Buying ex-BFG Car (Tax Free Car/Tax Paid Car)

WellCool

Hi,

I'm looking at buying (privately) a 12 plate car that was BFG (British Forces Germany).

The car is now in the UK, with a V5 and UK plates.

When comparing insurance/doing HPI etc the registration is NOT recognised.

The reg IS recognised on the DVLA website when doing a vehicle enquiry.

The DVLA have advised that the reason it doesn't show on third party (insurer/HPI) websites is just a time-delay thing, as the BFG plates were only returned two weeks ago, so the changes may have not fully propagated to all systems, databases etc

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of buying ex-BFG vehicle? Just makes me feel a touch apprehensive, as it's not 'normal' as such!

If any of you could answer the following it would be great too:

- Car was serviced in Germany at the correct interval, can anyone confirm that the remainder of the 3 year manufacturers warranty will be valid in this country?
- Once the car is registered to me and I have the updated V5, this BFG past will be largely irrelevant, correct?

Thanks.

forgotmyname

You will need to contact the local dealer to see if the warranty still stands. Some countries may only have a 1 year warranty.

Is it a UK spec car?

Insurance may cost a bit more if they class is as an import.

WellCool

Thanks for your reply.

Yes it is UK spec and RHD.

Current owner advises that his insurer doesn't consider it an import, but surely it is?! Can't find any info online, I'll ring DVLA tomorrow.

Wonder about continental headlights too...

molerat

Many BFG cars are from UK so are not considered imports. There are also many that are not UK spec, UK is not the only country where the steering wheel is on the right, the dealers sell them as UK spec but when you look closely there are a few differences so beware. It may already have UK headlights as there is a good market selling second / swapping.

WellCool

Hi molerat.

The car had continental lights fitted while in Germany, which have now been replaced with the originals. I'm presuming this confirms that it is indeed UK spec, as the lights from the factory were not continental?

It was collected from a main dealer in Watford when new.

I'll speak to the DVLA and my local dealer today to confirm origins as well as warranty.

molerat

If it was collected from UK then should be UK spec, the dodgy ones usually come from Holland. Seems strange that HPI don't recognise it as it should have had a UK reg from new.

WellCool

Yeah, that's what I find strange. DVLA have (apparently) told the current owner that as it's only recently (~ a month ago) been 'de-BFG' registered, that's why it isn't showing on all systems.

But as I say, I'll ring them and the local dealer (and maybe even Watford) and give them the reg and VIN and confirm that all is well and as expected.

I also have the BFG reg - don't suppose that's of any use for checking anything?

WellCool

Just noticed that the V5C doesn't appear to have a serial number in the top right circle?

Image at: rocketsites.co.uk/evo/v5c.jpg

forgotmyname

Not the only thing missing.. Where is the QR barcode??

Its a small box under the Reg number on all my V5C documents. Scanned with a barcode reader on your phone and it should show the reg.

WellCool

Yep, saw that missing too.

DVLA advise that it's all above board.

HPI check all clear (they had to ring the DVLA and get the data). This check includes the V5C serial number (which the seller has sent to me) and the issue date.

But why is the QR and serial number missing...

I've asked the seller to send me a scan of the V5C now.

WellCool

Just done some research: it's a V5C(W) - Wales - which is looking like it doesn't feature the serial number in the circle.

But just phoned the DVLA, was told that the number in the top right circle is merely a print run reference, not a serial number, and that the only number of any use is the Document Reference Number. When I questioned this, and advised that HPI checks specifically require the 'V5C Serial Number) in order to provide their 'cover', I was told 'If they want the print run number, give them it'...