When I had my car brand new, I was determined to follow the instructions and I even wrote the whole first year on the maintenance sheet when I did change the oil. Even every time I put on gas, I wrote the date and the mileage. I know it was like the "new thing" to do... well, with the gas it lasted only like 2 months. And the oil only lasted the first 4 oil changes... after that I forgot to keep the records I was so determined to do. On the other hand, I saw that my good for nothing brother in law, has kept records of every maintenance to his car since 2003. My sister couldn't care less. Now do you keep records on your vehicles? Or I am the only one that doesn't really care? I mean, I remember Jiffylube would put a sticker with the date on it, so I knew when it was time to change the sticker and take my car for the oil change! What's your experience on this? Are you obsessed with keeping records or you don't really care?

I keep immaculate records on all of our vehicles. Date / Mileage / Nature of Service / Who Performed the service.

Not only does this keep my regular maintenance scheduling on track, but it truly helps when re-selling your vehicle, and also when negotiating write-off costs with your insurance.

When I sold my 1988 Taurus I easily got another $1,000 because of my amazing service records (even though 99% was performed by me).

When I wrote-off my last 4Runner (accident with a preacher...wonder where God was then eh?)....my insurance company eventually, through appeal, gave me an extra $1,000 because of my service records.

"EVERYTHING" I do (except for gasoline fills) goes into my records. It builds credibility when you are re-selling and shows others you care.

Well Pongo, I am not surprised that you would do something like this!!! I know I am alone in not really keeping records of those things, and maybe you are right, it makes a difference! But I'll try to do that with my next car, I promise! Now, a few simple questions for you: when is your wedding anniversary? your wife's birthday? when did she change her hair style the last time? What is the color of the newest blouse she wore? If you can answer these without thinking, then, I will believe you are a real good guy that is not just passionate about cars!

We keep records of everything also. We always buy lifetime warranties so these records come in handy when something goes out. I picked up the record keeping habit from my father-in-law (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I just want to make one quick reply to Ruby on the issue of: "extended warranties."

Statistically, you should never (ever) purchase an extended warranty. They (like consumer reports) have done many studies and you will not come out ahead.

Extended warranties are designed to make money for the OEM. If you like gambling, then go ahead an buy. But, over your lifetime, it is statistically based that you will lose (monetarily).

If you pay $600 for your new Toyota extended warranty, then within the bounds of the time period and coverage the odds are that your vehicle will cost less than $600 to repair. Fact.

You're not even paying for convenience because you still need to go in to have it repaired. Who cares if you flip out your Visa or the Warranty Card. Same same.

Don't get them....please.

I'm with you o this one, Pongo! Those extended warranties are a lot of money that don't go anywhere but to the pocket of the company that sells them. The thing is that people think that having that extra security is just the best thing to have the "peace of mind"... I'd say better put it into insurance coverage if anything. even with electronics, I keep only the one year warranty. If they are going to fail, they will within the first year. If not, then they'll be pretty good. Sales people hate me when I say: "hold the talk, I'm not interested and will not buy it anyway, so let's not waste our time!"

I meant on car parts from auto parts stores. We pay a little more for the part but if it goes out, we just go get another one. It's cool when you can replace parts that were bought ten years ago. I wouldn't buy an extended warranty on a car--I've known that for years.

I used to keep a book with all expenditures on my vehicles. Then, when the car was traded in I'd look at it and think how much of a waste of time that was.

Now, I keep all the maintenance records and receipts for part that I've purchased as well as instructions for installing them. Just a few months ago, when I traded in my truck I ended up throwing away one very think folder of papers. Maybe I ought to stop altogether?

That's true Tom.

Except, on a trade in the dealer never cares about your records. However, when dealing privately the records are a good credibility enhancer. And also when "negotiating" with an insurance situation.

I wouldn't disclose the fact that I had detailed records up front...only afterwards when everyone is thinking about the deal.

I keep records of everything too. We have a shoebox that we keep everything pertaining to the cars in.
It was really helpful one day when this mechanic was trying to one over us...and double charge us for something he had already charged us for. I was so glad I had kept the first receipt. It's always a good thing
to do...you never know when you might need it.

I don't care. I realise that this is bad for my gender, but that's one of the jobs I leave for the man in my life. He cares. I don't. He LIKES to keep these records. I don't. He's the type that rates tire pressure with how the gas mileage goes.

He gets to wash the thing too! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/460.gif)

Yup, I keep them. they get shoved in the glove box until it's full, then they get shoved in an accordian folder here in the house. I rarely look at them again but when I've sold cars, I've seen people pour through them.

The only things I can keep records of is parts I buy. I do all of my own work, even once in a while on warrentied vehicles, when the work was cheap enough. So I just end up with a fist full of aftermarket parts receipts that actually brings down the value of my vehicles.

At least if you keep a record and give it to the next owner, they'll appreciate knowing that you replaced things and how you kept the car in shape. Just a thought.