We just bought vehicle-service engine lightjsut came on. What does it mean

Service engine soon ? Do you mean SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Indicator
The amber SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator is an alert to the driver whenever there are specific current codes stored in the BCM or in the event of a loss of Class 2 serial data.

If your vehicle has a check engine light ,it doesn't have service engine soon .One or the other .

Service Engine Soon

If the Service Engine Soon indicator light stays lit after you've started the engine, the On Board Diagnostics system (OBD) has detected a malfunction of the vehicle emissions control system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
If indicator light is blinking, an engine misfire may be occurring, which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration), and have your vehicle serviced immediately.*
The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned on (prior to engine start) in order to test the bulb, as well as indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing.
Normally, the Service Engine Soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds this light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing.Check this link out Gary.
https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/vehicle-features/dashboard-instrument-cluster/warning-lamps-and-indicators.html

It is probably going to be a misfire code, but I can't make any promisses. I would take it by Autozone or O'Reily's. They will scan it for trouble codes free of charge. The flashing light means you need to have it scanned urgently. It could be something pretty major so don't wait. Go now, your car will thank you:)

rotten egg smell usually means catalytic converter is bad and is probably plugged causing the vehicle to idle rough

You never checked it for codes before you bought it
or just don't know anything about codes?

They have been on all vehicles for 32 years

Those codes all all over the place

No use to me unless I had diagnostic manuals for your car

The shop will figure all that out

Most likely someone bought it & drove it,that's all

Codes are related to faults or problems,nothing to do with
service

Could be hundreds of things. When "service engine soon" means is that there is a compenent or system of your vehicle that is threatening/affecting the performance of your vehicles catalytic converter. This does not mean that you need a catalytic converter....it just means that the emission system is being inhibited from doing its job correctly. A DTC or the "code" would be helpfull in order for me to better assess your problem

the light means there is a problem in he vehicle (not the engine) this could be like a bad bulb, abs unit airbag, gas gauge, tire pressure. scan the body contol module should tell you why the light is on.

take the vehicle to the dealer. ths is what the owners manual would tell you to do for the check engine light.

i would say it is just reminding you to to get the vehicle serviced its not major but most vehicles need to be serviced on a regular basis i think every 5000 km

This message does not mean the engine is low on oil, it means the oil change is due. if you have added oil, it may mean it is now overfilled. This could cause as much damage as low oil, VW have a system on the vehicle that tells you when the vehicle requires servicing, the next message should be inspection 1. these are the VW service schedules. They are worked out on mileage and the way the vehicle is driven. Take the vehicle to your local decent repair shop and get the oil and filter replaced, and remind them to reset the service indicator. After this all will be well.