Age difference between car registration date and it's VIN number - can i reject it?

[Surfer01]

In Aug I purchased a second hand vehicle which was first registered on 1st March 2018 from a franchised dealership .  Due to some issues with the vehicle's windows which the dealership is currently resolving, I happened to check the VIN number and got a decoding of the VIN number. 

 

It now transpires that the vehicle is actually a 2017 model registered in 2018.  There are subtle differences between the 2017 and the 2018 especially cost.  On taking the Jeep to another franchised dealership for the same brand, it was mentioned in passing that there was a difference in that model which set alarm bells ringing.  This will affect the trade in price should I trade the vehicle in and the buyer checks the VIN number.  I probably would not have gone ahead with the purchase as there were other 2017 models advertised with a similar mileage available at the time and at a lower price.

 

The vehicle was advertised as a 2018 and I bought it on finance as a 2018 paying a deposit with a credit card.  Should the franchised dealership have advised me that the vehicle was a 2017 model registered in 2018?  surely the franchised dealership would have been aware of the year if they checked the VIN number? 

 

Although mechanically the vehicle is brilliant, runs well and is almost in showroom condition, I am now seriously considering rejecting the vehicle was more than likely all the windows and mirrors will need to be replaced plus the vehicle is actually a year older than it should be?  What are my options?  Thanks.

 

 

[Homer67]

I think the argument here is whether the vehicle was sold as a 2018 model or as a 2018 registered vehicle.

 

If you can prove it was then you were misled and could be entitled to a partial refund, I think you're too late to reject the vehicle on the same grounds though.

 

It's quite common to purchase a previous year's model as a late registration on a current year plate as it can save a lot over the newer model, especially if it's mostly cosmetic changes.

[Surfer01]

Thanks.  I was not aware that the VIN could identify the vehicle as a 2017 until today.  Definitely sold to me as a 2018 model as it was advertise as such on Autotrader.  I am not sure if Autotrader can send me a copy of the ad?   I have now checked the Owner's manual and it states that the vehicle is a 2017 model.

[Surfer01]

I found a the Autotrader advert;

 

Grand Cherokee

Registration xx18xxx

First Registration Month 2018-03

Odometer Reading Miles

35,849

Seller Type

TRADE

 

Upgrades - Nappa Leather - Morocco Black, 12 months warranty, Full service history, Excellent bodywork, Black Full leather interior - Excellent Condition, Tyre condition Excellent, Standard Features - 20in Alloy Wheels - Polished Aluminium and Technical Grey, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, Auto High Beam Headlamp Control, Chrome Side Roof Rails, Commandview Dual Panel Panoramic Sunroof, Cruise Control, ESC - Electronic Stability Control, Front Fog Lights, Headlamps - Automatic, Headlights - Washers, Heated Steering Wheel, LED Tail Lamps, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist with Rear Stop, ParkView Rear Back Up Camera, Power Tailgate, Rear Load-Levelling Suspension, Steering Column - Power Tilt and Telescope, Supplemental Front Seat Side Air Bags, Supplemental Side Air Bags, Supplemental Side Curtain Front-Rear Air Bags, Suspension - Quadra Lift Air, Suspension - Sports, Thatcham Security Equipment, Trailer Sway Damping - Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Display, UConnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, UConnect 8.4in Radio with Bluetooth - DAB - Voice Command and SmartTouch Navigation System, Wood-Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel. 5 seats, Metallic BLACK, 1 owner, £28,995.

 

I later did a check, foolishly after purchase, and there were 2 previous owners and I was the third.  They then admitted I was the third owner.  They do state n the advert that it is a 2018 registered model.  Also I was given the impression that the car had a Jeep brand warranty and not a third party warranty.  Only found this out when I tried to make a claim regarding the glass.

[Ethel Street]

@Surfer1 I've edited your post to remove the registration number, but left in the year of first registration  identifier.

 

As Homer67 said, the argument here is whether the vehicle was sold as a 2018 model or as a 2018 registered vehicle.  It looks as if it was sold as 2018 first registration, not as a 2018 model, so I doubt you have any comeback on that. Let's see what the experts think.

 

When you say you were "given the impression that the car had a Jeep brand warranty and not a third party warranty" how were you given that impression? The ad to me gives no indication one way or another. Did they specifically say so? If not how was it communicated?

 

What was their explanation (if any) for saying 1 previous owner when there were two? How long after purchase did you ask them about this?  

 

 

[Surfer01]

Regarding the communication about warranty I specifically asked about warranty work being done by a Jeep dealer close to our residence and was told it would not be an issue if claim is approved.  I really thought it was a warranty backed by Jeep. 

Regarding me being third owner they stated that prior to the current owner before me there was only one owner. A play on words. Not a big deal in the scheme of things, but misleading.

Besides the reg issue and number of owners, there is a serious issue with the glass on the car and all windows will probably need to be replaced plus the mirrors.  That is in the processed of being actioned at present.