How To Trace The History Of Your Car

[fairway1 5]

I've noticed on here (and in the 309 owners forum) that some of you have commented on how much you'd like to trace the history of your car.

 

Well, actually you can and it's easier than you might think. The DVLA have what is called a V888 form which you can download here -

 

http://www.direct.go...ine/DG_10016794

 

Or simply Google 'V888 DVLA form'.

 

Be sure to tick the box next to option 'B' in section 1 and enclose a £5 postal order.

 

I've used this service for my 205 and I'm very impressed.

 

3 weeks after completing and returning the V888 to the DVLA I received an A4 envelope from them (sent recorded delivery) packed full with photocopies of EVERYTHING the DVLA have on file for my 'F' reg 205, including the paperwork from when the dealer first applied for a registration mark, first application for a tax disc (and the 1988 prices!), copies of the log book each time it's changed owners (including the mileages where supplied) and the full details of each previous owner (and the dates of purchase and selling) right back to day one!

 

I hope this is of use to someone as the V888 doesn't seem to be widely known about.

[welshpug 1,657]

Or just delve into the piles of receipts in the service history

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Or just delve into the piles of receipts in the service history

 

I think this service is quite useful should you have a car that has 'lost' its history.

[fairway1 5]

I think this service is quite useful should you have a car that has 'lost' its history.

 

Yes, and also if your lucky enough to have a car with a full service history (which I suspect the majority of 205s on the roads do not), it won't necessarily tell you the full details of previous owners AND the dates they bought / sold the car like you will get from the DVLA with a V888 form. You can also see the mileage readings each time it's changed owners, if they've bothered to write it in the box on the 'new vehicle keeper' slip from the log book you send off to the DVLA.

 

My 205 was purchased new by a doctor who lived in Bornemouth who owned it for 8 years and barely covered 20,000 miles. After this it's had several owners (all of which where related) and I can see how it found it's way over the years from Bournemouth to it's previous owner who lives in Hull then me, also in Hull.

 

You never know, you might be in for a shock when you see who the previous owners of you car where. Imagine if you found out 205 was purchased new by someone famous?

Edited September 2, 2012 by fairway1