FSH? Your thoughts please...

[MattS]

Some of you may have read in the wanted section that I'm seriously considering a 1991 42000 miler with one owner from new. Asking price is IRO £23k.

The car is advertised as having a 'good service history'. I've since discovered that this means 5 Honda services (including a cambelt change recently) over the last 13 years. The sellers (a renowned independent sportscar specialist) tell me that the car has had an oil change etc every year in addition to the documented Honda services. Problem is, they have no evidence of this. The car was owned by a collector (F40, 550 barchetta etc) and he has all his cars serviced in-house by 'his' specialist mechanic. The sellers reckon that he can provide a 'written and signed testimonial' that the car was serviced every year ie. a piece of paper with a scribble on it.

My problem is this: It's a nice car (I've driven it) and they're obviously selling it at a premium because of the one owner and low mileage. However it does not have a documented service history. I believe that the car has been well cared for and serviced regularly, however it is conceivable that I may have to sell it on at some point in future. Is this 'written and signed testimonial' worth the paper it's on? - will my future buyer believe it if I need to sell? Is this common practice (apparently most older Ferrari service histories are in the form of 'written and signed testimonials)..


Sorry for the long and rambling note, but your thoughts would be appreciated!

Matt

[trackdemon]

First thought: too expensive. Sounds more like a £20-21k car to me, if the owner is so financially well endowed then surely they wouldn't quibble about £2-3k? Personally, I would be concerned about the lack of S/H - your future buyer would likely as not be unwilling to rely on trust for a S/H and you'd probably end up being penalised for this. Probably a good bargaining tool though, so if you're certain the car is all its cracked up to be then I'd be inclined to play hardball on the price and see what happens. Either way, you've chosen the right car - NSX's are wonderful cars.

[Welshman]

Can you find out the name of the "collector" in which case give him a ring.

[MattS]

Thank you Gents,

Previous owner is a Mr. Hirst and he lives between the UK and Spain - so is probably not contactable. Smell a rat?

The car is reg number H1 NRH and is being sold by a company called Oakfields who seem genuine enough, considering their other cars.

They told me today that all they are willing to provide, or can provide is a single piece of paper stating that the car was serviced yearly with its MOT, signed by Mr. Hirst. I have told them that this isn't good enough and have pulled out from the sale. This obviously does not constitute a FSH.

Point is, it was probably a good car, but I wouldn't have had any peace of mind and at resale would have been worth less due to the missing SH.

Thanks again, and if anyone knows of a good'un - manual, FSH, lowish miles etc then please let me know.

Matt