbook.
A service logbook is the record of every service and repair a car has had, including the date, the odometer reading and what work was done. A complete, well-stamped logbook is a strong sign the car has been looked after. Here's how to check it.
Start by asking the seller for the car's service book. In older cars this is usually a physical booklet kept in the glovebox, stamped by the mechanic or dealer at each service. In newer cars, it's increasingly a digital service record (more on that below). If the seller can't produce either, treat that as a red flag worth asking about.
Flip through and look for regular, evenly spaced services, roughly every 10,000 to 15,000km or every 12 months, though it varies by manufacturer. [VERIFY typical interval] Check that the odometer readings increase logically over time, and that there are no long unexplained gaps. Services stamped by a licensed mechanic or dealer carry more weight than handwritten notes with no detail.
Compare the last odometer reading in the logbook against the car's current reading. If the current reading is lower, that's a serious warning sign the odometer may have been wound back. It's also worth checking the servicing details match the car in front of you, the make, model and any major work listed.
A missing logbook isn't always a deal-breaker, but you'll want to fill the gap. You can contact the dealership or mechanic that serviced the car and ask for a copy of its records, they can usually look it up by the car's VIN or registration. For many newer cars, the full service history is stored digitally by the manufacturer and can be retrieved through an authorised dealer.
There are 3 main options for checking a car's service history.
Most of the time, people will either choose between doing their own checks or paying an agency for a full report on the car.
If you want a more detailed view of the car's history, you can pay an agency or organisation for a complete check of the vehicle. This typically costs less than $50 but pricing can vary depending on the service you use.
For example, Service NSW currently offers a full vehicle history report for $23, while Equifax's CarHistory has a $39.95 fee. And if you're a member of NRMA, you could get a car history report for $27 ($37 for non-members).
Many newer cars no longer come with a paper logbook. Instead, the dealer logs each service electronically against the car's VIN, creating a digital service record. This is harder to fake than a stamp book, which is good news for buyers, but it does mean you may need to ask the seller or an authorised dealer to pull up the records for you. If a seller tells you a recent car has "no logbook", ask whether it has a digital service history instead before walking away.
A Finder survey of 1,012 respondents found 1 in 5 Aussies (19%), equivalent to 3.9 million people, are performing maintenance on their cars to save money.
The research found a further 12% of Australians had done their own car maintenance in the past 1-5 years to delay needing to visit a mechanic.
Interestingly, DIY car care is most common among women, with 22% admitting they had performed their own car maintenance over the past year, compared to 17% of men.
A car’s service history can show:
For example, depending on the provider, a service history check might look like this:
| Date | Odometer reading | Work done |
|---|---|---|
| 15 September 2022 | 60,000km | Full inspection, oil changed, tires rotated |
| 1 January 2023 | 65,000km | Car registration changed from QLD to NSW |
| 2 January 2024 | 65,001km | Full inspection, replaced drive belt |
You can also get added services, such as a valuation of the car, included in the car history check.
These two often get mixed up, but they tell you different things:
For real peace of mind when buying used, it's worth checking both. The logbook tells you about the car's condition, and the history report protects you from a nasty financial or legal surprise.
Finding out a car’s service history can reveal to you the state of the car and its current value. Getting these checks done along with following a used car buying checklist can help ensure you get value for money and help you avoid driving away with a poorly maintained, possibly stolen lemon that’s been trumped up by a shady salesman.
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