Kingster Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I've asked this question before (maybe not directly though) but never really got what I think is a definitive answer - so here goes. Whilst I fully comprehend the fact that a Q is for life and not just for Xmas - and also what is required to get an age related plate so you can have a personal one - I don't know which one to go for. As far as I can tell, some people feel there's a stigma with a Q (not bothered personally) and also there may be a perceived increase in resale value if a private plate can be added - so these are the 'plus points' for age related AFAIK. But what about Q's? I hear tales of 'visible smoke at MOT' time, but not sure how that differs from an MOT on an "E" reg age-related plate. So, assuming my car could get an "E" or a "Q" and will have a pre-cat Silvertop in it - what's the advantage of a "Q"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pistol Pete Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Nobody can tell how old a 'Q' plate car is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory's Dad Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 ...and the MOT is a breeze (visible smoke is the only emmission problem). There are a number of stories of IVA/MOT difficulties with emmissions on Westys with a new numberplate. Getting an old numberplate doesn't work these days as Pistol Pete has explained. The only way to get a personal plate is to be registered with a new numberplate eg 64 and then change it. MOT problems still the same. There are a number of pre IVA/SVA Westys that are 'incorrectly' registered as an Escort or something. Problems await (potentially) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 ...and the MOT is a breeze (visible smoke is the only emmission problem). There are a number of stories of IVA/MOT difficulties with emmissions on Westys with a new numberplate. Getting an old numberplate doesn't work these days as Pistol Pete has explained. The only way to get a personal plate is to be registered with a new numberplate eg 64 and then change it. MOT problems still the same. There are a number of pre IVA/SVA Westys that are 'incorrectly' registered as an Escort or something. Problems await (potentially) I'm not going to be able to get a new plate - but didn't know they'd changed the rules about private reg numbers? I was under the impression that an age-related reg (so in my case "E") could then have an older reg transferred - eg A7 CAR or whatever someone would fancy (if available)? As I said, personally I have no intention of getting a private reg, but it may appeal to a potential buyer should I ever sell it. Currently favouring a Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dommo Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 i had an age related plate and now have a private plate on it. If doing it again, I think Q would appeal more than it did before, if that makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Got to admit I actually like the idea of a "Q" - it says "I made this", so in all likelihood, that will be the route... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cast iron Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I think a Q Plate shouldnt devalue a car, Kit enthusiasts/ potential buyers, should know the score. A Q plate is far easier to live with when considering MOTs etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory's Dad Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Here's another way of looking at it. I bought a new Westfield kit registered on a 57 plate. It would look a bit old now wouldn't it. The way to value a Westy is on mileage, quality of build, specification, etc... but not age. (I know you would be fitting a personalised plate but just for others reading this thread). All IMO of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SootySport Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 It's only the Newbies that want a Westfield on an age related plate, there has been quite a few that have joined the forum and ask for age related on their prospective purchase. Those in the Know prefer Q plates for the reasons mentioned above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prawnabie Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Im in a quandry over this too, with all the trouble im having over emissions and with future plans I have for the car, I think i'll have a Q too please Bob! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted February 9, 2015 Author Share Posted February 9, 2015 Yep - Q is getting better by the minute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M444TTB Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Q plates aren't as good as they were are they? Doesn't it now all go on the engine's age and is all worked out and documented during the IVA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete g Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 only for the first test . then smoke only if engine pre 1996 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dombanks Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 given the choice again i would go for Q rather than the K plate of my sierra sdv. the only time i would go for a full on age plate was if i were building a total brand new car so could get current year's plate. i think my K plate works almost like a Q as at the last mot the guy was ".... oh k plate, easy emissions then ...." having said that the older stylee plate like being on a K almost looks like a fancy plate now anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rab (bombero) Reid Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Q plates used to have a stigma (and probably still do) on a standard road car type as it identifies the car as having been 'written off' at some point and rebuild. Although to IVA standards, the stigma remained due to the uncertainties surrounding the competencies of the re-builder. On a kitcar, the Q is, or should be, viewed in a completely different way simply because we know that the car has been home built (or by a low output builder). In general terms, a Q plate is a kitcar built of main component parts from more than one car, an age related is built from a single donor vehicle (SDV) and a new reg tends to be from brand new and certified reconditioned main components. Now, before someone comes on and shoots me down I do mean that this is in general terms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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