I'd exchange early. Collecting a car the month before the plate change means that you won't be collecting your car when they are rushed off their feet getting MINIs ready for everyone else. Can you imagine the workload for the PDI staff in the last week of February? You'll get much better service from less stressed staff in early February
I've only collected one car on the morning of the plate change; no one noticed and the novelty of the plate had worn off by lunchtime!
Tigger.
PS: That'll be a
R50 MC 