Actions needed after buying a used car

Blue_Cow

I'm going to be picking up my first car on Monday. It's a fairly recent 12 reg Skoda Citigo in very good condition and it's just passed its MOT with no advisories.

I was wondering if it's a good idea to take it for a major service right away at a mechanic to make sure the oil is fresh, the filters are all fresh and just all the fluids in general? I want this car to last as long as possible. It'll be expensive (Looking at £145) as I don't have the equipment to complete the service myself.

Is this all strictly necessary?

Also, has anyone used ClickMechanic here for a service? They seem reasonably cheap compared to other service centres.

Thanks! :beer:

Browntoa

Does it not have a full service history

Service may not be needed , worse case an oil change.

Small local garage is cheaper and better , avoid Kwik fit or a site online that purely offers local sites that have paid to register

Blue_Cow

Yep. It has a full Skoda dealer service history.

I've heard some nasty things about Kwikfit too. I guess I'll ask around for some garage reccommendations!

Thank you

Geodark

IS it timing belt or timing chain? if Belt has it been changed? If it hasnt you need to find out when its due and change it if it is getting near. And as asked above, has it got full service history? if not you always need to presume that the car needs a service and get it serviced.

Blue_Cow

I believe it's a belt.

It has a full Skoda service history, and yeah, I am erring on the side of let's give it a major service :beer:

fatbelly

I've got a 12 reg mii (same car different badge) and you've made a good choice.

The timing belt will have been replaced 1 or 2 years ago if it's got a full history. Should be on the paperwork. They need doing every 4 or 5 years and it's the only major routine expense.

We have two of these critters in the family and they are pretty reliable. Useful mods/accessories are:

a spare wheel and jacking set- my local skoda garage did one for £50
the false boot floor - you can get lots underneath it and it gives a flat loading area when the seats are down - can't remember how much but worth having
the rear parcel shelf is annoying as there are no 'strings' but you can rig something up yourself with a bulldog clip and a shoelace - this is a moneysaving forum after all.

discat11

Great car I had the VW equivalent for 3 years.
Won small car of the year a few times I think?

Blue_Cow

Yeah! I did notice the parcel shelf didn't lower/raise itself. I was thinking about modding it slightly too (putting that one engineering module I did in my compsci degree to use )

waamo

No point in getting a major service done if it's got full main dealer history. Do the sensible checks especially tyres. For some reason people never check the tyres are ok.

Personally (others will disagree) but don't skimp on tyres. I tend to get rid of ditch finders if I buy a car with them on.

Begsey

If it's a belt, and there's nothing to suggest it has been done, I'd be looking for it to be done as part of the deal.
Last 2 cars we've bought were serviced before we picked them up, and also had the timing belt kits done.
Both were 4k cars, both 9 years old when bought, and both around 105k miles. 10 year/125k mile was the timescale/mileage quoted for replacement on them.

fatbelly

waamo wrote: »

No point in getting a major service done if it's got full main dealer history. Do the sensible checks especially tyres. For some reason people never check the tyres are ok.

Personally (others will disagree) but don't skimp on tyres. I tend to get rid of ditch finders if I buy a car with them on.

Completely agree on both points.

If there's a full history, just get the next service done when it's due - a good local garage will do it cheaper than a main dealer.

Roadholding on these is good but I wouldn't risk cheap or worn tyres - it's a false economy. OE is Continental (my preferred) or Bridgestone. Both our 2012 models are on their second sets now.