Pay Attention to Maintenance History When Buying a Used Car

According to TURKSTAT data as of the end of 2025, the average age of the vehicle fleet in Türkiye is 14.2 years; however, an overlooked maintenance history can result in significant expenses for consumers purchasing used cars. Erkan Çalışkan, General Manager of RS Oto Ekspertiz, emphasizes that those planning to buy a used car should inquire not only about repainted or replaced parts but also about the vehicle’s maintenance history. Çalışkan recommended reviewing documentation to verify which maintenance procedures were performed and factoring upcoming service needs into the purchase budget.

When deciding to buy a used car, many consumers in Türkiye pay as much attention to repainted and replaced parts as they do to the vehicle’s maintenance history and mechanical condition. Even a car with no visible bodywork repairs may have neglected maintenance, which can result in unexpected expenses for the buyer after the purchase. Erkan Çalışkan, General Manager of RS Oto Ekspertiz, noted that when selecting a vehicle, it is essential to evaluate not only the damage history but also the current condition of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.

Çalışkan said, “Whether a fender has been repainted can be a topic of lengthy discussion during negotiations. However, the timing of the timing belt replacement for the same car, what work has been done on its transmission, or the condition of its tires are often not thoroughly examined. Yet each of these factors directly affects the buyer’s budget. Even a car that hasn’t been repainted may require extensive maintenance. When making a purchase decision, you need to factor in not only the car’s selling price but also the maintenance required to use it safely.”

“Unpainted and unmodified doesn’t mean cost-free”

According to TURKSTAT data for the end of 2025, the average age of motor vehicles registered in Türkiye was 14.2 years; the average age of cars traded in during 2025 was measured at 12.7 years. In the Turkish market, where cars are used for many years, it is important to investigate age-related wear and tear and missed maintenance before making a purchase. Age and mileage alone do not fully explain a vehicle’s condition; it is necessary to evaluate documentation of past maintenance along with current technical findings.

Ask not only about the date of the last maintenance but also about what was done

The statement “Maintenance has just been performed” should not be considered sufficient without finding out exactly which procedures were carried out. Replacing the engine oil and filters does not necessarily mean that the vehicle’s other maintenance needs have been met. For engines with timing belts, the replacement date and mileage should be verified; for the transmission, it should be confirmed whether the maintenance was performed using the appropriate method and fluid for that specific unit. Service invoices, the maintenance manual, or digital service records should be cross-referenced with the vehicle’s VIN; date and mileage information should be compared with inspection records.

Even a low-mileage vehicle may have time-based maintenance requirements. The aging of belts, the condition of the tires, and the manufacturer’s time-based maintenance items should be taken into account. The same year or mileage limit should not be applied to all vehicles for maintenance intervals; instead, the manufacturer’s instructions appropriate for the engine and transmission type should be followed.

Mechanical inspections should accompany maintenance records

Before purchase, the engine should be started from cold, if possible, and its behavior after reaching operating temperature should be examined. Unusual noises, oil, and coolant leaks should be investigated. If there is a delay in shifting, knocking, or vibration in the automatic transmission, the cause should be determined. On a lift, the brakes, suspension mounts, and the vehicle’s undercarriage should be inspected; tires should be evaluated for tread depth, production date, and damage. An electronic fault scan should be conducted in conjunction with a physical inspection and a road test performed under appropriate conditions.

The nature of repairs is just as important as the number of replaced or repainted body parts

While emphasizing the importance of maintenance history, it is also essential to conduct thorough inspections of the body and safety systems. The reason for any paintwork or part replacement, the area where the work was performed, and the quality of the repair should be investigated. The absence of damage records does not, by itself, prove that the vehicle has never sustained damage. If available, damage photos and repair invoices should be reviewed in conjunction with the findings on the vehicle.

Çalışkan said, “We cannot assess damage that extends to the load-bearing structure in the same way as an exterior panel that was repainted due to a superficial scratch. The condition of the chassis, floor pan, and pillars, as well as the airbags and seat belts, must also be examined. It’s not enough for the buyer to simply find out how many parts have been repainted; they must also understand how the repairs affect the vehicle’s safety. Maintenance checks and damage assessments should together support the purchasing decision.”

Find out the cost of upcoming maintenance while negotiating

Obtaining quotes from relevant service centers for the maintenance and repair needs identified during the inspection allows for a more realistic budget calculation when comparing vehicles. Needs that affect safety, such as brakes and tires, should be prioritized; other procedures that need to be performed in the near future should also be added to the sales price and evaluated accordingly. The reasons and scope of any points recommended for further inspection during the check should also be explained to the buyer.

Çalışkan stated, “Two cars with the same selling price may require different budgets depending on the work they need. Making a decision based on the identified maintenance needs is much wiser than facing surprises later on. Having a vehicle inspection performed to identify mechanical issues protects consumers from potential future expenses.”