New Westfield, wrong engine issue

[cjdad76]

Having just bought the car a couple of weeks ago, I've annoyingly made a discovery last night while working through all the build info / paperwork / receipts that came with the car.............. it seems to have a 1.8 Zetec, not the 2.0 as it was sold as!

 

The basic facts are:

- Car was built and SVA'd with a 1.8 Zetec, purchased from Westfield, yet

- V5 states 1988cc

- Taxed as 1988cc (from V5 info)

- Insured as 1988cc (from V5 info)

 

As far as I can tell, the car was built with a 1.8 Zetec, and this same engine is still in the car today (tonight I am going to check the Engine no. to make sure), why it was registered as a 2.0, I have no idea.

 

I don't believe I was deliberately misled by the seller, as going off the V5 (as I did), it states that it is a 2.0, but I now have a problem.  I have contacted the seller to see what they say, but I am not sure what I will gain from this.  I guess the potential course of actions are:

1) Check the engine to make sure it is the originally fitted 1.8 unit

2) Assuming it is, ring insurance company and change the cc accordingly (still in 14 day grace period so change should be free)

3) Once the full V5 is received, apply to change the cc with proof of engine type / size (included in Westfield receipts I have, from original purchase in 2002)

4) Re-apply for tax to suit lower cc / CO2 emissions.

 

Anything I have missed?

 

Overall, I am pleased with the car and I don't think I would want to hand it back on this basis, but I am upset at the pain in the ass paperwork I am now left with as a result.  Not the best start to my Westfield ownership experience - in fact it's exactly what I was most afraid of - not knowing what I was buying!

 

Chris

[Pistol Pete]

I believe the 1.8 is a sweater engine due to less internal weight, emissions will be difficult to change as i think its a hard process on purpose. Wont change your insurance in a negative way - might make it cheaper as most are rated on engine size.

Probably easier to leave and just be clear if you sell on. The thing is just drive and enjoy it.

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Other than the fact the car is shown to have been orignally built with an 1800 engine what makes you think that the car is still an 1800 now? Could it be that some time between when the car was built and now the engine has been changed by a previous owner to a 2L and they had the V5 amended accordingly?

Regarding your 4th item neither the road tax or the emissions testing for the purposes of the MOT will be any different for the two engines.

[cjdad76]

Had the seller on the phone - Andrew @ Toybox.  Massive thumbs up to him, he explained that the seller had fitted the 1.8 for the SVA but then upgraded to a 2.0,

 

Have the new engine no. to check against the actual unit - but all should be ok............................... and relax.

[pickmaster Andy Lowe]

I recently swapped engine xflow to zetec

I just had to take it to my local mot bay to get a written note on headed paper saying which engine was in the car £10

DVLA accepted that and changed my insurance over

You could probably pick up a 2L zetec for about £150 and swap it in a day or two if you are really bothered by this

I used my phone to take a photo of the engine number as it's a bit difficult to see and read in situ

I wouldn't be happy with the seller if it's not registered right and be looking for a bit of money off

[pickmaster Andy Lowe]

Must type faster panic over

[SootySport]

This is what happens with Kit cars, engines get changed regularly.  Just update the DVLA and insurance company with the correct engine size and number.