When you're buying a vehicle, you might see several different dates on forms or in advertising. But did you know the build date, compliance date and model year can all be different?
When you're buying a vehicle, you might see several different dates on forms or in advertising. But did you know the build date, compliance date and model year can all be different?
The build date is when the vehicle was manufactured and is generally considered the true indicator of its age. The compliance date is when the vehicle was approved for sale in Australia, while the model year is a marketing term used to distinguish different editions or specification updates.
These dates can differ by several months and, in some cases, can even cross calendar years.
For example, a car advertised as a 2023 model may have been manufactured in 2022. While there may be nothing wrong with the vehicle itself, the difference can be important because it could affect how much you are prepared to pay for it and how much it is worth when you come to sell it.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says many consumers do not understand the difference between these dates, which can lead to confusion about the true age of a vehicle.
In Western Australia, motor vehicle dealers are required to record the compliance date on the form you see in the windscreen, but they can use the build date, compliance date or model year when advertising a vehicle for sale.
So, before you buy, ask the dealer for the vehicle's build date and make sure you understand which date is being used to describe the car.
Getting the facts about a vehicle's age before you buy could help you avoid an unwelcome surprise when you eventually sell it.
If you're buying a second hand car, it's always a good idea to complete $2 search of the Personal Properties Securities Register (PPSR.gov.au) . This will reveal if a vehicle under 15 years old is a repairable write-off, has been stolen and is free of outstanding debts. It may also tell you the year of manufacture and compliance date.
If you're looking to buy a new or used car, Consumer Protection has plenty of fact sheets and checklists to help you on its website - https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/buying-car
