Confusing build and registration dates

[Serby]

I was just looking through the dates in my service and MINI cherished books and they seem wierd.

Under the bonnet it says my car was built January 2002.

----- year gap -----

Date first registered January 2003.

------ 11-12 month gap ------

Date of first owner taking delivery December 2003, at the same time the MINI Cherished Booklet was filled in.

Wondered if anyone elses dates were similar, or does it just mean that my car must have been a demo model?

[Spotty Dog]

Almost certainly a demo. If it wasn't at that dealership when you have visited, they've transferred it in on the dealer network. I would go back to them with a list of questions. One of them being, "...and what dealer fit accessories are you giving me for free?"

[Smurfn]

Sounds like it was a demo

[Serby]

Cool, thats what I thought. Its going in for a service tomorrow with several things to be fixed, should be a perfect time to bring it up.

[Haggi]

when i got mine it was an october 02 build but i got it reg june 2003 and i know it wasnt a demo as it had 14 miles on the clock what was the mileage when you got it ? if the dealer dosent come clean see if you can get the cars ECU downloded and see what its been up to (im not sure where but ive heard this can de done)

[Serby]

Interesting! I bought mine used from a private seller. It had only done 9000 miles and that was Janurary this year! The log book is showing 4 previous owners, only 2 of which I currently know about. I'm taking it in for its service tonight so I'll try and find out its history!

[Haggi]

mate id be checking the dval to see who has owned it on their data as 4 owners over 9000 miles is a lot its possible its been used as a dealers staff car in wich case it could have been passed round the various staff at the dealer