Paperwork car history

[bonesX]

I'm on the brink on buying a BEC and am planning to view the car this week. I have asked the seller if he has paperwork history. He says basically all he has is the V5 & MOT, along with a few of the original receipts the previous seller obtained when buying the kit new.

He had an engine upgrade from Yorkshire Engines, but does not have the receipt for this. The engine change is also not recorded on the V5. His explanation is he is reluctant as the process is not easy. He did say he would get a letter from an MOT station verifying the new engine which would enable me to get the detail changed.

He seemed to be saying you don't get a 'service history' or paperwork history with a kit car, is this the case?

Thanks

Edited by bonesX on Monday 26th July 19:31

[Ferg]

You'd buy a car with the wrong engine number on the V5??

[bonesX]

Is that very bad?

[singlecoil]

There are other BECs about, I'd let this one go if I were you. Buy a car from the original builder ideally, who will probably have all the paperwork, it's subsequent owners that tend to lose that stuff.

[Jon Ison]

You need to find the original builder, 99.9% save every bit of paper (hidden from swimbo though) and photograph everything during the build, they can tell you the story behind every nut and bolt.

Changing the engine details is not at all difficult and as above I would not purchase unless the details where correct.

Whats the car, is it well known, where is it advertised ?

[bonesX]

I've seen some advertised and 'build history' folder is mentioned. I certainly would keep every bit of paper )and do for my cars). It's only today now I have asked him specifically this question it has come to light.

He said he can get a receipt for the engine, but it still seems unusual not to have one in the first place.

This is the car http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1830442.htm

[Jon Ison]

ok, dont know the car but I do know Malc of yorkshire engines, the engine will be spot on, I also know Martin (MK) the engineering fit will be spot on, the only difficulty with engine number on the V5 will be due to it coming down in tax class, DVLA will require proof the engine is installed into the chassis, normally like the guy as suggested a letter from a local MOT station will suffice something along the lines........

"I confirm engine number xxxxxxxx xxxxcc is installed in MK Indy chassis number xxxxxxx"

Probably not changed for insurance reasons but provided your not 18 then BEC insurance is ridiculously cheap anyway when compered to the performance of the car.

Well worth an ask on locostbuilders if anyone knows the car, there is a dedicated MK forum on there.

[bonesX]

Thanks, I'll post on locostbuilders

So, am I getting panicked when I shouldn't be?

[Jon Ison]

honestly, get to know as much as you can about the car, the engine number change is relatively easy and if your going to have to do it use it as a bargaining tool, take someone with you who doesn't where rose tinted glass's.

[bonesX]

yes, I've got the glasses on I'm afraid - until this happened today...

Appreciate your help, thanks

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/21/post.php?...

Edited by bonesX on Sunday 25th July 20:56

[Steve_D]

Jon Ison said:

......the only difficulty with engine number on the V5 will be due to it coming down in tax class.....

Tax class change only works with type approved vehicles so that will not be what DVLA are interested in.

They are, however, interested in whether the engine is stolen or that, in the case of a donor car, you are trying to convince them your donor Sierra has a Zetec engine prior to you turning it into a Kitcar. They will want a garage or MOT station report that the engine is actually fitted. They will also be looking for a receipt. They were not happy with the hand written one I got from the breakers for the last engine I changed.

Steve

[Jon Ison]

Wont it come down a tax band or 2 ? 2000cc to 1000cc = cheaper road tax ?

The last time I did it a letter from my local mot station with there crimped stamp on it sufficed, like most things DVLA I guess it depends upon whose desk it lands ?

[Steve_D]

Jon Ison said:

Wont it come down a tax band or 2 ? 2000cc to 1000cc = cheaper road tax ?

The last time I did it a letter from my local mot station with there crimped stamp on it sufficed, like most things DVLA I guess it depends upon whose desk it lands ?

Ah yes, forgot about the cc band was thinking emissions.

Steve

[thescamper]

It could also be argued that this car needs a new IVA test! and the seller hasn't changed the engine details because he is worried that the DVLA will pick up on it.