Cherished numbe rplates - an investment?

Imnoexpert_2

I have the opportunity to bid for a numberplate that I would quite like.

This is primarily a vanity purchase as my initials are not that common, and don't make up any desirable words. The plate concerned has a small number of digits so is going to be relatively expensive.

I am trying to work out what this vanity is worth to me which obviously only I can answer, but also what the investment value of such a plate may be should I need to sell in the future. Would I recoup my cost?

What is the the trend in reg. plate prices for fairly boring ones? Does anyone know, or know where I could find this out. Anything else I should consider?

Thanks

fwor

I know that eBay doesn't show the full picture, but it gives you an idea of demand versus supply.

There are ~lots~ of plates on there, and very few sell.

I've got a "cherished plate" (four numbers followed by 2 letters) that I bought 20 years ago, and it's really not worth a lot more now than I paid for it. If you account for the DVLA transfer fee (£100+) it couldn't be seen as a good investment (but then I didn't buy it as an investment - I needed a dateless plate for a replica vehicle).

mike88

I had mine for sale which I got free with a second hand vehicle. The plate sold within a week but I couldn't complete the deal as I was leaving for the States. It then remained for sale for 2 years and I had only 2 offers of less than 50% of the asking price. I've still got it - 2 numbers followed by 3 letters. Not an investment in my view. If you keep a plate on retention you have to pay DVLA annually for the priviledge.