V5 problem.

[GerdyC]

Anyone got advice for this situation? I bought my first Stag about six weeks ago from a dealer. Price agreed etc, got the receipt with the VRN stated, he told me he would sent the docs of to DVLA as there was a big hold up. Got the insurance sorted, OK to drive but spent the six weeks general tidying, leaving a bit for the winter. Just realised I've not had the V5 back and looked on the DVLA website, put in my VRN to find it has now been put on a Nissan Figaro!. When I collected the car it had new reflective plates, I was told the previous owner wanted the old pressed ally ones, not told the registration. So it appears the VRN has been sold on, probably by the dealer,
I now have no VRN, if I get one, a bill to amend my insurance, but also not able to use the car! Any thoughts?

[Stocky]

Go back to the dealer, it’s their mistake. Did you see the V5C with the reg number?

[GerdyC]

I'm afraid the dealer is being less than helpful, I phoned to ask them to fit a new fuel line nearly two weeks ago, said they'd call back, still waiting. Getting in contact with the DVLA is almost impossible at the moment due to Covid. Just wondering what the legal position is?

[marshman]

You have a receipt with the VRN on it. You have not received the goods as described. It is the dealers problem to sort out. When the old number was transferred a new "age related" number would have been issued.

Go back to the dealer, You need to send a recorded delivery (Royal Mail Signed For) letter stating the facts and saying what you want (keep the proof of posting and track it online to know he has received it) - I assume you want to know the new VRN and also costs for new plates and admin cost of changing your insurance. Give him a reasonable deadline to reply. Tell him you will go to the small claims court if you get no joy.

There is no hold up with the DVLA. I have bought and sold cars in the last month and in each case the new V5C appeared within 5 working days and notification I no longer owned the vehcle took a similar time. The reason he said there would be a delay was because he knew the number was being transferred.

Do you have a copy of the old V5 or at least the document reference number on it?

Roger

[Neil in Deal]

Morning all,

Surely if the registration no. was being "retained" (either by the previous owner or the selling dealer) that fact should have been made VERY clear by the dealer ?
Did the dealer give you the small tear-off strip from the V5, which he is supposed to when you paid for/took delivery of the car ? If he didn't, he should have - tell DVLA.
Failure to do so, and the fact the dealer put the apparent registration no. on your receipt, seems to be verging on "sharp practice" at the very least.
As per an article in this week's Classic Car Weekly, the best way to contact DVLA in these times is by letter. (As others have suggested, Reg/Signed for AND keep copies of all correspondence is the way to go.).
Hopefully they will be able to advise if the previous reg.no IS being "held on retention". If you outline the situation on a line-by- line basis they should be able to advise what they can or cannot do.

Frustrating I know.
If the dealer has knowingly misled you, reckon it would be difficult to take any action, would suggest simply telling others of your experience - bearing in mind putting anything out on social media, Forum's etc naming /shaming him might well come back & bite you.
Best of luck,
Stay Safe....and enjoy a lovely car...

Neil.

[Jeff]

Have you tried to apply for road fund licence (tax) or exemption to see what comes up?

[richardthestag]

DVLA didn't have a backlog when I sold a Range Rover 2 weeks ago. 3 days later new v5c arrived on buyers door mat

[PJM Stag]

I think it depends on the circumstances. My sons partner is waiting for a replacement v5c, been 6 weeks so far!

[Phil S]

same difference lots of complaints re driving licences on TV a day or so ago, SHMBO has just had that birthday that needed a new licence, applied on line on Monday, it arrived Friday morning in the post

[GerdyC]

I've managed to get in touch with the dealer. Apparently(!) the previous owner put the VRN on a retention certificate, then sold the car without a replacement VRN, on the old plates! So it was sold to me with the details of the VRN on retention. So now no registration, cannot legally use the car, and a hefty 'fee' to amend my insurance details later. I expect I'll end up getting a £10. Irish plate, not age related. Thanks for your replys, just something else to watch out for when buying...

[Jeff]

Sounds like it was missold to you then and entitled to a refund, unless you still want the car?

[richardthestag]

so long as there is no issue with the car's ID the DVLA will issue an age related number so I don't think that should be a worry but if you paid over the odds because of the reg number then you and the dealer need to be having a very serious chat

even if you didn't you and the dealer should be having a very serious chat about all the bother etc

[DJT]

The dealer is at fault. He should be liaising with DVLA to arrange an age related plate at no expense to you.

[Phil S]

in the meanwhile you should be able to insure the car on the chassis number at least for fire and theft cover

[marshman]

When a reg no is put on retention the DVLA automatically issue a new number, age related, to put on the car and issue they issue a new V5C with the new number effective immediately. This has been the case for at least 15 years which was the first time I did it. I have done it several times since, both putting numbers on retention and also doing a straight transfer. The previous owner obviously did not change the plates and give the dealer the new log book. The car will have a valid reg number, you just need to find what it is. BUT as already said it is the dealers problem not yours.

Agree with Richardthestag, with respect to V5C's, the DVLA has been very rapid throughout the CoVid crisis, certainly with the three times I have dealt with them. Driving licenses etc. are different and have no relevance to V5C's

Roger