Getting old Porsche Service History

[jellytott]

Probably been ask before.....I have a big fat zero on service history on my 944s 16v, is it searchable ?

So has anyone else tried getting previous service information dating back over the cars service life. I know the purchase of mine from the information supplied on "Certificate of Authenticity" from Porsche GB, also l know its original registration mark prior to private plates, previous 3 keepers names unknown here.

Dealer: Merlin Cambria ....Cardiff ?? back in August 1988, possibly so long ago Dealers come and go...let alone keeping old data bases also what did they do that paper before computers,,,,l assumed binned.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

It's worth asking the original dealer to check their records.

Porsche dealers are independants. That means there's no central records, and some PCs are more helpful than others. I think you'd have some hope if you had stamps and could ask a dealer to look for a specific receipt from a known date.

Either way, unless it's one of the never-driven collector's cars history is pretty irrelevent. The only thing you need to know is current condition, and perhaps the last 4 or 5 year's history to see major items replaced.

Whilst a huge file of paperwork is a lovely thing, in reality it doesn't really matter that my car had new wiper blades in 1992. [&:]

 

[bmnelsc]

Some manufacturers keep records by the vin so they can look up what was done. They are unlikely to provide copies as privacy legislation won't let them divulge the names/addresses of previous owners. This only works for service performed by their dealers. Any work by independents will not be on their system.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

This only works for service performed by their dealers

And, as I said, the problem in the UK is that Porsche dealers are mostly independants.

There's no central log of servicing, and the various dealers all used different systems from the late '80s up to now.

It's a very long shot to find a specific dealer, who still has that old info on a system that's accessible. [&o]

 

[Paul190H]

I contacted them at Reading Head Office and they said i could have the history on mine once I had sent them a copy of the V5 in my name. Certainly worth asking.

 

[944 man]

Over twenty years ago old dealers passed on their records to new OPCs, so there is hope.

 

[jellytott]

A bit of googling leads me to believe that Merlin in Cardiff were acquired by Stratstone Group who now have Land Rover and Aston Martin dealerships in Cardiff, so you could try contacting them to see if they're inclined or able to be helpful.

 

[Monkeythree]

My S2 came with a service book which belongs to another car. In an attempt to trace the owner and hopefully find that they had my service book, I took it to my OPC (Wilmslow) and asked them to look it up using the VIN. They were able to confirm the colour and that it had crossed their doors but did not have any records beyond that, not even the registration number.

I'm going to try and get a lead from the DVLA and Porsche GB but I suspect the data protection act will block my path.

 

[Hallsy]

Stratstone will be helpful, if they have info they should share it with you. I contacted them when I was interested in a car for sale on here that was missing history, they gave me a print out of all of the work that it had had done in their group.

However, my current 951 is missing early history and I contacted each of the franchises and none of them could help. My car was originally sold by Maltin Car Concessionaires whom I don't believe are trading anymore, so likely I won't be able to gain any info.

Hopefully you will be lucky

 

[jellytott]

Thanks Gents for the replies, my initial question about previous lost/unknown service records on OPC so I'm pleased others have considered obtaining previous history on cars once acquired. Like others the majority of us are preoccupied with "day to day" issues and always sourcing information on Insurances, spares or how to fix mechanical problems rather than looking to the past on vehicle history. I may give it a punt chasing back and will report back if I have any luck here contacting Stratstone.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

ORIGINAL: 944 man

Over twenty years ago old dealers passed on their records to new OPCs, so there is hope.

I've been involved with the COAs, and I can confirm that a LOT of info has been lost or corrupted over the years. That's just the original spec, from the chassis number, as supplied by Porsche GB, but is wrong in many cases.

No surprise really. In 1990 my car was supplied to a dealer who is probably not in business any more, at least in the same form they were back then. In the intervening 25 years imagine the different IT systems that one dealer would have gone through, let alone the car moving around the country and going through many different PCs and independant specialists.

I think a lot of the info that was on paper will be lost, and it's unlikely that the early computerised records will have been archived.

 

[jellytott]

Yes I had that feeling Paul, in my job sourcing information on electronic equipment is often unsupported after 5-10 years.. .. so in some respect Porsche is something else even with parts still available +25 years on. But I see what this 944S unearth's....If I don't ask I never know.

John

 

[Indi9xx]

DVLA will give you copies of all the log books since the car was first registered, I think the fee is about £5 to £10, or was.

I became a data protection registrar just so I could get access to this information, only to find out when I registered with DVLA that if you have a valid reason in writing, such as you are restoring the car and want to contact previous owners to ask them for any stories they have about their time with the car, then they will hand over the date for the admin fee mentioned above.

It turns out there is no data protection for inanimate objects, such as cars or houses or even the addresses and names on the documents for these objects, therefore, as long as you have a valid reason (historic, parking fine or other reason) they will hand over the data quite happily.

Its a similar story for houses, the land registry will give you copies of deeds for houses and other documents, but part of the deal (even if it is by ticking "I agree") is that you have a valid reason and will not use the information for marketing reasons or other harrassment.

If I were you, get these copies of old V5's, then write a nice letter to the previous keepers, telling them you now own the car and would be interested in stories, photos or even where it was maintained from them, put in a self addressed envelope and I am sure at least 50% will answer, for those that don't pay for a 192.com account and hunt them down in case they have moved home and write again.... Do this and you are sure to find you slowly build up enough information to get some of these places to restamp your books, provide copies on reciepts (less likely after 6 years) any maybe more.

I did this once with a car I bought, and an owner from 10 years ago posted me its service history up until 10 years previous, seems he traded it in at the main dealer and they did not want the history so he put it in a cupboard and had forgotten about it!! Inside was even the original purchase agreement! I already had everything for the last 10 years.

 

[Hallsy]

I did the same Jon after failing to trace it through the dealerships. I also asked on here as the car has an ageing PCGB sticker in the windscreen, but no joy!!

I must admit, I have still not written to the previous owners but it is on my 'to do' list. I'll send a few photos to jog their memory!

As you say, I'm hoping a few will reply. I know I would if I had someone asking about an old car of mine, and would help where I could