A SURVEY by Auto Trader reveals that Brits don’t know the age of their own vehicles, with one in four [26%] UK car owners unable to identify the month and year in which their vehicle was registered.

Furthermore, one in ten [11%] British drivers freely admit they cannot identify the age of a vehicle by its number plate. This could lead to buyers paying over and above the true value of a used car, as vehicles tend to depreciate with every month and year off the forecourt.

When the Auto Trader study presented respondents with an example of a future registration plate, one in four respondents [27%] could not identify the month in which the vehicle would be released, and a similar figure [21%] could not identify the registration year. The Auto Trader study found that there is general confusion on vehicle age, with over one in ten drivers [12%] believing that new cars are introduced in January of each year, instead of March and September.

Commenting on the study, Matt Thompson, marketing director, Auto Trader, said: ‘The results of this survey indicate that many British drivers don’t understand the numberplate system, finding that Brits may not know the age of their own vehicle. Our advice is always to check out our expert guide on our website and do your research before buying a new vehicle, so that you know exactly what you are buying.’ Thompson, added: ‘If you want to buy a car that looks brand new, it's a good idea to wait until March or September - or slightly earlier - before visiting a dealership. But if you’re seeking a bargain, buy sooner: you may find old stock at discount prices in February and August each year.’