Importance of documented maintenance history

[livi]

On one hand, we all agree a documented maintenance history, preferably from a reputable specialist, is very important when buying and selling our vintage Porsches;

on the other hand, most of us strive to do most of the maintenance our selves, leaving no stamps in no maintenance books.

Sure, we might document for our selves whats been done during the years - for the presumptive buyer to believe or not. Receipts etc..

Whats your opinion ? Will a documented history of annual specialist visits look better than a 'home made' list of the same maintenance ?

Is it actually a bit risky giving up the 'specialist stamps' in the book - comes selling day ?

[Bobboloo]

Having a history from a third party does have a certain credibility advantage when selling a car over the personal records of the person trying to sell you the car.

That being said, a third party can always be introduced down the road in the form of a PPI. Gathering as much info as you can on the present condition of the car when selling is the thing that will erase the question marks for the prospective buyer.

Compression and leakdown numbers are a big plus and should come from a third party for credibility.

Reciepts for quality parts in ones personal maintainence records also help.

So my thoughts are that giving up the "specialists stamps" isn't necessarily bad if an alternate means of assembling the pertinent info is provided.

[livi]

Thats what I hoped to hear, since I am very eager to learn and do my own maintenance - keeping good records and receipts etc.

[Kroggers]

Markus, I have been down this road and discussed it with both Porsche club GB and Sweden. Most recently with PC Sweden, as they had to do an evaluation for my insurance! I agree with the comments from Bobby, but as I was told by Porsche Club, having the stamps helps for evaluation on insurance claim should your baby ever get stolen etc. Between you and the next person who may take ownership of your car (should you ever decide to part with it), there is probably other ways to assess the value etc - not so easy when you are trying to argue with the insurance company after the police has recovered the smashed-up remains of you bellowed 911.

[livi]

Yes, Pal, it was actually your comment on the topic in another thread that got me thinking. Afraid I was going to be worse off eventually if doing my own maintenance. I definitely see your point!

[Kroggers]

My view is to spend my time on upgrades and fun stuff, and leave the normal maintenance to the garage for the stamp etc. I know I can do it if I really had to

[Wil Ferch]

With apologies ahead of time for over-generalizations....

I think there is a "cultural" difference as to how a typical European views such matters...and how a typical North American views the same thing.

I believe the European gives a lot of credibility to the "official" protocol...like a certified dealer "stamping" the maintenance record, whereas the American is more "factual" driven and has things checked out along with a shoe-box full of personal receipts and personal-note maintenance records...this would be OK to him.

Wrong or right...I come to this view being a first-generation American and having been exposed to both sides of the cultural issue.

Wil

[Kroggers]

I think you are correct there Wil, there is a cultural difference when it comes to the stamps. From personal experience, my brother got coned when he bought his SLK 2 years back. He used the same principle, that a folder full of invoices was as good as the stamps. What he did not bargain for was that the owner had bought the parts to get the invoice and then sold them instead of fitting them.

[livi]

Probably right Wil.

I think I have picked up on that philosophy from the British Porsche magazines. They seem meticulous about the stamps in the book. Although, the leading star even in Europe would be current condition.

[Miguel Antonett]

It really depends on the car history. I do the 930 maintenanace myself and have records 930 for twenty years. "Major" stuff done by a reputable local mechanic, but regular maintenance and upgrades done in my garage... My State Farm agent recognizes the paperwork.