What are pre-registered cars? And is one right for you?

If you’re in the market for a new car and have come across the term pre-registered cars, you might be curious about what they are and whether a pre-registered car could be a good fit for you.

We’ve pulled together everything you need to know, including answers to key questions like:

• What is a pre-registered car?
• Why do dealerships pre-register cars?
• The pros and cons of buying a pre-registered car
• Is a pre-registered car right for you?

So, let’s get started.

A pre-registered car is a vehicle that’s been registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by a dealership or leasing company, before it’s sold to a customer. While this technically means the car is not brand new, many of these vehicles are virtually brand new, often with minimal or even zero miles on the clock.

Think of it like buying a phone that’s been taken out of the box and set up but never actually used. It’s technically not brand-new because it’s been activated, but it’s still in practically perfect condition with as close to zero wear and tear as possible. That’s what a pre-registered car is like - a vehicle that’s been registered but is essentially untouched and ready to drive.

Dealerships will pre-register cars for several reasons. For example if:

• They need to make space for new stock - when new models roll in, dealerships might need to clear out current inventory and pre-registering cars can help move them out quickly.
• They want to offer better deals - pre-registering often allows dealerships to sell cars at reduced prices, whilst still making a profit.

Now that you know what a pre-registered car is and why dealerships offer them, let’s talk about what it could mean for you.

Pre-registered cars are often sold at a discount compared to brand-new models. Why? Because they’re technically considered "used" as soon as they’re registered, even if they’ve never been driven off the premises. This means you can enjoy the perks of a practically brand-new car for a fraction of the price - giving you fantastic value for money.

Need a car, like, yesterday? Pre-registered cars are ready to drive away - no waiting around for custom orders or production waiting lists.

Whether you’ve had a sudden change in circumstances or just don’t want the hassle of waiting, these cars offer an instant solution.

Pre-registered cars usually come with the original manufacturer’s warranty, so you’re still covered for any unexpected issues. However, keep in mind that the warranty starts from the date the car was registered, not the day you buy it. Even so, you’ll likely have plenty of warranty coverage left to give you peace of mind.

Though there are some great perks, we wouldn’t be giving you all the information if we didn’t inform you about some possible downsides to pre-registered cars. Such as:

1. Shorter warranty period - the manufacturer’s warranty usually starts from the car’s registration date, so you might have less coverage than with an unregistered vehicle.
2. More limited options - pre-registered cars are sold as-is. This means you can’t pick colours or add fancy extras - it’s a “what you see, is what you get” deal.

So, we’ve explored what pre-registered cars are, why dealerships offer them, and the benefits they can bring - but is a pre-reg car right for you?

If you’re looking for a deal but still want an almost brand-new car, a pre-registered vehicle could be a great fit. These cars provide excellent value, offering savings on the price tag without compromising on quality. They’re also perfect if you need a car quickly, as they’re available much sooner (our delivery time is roughly two to four weeks), unlike custom orders that can take weeks. And if you're not too fussy about colour or specific features, you’ll find a pre-registered car that ticks most of your boxes.

Ultimately, pre-registered cars offer a fantastic balance between affordability and quality.