Used cars

A spokesman for British Car Auctions (BCA) explained: “A complete history shows a vehicle has been well maintained and confirms the mileage. This helps promote buyer confidence, and can add value.”

“For a typical 60,000-mile, three-year-old ex-fleet model, it could mean an extra £300 to £500 on the average value of around £7,000 – depending on the car’s condition.”

That figure will be even higher for more valuable models, and for vehicles priced in excess of £20,000, the difference could be as much as £2,500. BCA’s experts claim that lux­ury and high-performance cars are difficult to sell without a complete service file, as buyers will be nervous about the cost of repairs.

“We advise customers to look for a full service history. Providing they maintain it, this will help them get a good price when it’s their turn to sell,” said the BCA spokesman.

But he warned against buying bargain models without any history, explaining that if an owner hasn’t bothered to properly maintain their car, they’re unlikely to have looked after its cabin or bodywork, either. If customers doubt the validity of a service history, they should call the garage that carried out the work.

Meanwhile Manheim Auctions has unveiled its new Hammer Time! service, which allows private buyers instant online access to thousands of used cars. Subscribers to the Net-based scheme can search all 19 of the brand’s UK centres for vehicles which match their requirements. A one-week subscription costs £4.99, with month-long access £14.99. Drivers can also sign up for longer periods at the www.manheim.co.uk/hammertime website.