Plate changed on car older plate is for different car now

[GenuineEntropy]

Hi all

New member here and wannabe pistonhead.
I'm going to have a look at a second hand car with a trader tomorrow (2.4 Litre 2008 Lexus - my first ever half decent car!).

Did the HPI and background check, the only thing to come back in them that was slightly worrying was a plate change and it's making me a bit nervous about buying it, the autotrader background check put a warning on this bit:


! Plate Change Details
(Date Changed: 29/07/2013) - Now registered to a 2009 VOLKSWAGEN Golf.
(Date Changed: 02/11/2011) - Current plate on the Lexus I'm going to see.


Everything I've been able to find says it's probably a custom/ vanity plate change, but neither plate seems like it's one of those.

Does the plate change mean something dodgier is going on with this car?
I was hoping you experienced pistonheads might be able to help me out.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

Edited by GenuineEntropy on Saturday 31st August 10:08

[markmullen]

Nothing sinister, it will just be cherished transfers. Even if the reg numbers mean nothing to you they will to the owner, even if it is just a memorable number from their first car.

Of the many cars I HPI about 99% have had plate changes.

Don't worry and enjoy your new car.

[gizlaroc]

Agreed, completely normal.

Make sure the HPI covers for Logbook Loans, many don't and they will not be registered against the vehicle, the car can be taken away from you if there is a loan on it.

Big scam at the moment which needs to be sorted.

[GenuineEntropy]

Thanks for taking the time to answer guys:

---

------- -------

Vehicle Identification Details Number
Vehicle Identification Number was not supplied. Do not purchase this vehicle until you have confirmed the VIN.

Vehicle Check Data Insurance Registration Details
Vehicle Check Data Insurance has not been registered against this vehicle.

Stolen Details
Not recorded as currently stolen

High Risk Details
Not at high risk of fraud or theft

Finance Details
No finance agreement recorded

Condition Details
No insurance write off recorded

Plate Change Details
Plate change recorded
VRM Date Changed
29/07/2013
02/11/2011

Colour Change Details
No colour changes recorded

Previous Keeper Change Details
Keeper changes recorded
Number of previous keepers
1

Most recent keeper change
29/10/2011

Dates of other changes
-

Caution: There is adverse data about this vehicle.Vehicle Check is a brand of and is provided by Experian Ltd. Experian is appointed representative of Motorfile Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial
Services Authority.

Mileage Details
Mileage data available
Warning: Mileage data is supplied by third parties and may not be correct.

---

----- ----- ------

That's everything from the 20 quid autotrader/ experian report that I got.

All seem legit to you guys?
Thanks again!

[markmullen]

What is the adverse data? I use HPI rather than experian so don't know their checks that well.

[GenuineEntropy]

Hi Mark, thanks for having a look.

The only red flag (!) was on the plate change:
Plate change recorded - VRM Date Changed
29/07/2013
02/11/2011

Other than that:
- Vehicle Identification Number was not supplied. Do not purchase this vehicle until you have confirmed the VIN
- Vehicle Check Data Insurance has not been registered against this vehicle
No red flags for these two, they're grey cos experian don't have it on file maybe?


I'll be looking closely at the logbook and stickers on the car for any VIN dogdginess.

Thanks!

[EDIT]
Also did an HPI check with hpichecktext on my phone just now, it also flagged the plate change but everything else checked out.

Edited by GenuineEntropy on Saturday 31st August 11:22

[GenuineEntropy]

Seen as no one has said that I should avoid this one like the plague because of the plates and the rest of the background check, I'm gonna head down to check it out tomorrow. If the VIN and logbook seem tidy, I'll likely take a punt and bring it home.

Thanks again!