El Cid

When I trade in a car, I put all the documents (less confidential information) in the trunk for the next owner. Includes window sticker, sales docs., service records, brochures, manuals, etc. I have even saved all the mailings I have received from MBUSA, the dealer, etc.
Of course, dealer clean-up person may throw them away, but probably not.
A woman once called me to thank me for doing it as she always buys used and this was first time she had all the stuff for her "new" car.

CEB

While admirable, I think most dealers just toss it because it may contain PII (personally identifiable information). In your case it did contain PII or the new owner couldn't have contacted you.

I used to include it too until a dealer told me about the restriction about PII - it is much easier to toss the whole package then it is to go through it.

Now I just include the window sticker and tell the dealer to contact me if the new owner wants it. I keep the folder for a half year and then toss it.

With many cars going to auction I don't expect to get a call from a dealer.

instantfob

I keep the window sticker in the spare tire well for the new owner to find.

Since all the service history are now uploaded to the national database, I just scanned them and recycle it.

In terms of confidential information, I find people often forget to clear the navigation/phonebook memory at trade-in / loaner returns.

CEB

Correct. I always write "cleared phonebook/nav?" on the return docs to remind me and I always use a shopping mall for my own address. I figure if I can't find my way home from my local shopping center then I have big problems.

hyperion667

that is a thoughtful thing to do.....
I got my TT used and there were some things of this nature
that came with the car......
I save all paper work as well and had planned on having it ready for whomever
gets these cars when I sell them........hopefully soon

El Cid

Actually, I had blacked out the PII, etc. and she got my name and number from the salesman. She was primarily looking for the second set of keys because of the engine immobilizer. Told her I had left them with the sales manager along with valet key. Apparently he threw them in a desk drawer and forgot about them.
With all the information out there now, not sure there is PII that somebody can't find. Also, most sales people (at least around here) will provide name and contact info. for previous owner if asked.
Of course there are a lot of cars that are wholesaled out instead of kept on the dealers lots. My M-B dealer sells only M-B vehicles, even used.
If you go to a collector car show or read collector car mags, many of current owners are pleased that they know where car was originally sold, dealer's name and original purchaser - and have original sales documents, etc.
Of course, times aren't what they used to be and the PII is a concern I have considered.

C230Brit

I certainly wish I'd had the original window sticker for my car rather than having to 'guess' what was installed, etc. Service records would have been great too. A carfax somewhat eludes to service history, but doesn't necessarily have all the information.

I believe you can go to the dealer to obtain a copy of the original window sticker, yes?
Is there another way to get this information without having to go through the dealer?

Thanks!
Richard

E Classy

the buyer needs my phone number to call me, and my address for his shipper to pick the car up. PII my ***.

and i need his address to send the pink slip!

mleskovar

I keep all sales and service records and pass them on. With my '01 C320 that was like an encyclopedia set but since I traded it to a dealer they only got the owners books. Dealers neither care nor want to know about sales or service history other than what is in Carfax and what the car 'looks' and drives like. All my private sales get the whole history.

T100T

I bought a used 2010 E550, the phone list had not been cleared. There were only a few entries but one was titled "office"; I called and inquired if someone had recently sold the car. Spoke to the previous owner, very friendly, he was going to keep the car at the end of the lease but ended up getting a new car. His buyout price was over $7k more than I paid and there was an auction and dealer to make money in there as well.

Peter