Manufacturing date of vehicle

[Artsy]

Hi All,

Is there a reliable way to determine manufacturing dates of vehicles using the numberplate? I know it's possible to get Reg date but I'm looking for date of manufacture specifically.

To give more context, I'm looking to buy a car and would like to check manufacturing dates in relation to E5/E10 petrol.

Thanks in advance.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I don't think so.

The supplying dealer would have the manufactured build week.

[Artsy]

I've checked online but most websites suggest VIN numbers which I don't have access to as I'm browsing potential vehicles online.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Even a V5 only shows registration date.

[dhutch]

Sticker on the inside of the front wing on the E46 had the date of manufacture I'm sure.

[johnoz]

You will find a lot of components have dates on, wiring looms have tags on with dates of manufacture, these give a good indication of a build date..

[itcaptainslow]

What car is it? Might help someone in the know offer some targeted advice.

[Phil Cook]

If it’s a BMW they all have a build month and year either in the engine bay or door shut

[Artsy]

I'm considering a Lexus IS250 circa 2007-2009.

The info I have is that cars manufactured up to Sept 2007 require E5 fuel whereas after this they can also take E10 so I'm trying to find out prior to viewing and buying if I can determine manufacturing dates.

[Catnip64]

If you post the reg on this website then Lexus UK will hopefully respond to confirm if it is able to use E10 fuel.
https://mag.lexus.co.uk/e10-petrol/

[Jader1973]

I’d expect a change like that would be a MY change. 10th character of the VIN is the model year.

There might be a label with the date either under the bonnet or on one of the B Pillars - possibly B Pillar according to a quick google.

[Pica-Pica]

Jader1973 said:

I’d expect a change like that would be a MY change. 10th character of the VIN is the model year.

There might be a label with the date either under the bonnet or on one of the B Pillars - possibly B Pillar according to a quick google.

But OP is looking at images on line, so only has the Vehicle Registration Mark to go by.

[Artsy]

I think once I narrow down a couple of cars for viewing I'll post on the Lexus website.

I think rule of thumb suggests I go for an 08 plate at least.

Saying that, it means missing out on a lot of cheaper cars so maybe I just accept I'll have to use E5 permanently.


I don't do a lot of mileage so it's not too detrimental and there seems to be a universal hate for E10 anyway!

[Jader1973]

Pica-Pica said:

Jader1973 said:

I’d expect a change like that would be a MY change. 10th character of the VIN is the model year.

There might be a label with the date either under the bonnet or on one of the B Pillars - possibly B Pillar according to a quick google.

But OP is looking at images on line, so only has the Vehicle Registration Mark to go by.

Sorry for trying to help.

If the OP can’t be arsed contacting the seller to ask a couple of simple questions then I’m not sure how they’ll ever get an answer…

[livinginasia]

If you look at where the seatbelts bolt to the car at the bottom (just inside the door at the bottom of the seat) there is a white tag attached to the seatbelt with the manufacturing date on it.

I have finally found a use for this piece of information !