Why do people obscure number plates in car ads?

[geared]

It would be a lot more hassle to drive around looking for a car that's a similar year, same colour and same model as yours if you could just buy a copy of the auto trader instead.

 

Yep thats the reason.

 

It's worth remembering that these people will order their plates off the internet, and if you want a plate to match a dark blue 2009 ford focus the easiest way to get on is to spend 5 minutes looking online and find a good match, rather than trawl the streets all day trying to find one.

 

Another bonus is it's less likely to bump into the real owner, if you clone your neighbours they might notice, but if you clone one from North Scotland they'll not know until the police come knocking.

[Waldo]

Thanks everyone, that makes a lot of sense. Was just worried that as a buyer, it could be cause for concern and indicate there is something not quite right with the car...

[geared]

No it's fairly normal, you can always ask for the plate so you can get an insurance quote.

 

You can also check the cars MOT history with just the plate as well.

[Orzel]

It is not america here.

In highly unlikely chance that your plates get cloned there is highly unlikely chance that ANPR won't notice vehicle being cloned and then highly unlikely chance that you have violent criminal history. That combination of highly unlikeness will cause police to smash your doors down with guns.

All people who do not fall under those are safe.

And plates allow for insurance quotes, mot check etc, so covering those works against sale.

[alchresearch]

Yeah, but surely then you'd just point out that you were at work/gym/where-ever at the time and they'd go away ? Or am I being too gullible ?

 

You'd hope so, but the police are more bothered about you proving your innocence rather than them proving your guilt. Its a lot of unnecessary time and stress you could do without.

[rudds1]

Another reason I've found out is car might been a write off,have finance outstanding on it essp when seller says mislaid log book etc

[truman]

Another reason I've found out is car might been a write off,have finance outstanding on it essp when seller says mislaid log book etc

 

But you'd do an HPI check wouldn't you? You can do it online on your phone while you're stood in front of the car..

[Phanerothyme]

Another reason I've found out is car might been a write off,have finance outstanding on it essp when seller says mislaid log book etc

This ^ is why.

[geared]

or you just send them an e-mail asking for the plate.

 

If they refuse then ignore them, there's always another car to look at.

[Red Lion]

You'd hope so, but the police are more bothered about you proving your innocence rather than them proving your guilt. Its a lot of unnecessary time and stress you could do without.

Exactly, why create problems for yourself ?