Incorrect body type on V5?

mattr99

I'm in the process of buying an Audi S5 from what appears to be a large, reputable independent garage. I decided to get my own HPI check for peace of mind. It came back as passed, but when I check the details of the car, it is correctly identified as an Audi S5, but 'body type' is "Ambulance". The dealer sent a photo of the V5, and ambulance is listed on there too. The dealer insists it is a DVLA admin error, and easy to fix. How concerned should I be? The car is a 61 plate, with 5 previous owners so I'm wondering if there is something hidden in its history. It has had 2 private plates under previous owners, I don't know if an admin error like this could be made when switching the reg back to the original number  plate.

daveyjp

Mistakes do happen, simply get the dealer to do it if its easy.  They are in the trade and should have better access and understanding of DVLA procedures than you ever will have.

If they resist doing the job move on. 

AdrianC

One thing's for sure, it's not a "DVLA admin error". Somebody has gone out of their way to change it.

New cars are registered electronically, using links from the importer's computer systems via the dealer's computer systems direct to DVLA's. The full type approval details are included in those links.

Why? <shrug>
But one thing's for sure... if it rings alarm bells, walk away. There's more than one out there.

lemondrops69

AdrianC said:

 There's more than one out there.

There might not be, could the the only S5 ambulance in existence. Very rare 

spiro

Could it have had a previous life as something like a 1st Responders car?

mattr99

AdrianC said:

One thing's for sure, it's not a "DVLA admin error". Somebody has gone out of their way to change it.

New cars are registered electronically, using links from the importer's computer systems via the dealer's computer systems direct to DVLA's. The full type approval details are included in those links.

Why? <shrug>
But one thing's for sure... if it rings alarm bells, walk away. There's more than one out there.

It certainly gives me a bad feeling. The dealer insists its not unusual, and says they've had a Huracan that showed as a police car on the V5. 
I'm planning to ring the DVLA myself Monday to get their opinion from what they can see.

AdrianC

spiro said:

Could it have had a previous life as something like a 1st Responders car?

If it was tax class, possibly. But body type? No.

mattr99

AdrianC said:

spiro said:

Could it have had a previous life as something like a 1st Responders car?

If it was tax class, possibly. But body type? No.

It's actually both that say ambulance on the V5, body type and taxation class

AdrianC

So £0 VED...

But the ambulance tax class does require it to be clearly marked, as well as used exclusively for patient transport, not just paramedics getting to an incident.

Page 8.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/973287/v355x1-notes-about-tax-classes.pdf
"12.1 Ambulance
A “Human Ambulance” means:
a) a vehicle that is constructed or adapted for, and used for no other purpose than, the carriage of sick, injured or disabled persons to or from welfare centres or places where medical or dental treatment is given
b) is readily identifiable as a vehicle used for the carriage of such persons by virtue of being marked “Ambulance” on both sides.
A “Veterinary Ambulance” means:
a) a vehicle which is used for no purpose other than the carriage of sick or injured animals to or from places where veterinary treatment is given
b) is readily identifiable as a vehicle used for the carriage of such animals by virtue of being marked “Veterinary Ambulance” on both sides."

mattr99

AdrianC said:

So £0 VED...

But the ambulance tax class does require it to be clearly marked, as well as used exclusively for patient transport, not just paramedics getting to an incident.

Page 8.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/973287/v355x1-notes-about-tax-classes.pdf
"12.1 Ambulance
A “Human Ambulance” means:
a) a vehicle that is constructed or adapted for, and used for no other purpose than, the carriage of sick, injured or disabled persons to or from welfare centres or places where medical or dental treatment is given
b) is readily identifiable as a vehicle used for the carriage of such persons by virtue of being marked “Ambulance” on both sides.
A “Veterinary Ambulance” means:
a) a vehicle which is used for no purpose other than the carriage of sick or injured animals to or from places where veterinary treatment is given
b) is readily identifiable as a vehicle used for the carriage of such animals by virtue of being marked “Veterinary Ambulance” on both sides."

The tax does show as £330, presumably based on the tax band information (k).
I'm wondering if 2 fields being wrong but the same is more likely to be a mistake, or more likely.

[Deleted User]

Probably owned by one of those shady private medic companies who attend events and what not.