Covering/blanking/hiding car reg in adverts

[funkyrobot]

Why do people do this?

It's a real pain when you want to quickly check vehicle details.

[funkyrobot]

Car could be cloned via someone simply seeing it in a car park.

I sold my car a few weeks ago and the reg was visible.

I guess the skeletons in the closet thing is a good point. However, I've seen a few cars for sale recently in 'great condition' with the reg on show. Quick MOT check makes you run a mile (one had buggered tyres, weepy power steering, corrosion underneath, coolant level low, coolant level sensor removed and leak of coolant).

I did see a Honda last week that had the reg hidden. Spoke to the seller, got the reg, checked it out and found out it had subframe corrosion.

[funkyrobot]

On a side note, the MOT history checker is a great tool.

One car I saw last night was advertised as proudly having a full MOT. It had run out a month ago.

[funkyrobot]

dannyDC2 said:

Say you've just pinched a 2008 BMW 335i in grey, and want to stick another plate on there to drive it down to Birmingham where Jonboy is waiting for you so he can strip it for parts.

Wouldn't it be good if you could go on some Auto Trading website, stick in the car, the colour, the year, and find a reg?

That's why some people do it. I don't think it's necessary myself.

It wouldn't be any colour other than grey, black, white, or Estoril Blue, would it.

[funkyrobot]

If it really was that big an issue, wouldn't there be guidance on things like Auto Trader advising you to do this?

[funkyrobot]

clio007 said:

I came accross an advert the other day with the number plates hidden but the Document Reference number of the logbook clearly displayed.

Hmm. Instead of cloning the reg, maybe I should just register myself as the new keeper online

That makes me chuckle. Full-on picture of the V5C on show.

[funkyrobot]

ezi said:

I recently bought a Clio 200 from Evans Halshaw that was given a fresh MOT ticket when they took it as p/x. I received it with a snapped suspension spring and both front swivel hubs being fked. The car also had blowing from a rotted exhaust sleeve as it had previously been fitted with a cat-back system.

Sadly not a 100% reliable system

Edited by ezi on Wednesday 19th October 22:27

We were informed a few weeks ago that you should avoid the above at all costs.

Too late for you though. Hope you can get something sorted.