Knowing your car’s age isn’t just a matter of curiosity—it’s essential for maintenance, resale value, road tax, and insurance purposes. Many drivers ask, “How old is my car?”, but there are several ways to find out, from checking your registration number to reviewing your logbook.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to check your car’s age using Total Car Check
- How to read UK number plates to determine vehicle age (new and old systems)
- What to look out for as cars get older
- How cars lose value over time (depreciation)
- Why knowing your car’s age matters for insurance, resale, and compliance
How to Check Your Car’s Age
1. Use Total Car Check
The quickest and easiest way to check your car’s age is by using Total Car Check. With just your registration number, you can instantly see:
- Year of first registration
- Engine size and fuel type
- MOT history and advisories
- Tax status and expiry
- Any recorded write-offs or outstanding finance
This is especially useful when buying a used car, as it gives you a verified age and history in seconds.
2. Check the Number Plate
In the UK, number plates follow a clear format that can tell you the age of first registration.
Current System (2001–Present)
Since 2001, UK number plates have included a two-digit age identifier in the middle:
- AB12 CDE – the ‘12’ shows the car was registered between March and August 2012.
- AB62 CDE – the ‘62’ shows registration between September 2012 and February 2013.
The system works like this:
- March–August = year code (e.g., 12 = 2012)
- September–February = year code + 50 (e.g., 62 = late 2012)
So, a “72” plate means the car was registered between September 2022 and February 2023.
Prefix System (1983–2001)
Before 2001, number plates used a prefix letter to show age:
- A123 ABC – “A” means registered between August 1983 and July 1984
- S123 ABC – “S” means registered between August 1998 and February 1999
- Y123 ABC – “Y” means registered between March and July 2001
The prefix system started with “A” in 1983 and ended with “Y” in 2001.
Suffix System (1963–1982)
Before 1983, cars used a suffix letter instead:
- ABC 123A – “A” meant registered between 1963 and 1964
- ABC 123K – “K” meant registered between 1971 and 1972
- ABC 123X – “X” meant registered between 1981 and 1982
Suffix plates started with “A” in 1963 and ended with “Y” in 1982.
Pre-1963 Number Plates
Even older cars (pre-1963) had plates without an age identifier—these were simply sequential numbers and letters. To find the exact age, you’d need to check the V5C logbook.
3. Check the V5C Logbook / Registration Document
Your V5C logbook shows the official date of first registration, which confirms the exact age of your car. This is the most reliable source and is often required for insurance or selling the vehicle.
What to Check as Cars Get Older
Older cars need closer monitoring to stay safe and roadworthy. Make sure to review:
- MOT History – Look for repeated advisories or failures.
- Engine & Transmission – Check for leaks, rattles, or excessive smoke.
- Suspension & Brakes – Worn components can compromise handling.
- Tyres – Check tread depth and age (tyres older than 6 years may harden).
Regular servicing is essential to avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs.
How Cars Devalue Over Time
Cars lose value as they age, especially in the first few years. Here’s a rough guide to average depreciation for a typical UK car:
| Car Age | Value Remaining (%) |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 80–85% |
| 3 years | 60–65% |
| 5 years | 45–50% |
| 7 years | 30–35% |
| 10 years | 15–20% |
Depreciation varies by make, model, mileage, condition, and market demand. Cars from premium brands often hold value better, while some models depreciate faster.
Why Knowing Your Car’s Age Matters
- Insurance – Premiums often vary depending on a car’s age.
- Maintenance – Older cars require more frequent servicing and part replacements.
- Resale Value – Age directly impacts the price you can ask when selling.
- Compliance – Low Emission Zone (LEZ/ULEZ) rules and MOT requirements depend on the age of your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever asked “How old is my car?”, the answer is only a few clicks away. You can check with your V5C logbook, your number plate, or an online tool like Total Car Check.
For cars registered after 2001, the two-digit age identifier makes it easy to work out the year. For older cars, the prefix and suffix systems reveal the registration year, while classic cars pre-1963 may need a logbook or database check.
Bottom line: Understanding your car’s age helps you keep on top of maintenance, anticipate depreciation, stay compliant with tax and emission rules, and make smarter decisions when buying or selling.
Related Blogs