Thread: What year?

2/96. I was under the impression it would be a '1997 Model Year'.

I dunno why they do that. They no doubt have a reason though.

'Model Year' is a fiction of car manufacturers, and varies with manufacturer, mostly starting during the previous year. It usually starts in summer (depends whether it is a northern or southern hemisphere car) but legally in the US - which as far as I know is the only place it has any legal standing - it starts in January.

The build date on your 130 may reflect the actual local assembly (which may simply have been the affixing of the compliance plate and the few mods needed to meet local standards) date rather than the production of the vehicle, which could have been imported partly disassembled or even as a CKD kit produced months earlier. Not sure what state 130s were imported in then, but even if imported fully built, the build date could reflect when it was made compliant. Obviously if the importer could get away with this it would be their preference.
John

I love how simple it all is...

Frankly.... It could mean anything but it gives you an idea of roughly when.

The only way of knowing when your car came off the production line is to contact the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, UK. From the chassis number, they can go through the records and tell you the date... As you can guess, there's a charge for this service too.

M

The easier way is to look at the VIN number.
The 1995 model year has the M designation, whilst the 1996 year is T, 1997 is V. ( ie mine was made 3/94 , and has a M in the VIN code.) And, generally it should have been assembled in the UK - it should have an A after the year letter.

Compliance and build dates can be different and may vary hugely. Generally the compliance date is when the plate was fitted in Australia and could be anywhere up to 2 years after it was actually built. Read some of the new car ads properly especially when they have run out sales. They often say year complianced vehicles rather than model year.

Originally Posted by CraigE

Compliance and build dates can be different and may vary hugely. Generally the compliance date is when the plate was fitted in Australia and could be anywhere up to 2 years after it was actually built. Read some of the new car ads properly especially when they have run out sales. They often say year complianced vehicles rather than model year.

Knew I should have bought a toymota or a datto , they would have a simple method. Looks like some research (and maybe expence) for me...
Thanks guys.

Originally Posted by moorey

Knew I should have bought a toymota or a datto , they would have a simple method. Looks like some research (and maybe expence) for me...
Thanks guys.

PM me the last 6 digits of your VIN & I'll let you know what's on LR's system if you like.