How to Check the Service History of a Car | GVE London – Blog

Buying a car, especially a supercar or a luxury car, without checking its service history is quite a bold move. And there’s a fine line between bold moves and an outright gamble. We’d wager this is a gamble.

A service history is like doing a background check on an employee—sure, you can bypass it, but it’s best not to risk it. A well-documented history is always a green flag. In this blog post, we’ll let you know how you can check the service history of a vehicle and why it’s important.

Why Service History Matters

When you’re purchasing a used car, you’re opting for a machine that has been used before. Now, machines are meant to be used and can keep running smoothly—as long as they are maintained well. That’s why service history matters. It tells you, the buyer, everything you need to know about the car’s maintenance history.

If, say, you’re purchasing a high-end car and notice it has never received supercar servicing, nor has it been serviced by the dealership—only at a local garage—that should instantly raise red flags. A missing service record is usually another red flag that could indicate neglect, warranty issues, or even clocked mileage.

A full service history (FSH) usually includes:

• Dealer or specialist service stamps
• Invoices for work done
• MOT history (for UK-registered cars)
• Mileage records
• Major repairs or recalls

Without this info, you’re going in blind. And considering how much of an investment supercars are, we strongly advise against it.

Where to Find a Car’s Service History

Thankfully, there are many ways using which you can find out a car’s service history. Allow us to share them with you:

1. Check the Service Book

Most cars come with a service book, stamped by the garage that performed the work. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a well-maintained record from a supercar service centre like GVE London, showing all services done at the right intervals.

If the service book is missing, don’t panic as there are other ways to check for the same.

2. Contact The Manufacturer Or Dealership

For newer cars, dealerships keep digital records of servicing. Brands like Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini have centralised databases, so you can request a history report if the car was serviced at an authorised supercar service centre.

Contact the manufacturer’s customer service with:

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Registration plate
• Proof of ownership (if applicable)

They can provide a full history—if the car was maintained in their network.

Read Also: How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Supercar?

3. Check Online Databases

Several platforms provide access to service and MOT history:

• GOV.UK MOT History Check (www.gov.uk/check-mot-history) – Free check for UK-registered vehicles.
• HPI Check – Offers detailed reports, including outstanding finance and mileage discrepancies.
• CARFAX (for imported vehicles) – Useful for cars imported from the US or Europe.

These services can help verify mileage, ownership changes, and past MOT test results.

4. Call Previous Garages

If you have old invoices or a sticker on the windscreen from a garage, give them a call. Most reputable service centres keep records and may provide details—though GDPR laws may limit what they can share.

5. Check Digital Service Records

Many modern supercars use digital service books instead of physical logs. Brands like Porsche, Audi, and BMW store records electronically, accessible via the dealership or manufacturer’s portal.

For example:

• Ferrari – Ferrari service centres keep records on their internal system.
• Lamborghini – Official dealers can pull up history using the VIN.
• McLaren – Digital records are available through their authorised network.

If you’re buying a supercar, insist on a digital service report before sealing the deal.

Conclusion

Checking the service history of a car is really non-negotiable. It may be just a piece of paper, but this piece of paper contains crucial information about its performance, reliability, and value. By using a combination of physical records, digital tools, and the expertise of a supercar service centre, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s maintenance history. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, PPF and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!