Service Book - required or not required?

paulrnx · October 19, 2020

I purchased an approved used NX but it has no Service Book. I asked at the time I viewed the car but was told the book had been removed (stock answer I would think because I'm sure they do remove these whilst cars are on the forecourt to prevent them being lifted). I forgot to check it at collection and only realised I didn't have one a few days after. The thing is I can see the service history on the Lexus portal and everything checks out ok as expected and as confirmed prior to sale. The car had only been serviced at the supplying dealer and they have also confirmed the history. Stll no book though.

In this day and age when you can buy fake service books for not very much money (or so I'm told) is a service book really necessary? I have a copy of the portal read out and I plan to keep the car for a long time so I'm inclined to leave this as it is and not pursue a replacement service book but I'm interested to see out what others think before I make a final decision on this one?

royoftherovers · October 19, 2020

You do not NEED one as long as you continue to use Lexus for Servicing and you check the electronic record immediately afterwards.

I suggest that when this Thread is completed to your satisfaction, you keep a record of its contents so as to show to the new owner of your vehicle. or leave a paper copy in the Glovebox. Safe motoring.

javadude · October 23, 2020

When the PCP ended on my NX there was no problem with the car having no service book, just online history. I was half expecting a battle to not be "fined".

Fair and square · October 24, 2020

"Is a service book necessary?" It depends what you define as necessary. Will the lack of a service book affect a warranty claim? Subject to associated paperwork, no. Could a future sale be affected if I don't have the book? Potentially, there are enough buyers out there who insist on seeing a "stamp" in a book.

For the sake of a phone call to the salesman, I highly recommend. To a dealer, a service book missing is not uncommon so it is not unusal for a dealer to acquire a replacement service book, send off to the relevant dealerships and get the stamps in the book, it is a more than fair request and from my experience of these issues, never had a problem with getting dealers to do this.

paulrnx · October 24, 2020

On balance I think I’ll get a replacement service book. I know I don’t need one for me but better to have one for when I sell it I think.

ALAW · November 18, 2020

Nowadays they upload to the vehicle settings on the on board computer. You should also be presented with an invoice at each service i usually keep these as proof.

paulrnx · November 28, 2020

I’ve not bothered with a replacement service book. I have a print out of the Portal service items and my own receipts and as the car will be in my family for a long time I’ll keep it like this. I spoke to a couple of other dealers and they both said nowadays service books don’t mean that much. When I do eventually sell I’ll take a buyer through the service record on the portal.

royoftherovers · November 28, 2020

Just now, paulrnx said:

I’ve not bothered with a replacement service book. I have a print out of the Portal service items and my own receipts and as the car will be in my family for a long time I’ll keep it like this. I spoke to a couple of other dealers and they both said nowadays service books don’t mean that much. When I do eventually sell I’ll take a buyer through the service record on the portal.

You are one of a small number Paul.Congrats.