My new second hand car is 2 years older than claimed?

[48Valves]

A bit of advice please.

I bought a car from a trader last week.

It has an 04 plate on and was advertised as such.

I discovered today that it is actually an 2002 car and is also possibly an import.

The chassis number matches the service book, but this is where I have really started to have concerns. The spec sticker in the service book says the car is/was silver. However when the reg is put into insurance quote websites it comes up as the current colour.

My concerns are. As it is a 2002 car then I've paid well over the odds for it. Many will say that's my own fault for not being thorough enough with my checks, and I accept that.

I may have problems when I come to sell it.

If it's an import my insurance company won't insure me, which is obviously a problem should I need to make a claim.

And I don't really have any trust in the cars history any more.

So realistically what are my options? Could I return the car as miss-sold?

I've gone from being overjoyed with my new car to currently feeling gutted.

Thanks in advance.

[poing]

Can a 2002 car legally have a 2004 plate?

[Fox-]

poing said:

Can a 2002 car legally have a 2004 plate?

Yes if the DVLA mess it up - you used to occasionally see 53 and 04 plate classic Imprezas after import mistakes.

[TheAngryDog]

poing said:

Can a 2002 car legally have a 2004 plate?

No? It should be on an age related plate if imported?

[48Valves]

poing said:

Can a 2002 car legally have a 2004 plate?

That's what I thought

[Matt UK]

I'd call the trader, share the concerns and see what they say.

The car could have a murky past, but it could also be a mistake on the DVLA database.

[xRIEx]

What do you mean it's a "2002 car"? Do you mean it was first registered in 2002, or manufactured in 2002? It could have been made then but not first registered until 2004.


What makes you think it's non-UKDM?

[leefee]

What car is it, how much was it? And other than the questions about what might have happened 11 years ago, what has made you suddendly not be as delighted with it? If its something specialist it might matter otherwise, if its a good 2002 car then surely thats bettter than a crap 2004 one? If its had a colour change rather than an error in the service book it will be obvious, or so well done it doent matter.

[48Valves]

xRIEx said:

What do you mean it's a "2002 car"? Do you mean it was first registered in 2002, or manufactured in 2002? It could have been made then but not first registered until 2004.

The build sticker says 2002.

The pr-deliver inspection in the service book is Jan 03 but then the running in service was July 04.

The car was advertised as a 2004 facelift, I've got to be honest and say I didn't know the difference. Having now checked out the differences it's not a facelift version. Most changes were only cosmetic, but there were some engine improvements apparently.

[leefee]

Ah, so it was pdi'd and pre reg to the original dealer and ddint sell for a few months then had its first service.......

[2pad]

Dealer demo perhaps? Might explain the length of the interval. What car is it?

[48Valves]

2pad said:

Dealer demo perhaps? Might explain the length of the interval. What car is it?

E46 M3

[valiant]

Could have sat in a field for a while before pdi.

Was pretty common before the world economy tanked for manufacturers to stockpile cars rather than today where there is generally only a few weeks supply on hold or is built to order.

[2pad]

What makes you think its an import if it's had a UK pdi?

[2pad]

Also if it makes you feel any better I have a 59 plate 2008 build car. I knew this before I bought the car however. It's not uncommon for cars to be built and remain unregistered for a lengthy period of time.

[Fox-]

48Valves said:

E46 M3

Does it have LED rear lights?

[48Valves]

2pad said:

What makes you think its an import if it's had a UK pdi?

The PDI was in Germany which I didn't notice when I checked the service book when viewing the car. The dealer showed me the HPI which showed as clear of write off and finance but I didn't see the bit about dates not matching.

I know I should have done my checks better.

[48Valves]

Fox- said:

Does it have LED rear lights?

Not sure. I'll check in the morning.

The bonnet grilles are defiantly pre facelift

16 months between PDI and the 1500 mile running in service seems rather a long time.

I'm going to speak to the trader, my insurance co, possibly BMW and anyone else that might listen tomorrow and see what comes of it.

Thanks for the replies so far

[Zato]

Get copy of advert. Take back and ask for refund.

[Matttracker]

There's quite a few minor differences to check. Led lights would be the first is change. Look for the most minor ones.