New or old

[television]

We had a thread here recently on this subject. This is going on in Sweden.
A guy bought a new C Class in 2005, and sinse found out it was a 2004 car.
The guy went to trade it in and it was valued as a 2004 car. the dealer says that it is the same model as a 2005 car and should be valued as such. the court is now to decide what it is....It would seem that if 12 months have not passed since the manufacture and sale, then, that's OK, but at the same time it should have been pointed out to the buyer that it was a 2004 car. and that most garages offer a small rebate in these cases.
I see that Glasses guide still put the model numbers in, ie in this case the 203 plus the next three numbers that indicate a change in models (the ones that I am always asking for)
Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

In North America they kind of get around this. As from late Sept/Oct the new year's car models come out. They describe the cars as an '06 model even though it may have been bought end of 05 and made early 05.
I tend to do the 'ash tray check' and a vin check when back at my pc, then use this info to bargain or walk away.

 

[Jay Kilby]

well i just found out my 1981 registered 500SL was built in 1979! sold in 1981
only found this out because we could not work out why some parts were not the same.

 

[jberks]

My E was delivered in Oct 04, was built in June 04 but is officially an 05 model.
Go figure.

 

[mlc]

When I used to buy fleet cars and vans I was always amazed how vehicles changed month by month, normally very minor items but very noticiable to the "whys his better than mine" brigade.

I am sure that their must be a stage where a car is so old that it shouldnt be sold as new (and I dont know when that is) but the basic definition is surely "not used". I would define that as delivery mileage only and no previous owners on the V5. I have never known a dealer consider a part exchanges age to be anything than based on the date of first registration. I think looking at the build date and considering the car older is sharp practise.

If I arrive at work in my 06 car is everyone going to think thats a new car, or it could be a 2005?

Mark.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

the spec on mine is for the year model 2006. the car was specced in Feb 2005 to be a 2006 model. built in june, arrived on these shores early July and registered new to me, 6th September. it differs from the 2005 model by use of different sill plate design and the addition of 2 extras slung in for free. the seat had alcantara added for the 2006 model but, all 2005 models got fitted with it.

this guy who bought the car will have a case, if the car is specced to 2005 levels, was sold as 2005 spec and was purchased as such.

if it is found that is a genuine 2004 model spec, then either he has been dilberatly misled, or he is pulling a fast one.

its pretty clear, the dealers will have all the spec issues for 2004, 2005 and 2006 models. they will be able to work it out.

 

[Rory]

I was put off buying a Ford for my wife a couple of years ago because you couldn't tell what you were getting. Ford seems to have model quarters, so you get 2005.25, .5 and .75 cars - you sometimes see it mentioned in the small print of Ford adverts, ie in May it will say the advertised price only applies to 2005.25 cars etc. The dealers (and I tried a couple) say there will be differences in the cars, but they're unable (or unwilling) to tell you what they are.