My dealer claims my new RS3 has to be a 19 plate

[hopgop1]

Just been informed by my dealer that the RS3 Saloon I ordered at the end of April for a September collection will not be able to be a 69 plate car. They claim that due to some emissions regulation stuff (REE I think he called it) my car has to be taxed before the 23rd of August and therefore needs a registration meaning my car will be a 19 plate.
I'm sure this will affect the value of the car and due to how I've sorted my insurance I wouldn't realistically be able to collect my car much before the end of August anyway. I've been told that I can either take my current car which is sat at the dealer, or they can order me a new car which will probably be October at the earliest.
I'm ****** off to say the least, am I being ****** by my dealer here or has anyone else that ordered early for a September collection had the same thing?

 

[Callump01]

In my (admittedly uneducated around this) opinion, I'd say that sounds like utter b*****ks and they're just making excuses to not have a car sitting around awaiting new plates.

I'd be wanting a heavy chunk of change knocked off the price of the car to try and offset the depreciation, or try strong arming them by saying you'll be going for a new car with someone else unless they're prepared to register the 69 plate as originally agreed with you. They're not going to be wanting a personally specced car sat around the dealership as they watch their guaranteed sale walk away.

This is their fault, not yours, so don't put yourself out of pocket.

 

[Pinky1959]

I would contact the CEO of the garage direct or go straight to Audi and get it sorted as the garage are being unhelpful.
I would not be happy .

 

[simonali]

I expect August is a slow sales month and they're trying to get their figures up. They probably don't want the car hanging around getting in the way either.

I don't see why it having arrived already is a problem for you anyway? If you wanted a 69 you should've placed the order for it later in the year...

 

[GW1]

Just been informed by my dealer that the RS3 Saloon I ordered at the end of April for a September collection will not be able to be a 69 plate car. They claim that due to some emissions regulation stuff (REE I think he called it) my car has to be taxed before the 23rd of August and therefore needs a registration meaning my car will be a 19 plate.
I'm sure this will affect the value of the car and due to how I've sorted my insurance I wouldn't realistically be able to collect my car much before the end of August anyway. I've been told that I can either take my current car which is sat at the dealer, or they can order me a new car which will probably be October at the earliest.
I'm ****** off to say the least, am I being ****** by my dealer here or has anyone else that ordered early for a September collection had the same thing?

I had a very similar conversation with my dealership, after mine arrived at the dealers approximately 7 weeks early. Mine was ordered at the end of April with a delivery date in September which arrived at the end of June. As I am not worried about reg, and I always put mine on my private plate it wasn’t an issue. If you get a 19 or 69 plate they are still both year 20 cars, so collect it and enjoy before the weather goes nuts up. My opinion only.

 

[Ron240]

If you wanted a 69 you should've placed the order for it later in the year...

Who wouldn't want a 69.....in fact I would love one right now.

 

[hopgop1]

I expect August is a slow sales month and they're trying to get their figures up. They probably don't want the car hanging around getting in the way either.

I don't see why it having arrived already is a problem for you anyway? If you wanted a 69 you should've placed the order for it later in the year...

Can't predict when the order books will open or close unfortunately, I was told mine would likely arrive in August however it was earlier than expected.

 

[hopgop1]

In my (admittedly uneducated around this) opinion, I'd say that sounds like utter b*****ks and they're just making excuses to not have a car sitting around awaiting new plates.

I'd be wanting a heavy chunk of change knocked off the price of the car to try and offset the depreciation, or try strong arming them by saying you'll be going for a new car with someone else unless they're prepared to register the 69 plate as originally agreed with you. They're not going to be wanting a personally specced car sat around the dealership as they watch their guaranteed sale walk away.

This is their fault, not yours, so don't put yourself out of pocket.

That's what I thought, going to have to have strong words with them early next week.

 

[Callump01]

Who wouldn't want a 69.....in fact I would love one right now.

I was waiting for someone to make that joke

 

[Ron240]

I was waiting for someone to make that joke

Yep it was only a question of time...
My mind is rarely out of the gutter.

 

[Gnasher]

I think it's to do with the RDE (Real Driving Emissions) standard which (I think) is the new way of testing for the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure).

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/real-world-driving-emissions-tests/

I have a feeling they're hoping some customers won't know enough about it to challenge them on it. I'd call B*****it (and that's not Brexit) on it. I'd also see if there's anyone you know (or on here) that works in the trade could clarify for you to give you evidence to go back to them with as it simply sounds to me like they are attempting to hit their August sales targets.

 

[hopgop1]

I think it's to do with the RDE (Real Driving Emissions) standard which (I think) is the new way of testing for the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure).

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/real-world-driving-emissions-tests/

I have a feeling they're hoping some customers won't know enough about it to challenge them on it. I'd call B*****it (and that's not Brexit) on it. I'd also see if there's anyone you know (or on here) that works in the trade could clarify for you to give you evidence to go back to them with as it simply sounds to me like they are attempting to hit their August sales targets.

Thanks for this, will use this as ammunition. I've just spoken to Audi themselves, they are going to speak to the sales manager at the dealer and get back to me tomorrow. Not taking this lying down for sure.

 

[simonali]

Who wouldn't want a 69.....in fact I would love one right now.

Not with me I hope?

 

[Ron240]

Not with me I hope?

Nope, you have the wrong set of equipment that I look for.

 

[simonali]

Phew!

 

[rdj]

Will keep a close eye on this as I'm in exactly the same boat with my dealer and have been told the same...

 

[Spinstorm]

I really wouldn’t worry about the value of the car based on the plate. The value of your car will be effected by the emissions regulations and that particulate filter!

Just go get your car sooner....

However - I do think this is lie and not true as a reason so that’s not cool.

 

[TYb]

If you’ve always stated you want the car on a 69 plate the dealer will have to suck it up but if you haven’t stated that then I can see the dealers point of view, the industry is struggling and there will be massive pressure on the salesman to release that car ASAP.

I wouldn’t worry about price though, the RS3 will still hold it’s value.

 

[AudiNutta]

If you’ve always stated you want the car on a 69 plate the dealer will have to suck it up but if you haven’t stated that then I can see the dealers point of view, the industry is struggling and there will be massive pressure on the salesman to release that car ASAP.

I wouldn’t worry about price though, the RS3 will still hold it’s value.

As above on price, if it was the right spec car I wouldn’t pay any less for a 19 than I would a 69 plate.

 

[Ron240]

In this age where everybody buys cars on PCP, the guaranteed future value of an August registered car will be slightly lower than the same car registered in September.
If a dealership has 2 otherwise identical cars for sale but one has a newer registration plate, then you can be certain they would price the newer one higher even if the first registration dates are only 1 day apart. A newer plate adds value, it has always been that way.
I completely understand the predicament for the OP, and as stated it will hinge on whether it was clearly stated from the very start that the car must be first registered to qualify for a 69 plate.
Having said that if I had a brand new RS3 Saloon sitting at the dealer right now, I would find it very hard to wait 5 weeks for it.

 

[Spinstorm]

I disagree with the valuation and registration being an issue.

Sure if there are two identical cars with identical spec and mileage but when is that ever going to happen?

Realistically the mileage or spec will be different. And this only even becomes an issue your selling the car on. Stop worrying about it’s value. Your driving the car not starting a dealership.

As for wanting the 69 plate and the thing they said I don’t know if it’s true. Like I said earlier. I would be one hundred percent certain before you confront your dealer about it.

For me I’ll keep my car until it’s time to trade in at the end or near the end of the PCP. I’m confident my final value will always be less than the dealer would give me and so I’m fine with it.

 

[Ron240]

I disagree with the valuation and registration being an issue.

At the very least there is more kudos to be had from owning a 69 plate car rather than a 19, but like you say it only becomes an issue if this is important to you.
There is less importance when a personalised number is assigned to the car.
I have had my personal number for many years but would still prefer to know my car qualifies for the newer registration identification if possible. The longest I have waited for this is 3 weeks, but the maximum I would wait is the immediately preceeding month.
I suppose different people have different opinions and priorities on this...and that's absolutely fine.

 

[hopgop1]

Just to clarify I have absolutely stated from the date of my order my intentions to pick it up on the 1st of September on a 69 plate. I even have email conversations as recently as the 6th of July discussing the plates etc. If this is some regulation they have to adhere to surely they would've known about it sooner than a 5 weeks before my collection date. I bet he hopes he can get me to cancel so he can sell my car at full sticker price, rather than with the discount I've got. Unfortunately the salesman that sold me the car doesn't work there anymore, but with email proof they can't deny they promised the car on a 69 plate to me, I think it's just a bullying tactic targeted at someone who they hope has more money than sense.

 

[NevMan]

Think you right on the selling in at full sticker price, as if decent spec, they will have NO issues selling a brand new RS3 whatsoever

 

[Bristle Hound]

Who wouldn't want a 69.....in fact I would love one right now.

Now that ^ did make PMSL

 

[JohnM100]

Just been informed by my dealer that the RS3 Saloon I ordered at the end of April for a September collection will not be able to be a 69 plate car. They claim that due to some emissions regulation stuff (REE I think he called it) my car has to be taxed before the 23rd of August and therefore needs a registration meaning my car will be a 19 plate.

You have written evidence of agreement to hold till September. Ask the salesman to send you proof of his 23-Aug cut-off date, and not as some random webpage; DVLA or DoT only.

I saw somewhere that the cutoff was Jan 2020 but that wasn’t from a DVLA/DoT source.

 

[JM 772]

Just been informed by my dealer that the RS3 Saloon I ordered at the end of April for a September collection will not be able to be a 69 plate car. They claim that due to some emissions regulation stuff (REE I think he called it) my car has to be taxed before the 23rd of August and therefore needs a registration meaning my car will be a 19 plate.
I'm sure this will affect the value of the car and due to how I've sorted my insurance I wouldn't realistically be able to collect my car much before the end of August anyway. I've been told that I can either take my current car which is sat at the dealer, or they can order me a new car which will probably be October at the earliest.
I'm ****** off to say the least, am I being ****** by my dealer here or has anyone else that ordered early for a September collection had the same thing?

Same here fella, i did do well out of it though, I got £4500 discount initially because i had my 67 S3 stolen & as soon as i got paid out i was back to order the RS3, its was due in beginning of August but arranged to have it on 1st sept on a 69, i probably got the same Email as you stating the new emissions laws from the 1st Sept, cars ordered before 31st May have to under go the new road tests bla bla bla, Anyway, i went to see the guy dealing with me at Audi & they gave me an extra £1400 off of my deposit balance & a further £1600 off of the cost of the car if i have the car as soon as it comes in on a 19 plate, this means it has not got to have the new test & they can get rid of it sooner, that will do me as i have a private plate going on it anyway.

Cant argue with that, £51000 on the road down to £43500. Winner......

 

[rdj]

Well done JM 772 - great result you’ve got there. Was your private plate going on it later or straight away at the dealer?
Would be interested to hear an update from the OP to see if he got any compensation. If so I’ll have to reconsider what to do as I was expecting a 1st September car...

 

[DW81]

Same here fella, i did do well out of it though, I got £4500 discount initially because i had my 67 S3 stolen & as soon as i got paid out i was back to order the RS3, its was due in beginning of August but arranged to have it on 1st sept on a 69, i probably got the same Email as you stating the new emissions laws from the 1st Sept, cars ordered before 31st May have to under go the new road tests bla bla bla, Anyway, i went to see the guy dealing with me at Audi & they gave me an extra £1400 off of my deposit balance & a further £1600 off of the cost of the car if i have the car as soon as it comes in on a 19 plate, this means it has not got to have the new test & they can get rid of it sooner, that will do me as i have a private plate going on it anyway.

Cant argue with that, £51000 on the road down to £43500. Winner......

That is some discount, nice one. Enjoy your new car

 

[JM 772]

Well done JM 772 - great result you’ve got there. Was your private plate going on it later or straight away at the dealer?
Would be interested to hear an update from the OP to see if he got any compensation. If so I’ll have to reconsider what to do as I was expecting a 1st September car...

They are putting the private plate on for me so it’s coming out with it on, just dropped the retainer off to them last Friday.

Oh & I didn’t have to argue or barter with them this is what they offered me straight out, may have got more if I tried but I thought that was extremely fair. It’s got to be worth an ask mate.

 

[Ron240]

They are putting the private plate on for me so it’s coming out with it on, just dropped the retainer off to them last Friday.

Have you had to take it off your current car that you are trading in?
Could you not drive in then drive out with the same number plate? I've done this a few times. It's interesting to see 2 different cars with the same number plate.....and makes a good photo.

 

[JM 772]

Have you had to take it off your current car that you are trading in?
Could you not drive in then drive out with the same number plate? I've done this a few times. It's interesting to see 2 different cars with the same number plate.....and makes a good photo.

Unfortunately I had my S3 stolen in March so no trade in, I bought the plate 2 weeks ago so it not coming off of any of my cars. Can’t wait to get it

 

[Ron240]

Bummer about your S3.....thieving scum need a dose of real justice!
I bet you can't wait......will feel really sweet slipping behind the wheel of your nice new RS3.

 

[hopgop1]

Hope I can get a similar result JM, been promised goodwill but haven't been able to get a hold of the sales manager yet. I'm tempted to go for ordering a new one but of course the configurator has changed and you now can't get red brake calipers or chrome badges on the Audi Sport Edition...

 

[AudiNutta]

Hope I can get a similar result JM, been promised goodwill but haven't been able to get a hold of the sales manager yet. I'm tempted to go for ordering a new one but of course the configurator has changed and you now can't get red brake calipers or chrome badges on the Audi Sport Edition...

I wouldn't order another, latest I heard was they had stopped producing them again?

Guarantee you order another and you won't end up with one at all! Push for a good discount and get the 19-plate, you can't drive an order form. You really won't care at all when you first turn that key, oh yeah and every time after that!!

 

[Nat_Pruden]

From my experience working in a dealer there could be one of two reasons from this.
Finance incentives requiring the car to be registered before august 31st to qualify for the discounts etc you have.
Or there is actually a requirement from a certain date which I believe is September that all new cars are required to have the new filters etc for the new test cycles however I thought the new rs3 was already equipped with these.

 

[Nat_Pruden]

From my experience working in a dealer there could be one of two reasons from this.
Finance incentives requiring the car to be registered before august 31st to qualify for the discounts etc you have.
Or there is actually a requirement from a certain date which I believe is September that all new cars are required to have the new filters etc for the new test cycles however I thought the new rs3 was already equipped with these.

 

[rdj]

Hope I can get a similar result JM, been promised goodwill but haven't been able to get a hold of the sales manager yet. I'm tempted to go for ordering a new one but of course the configurator has changed and you now can't get red brake calipers or chrome badges on the Audi Sport Edition...

Was this goodwill promise from the dealer or via Audi?

 

[hopgop1]

Was this goodwill promise from the dealer or via Audi?

This is what the Audi CS rep told me after speaking to the sales manager at my dealership. I have a missed call from the dealer which I'll return after work and see what we can agree.

 

[JM 772]

Was this goodwill promise from the dealer or via Audi?

For me its came across as a good will gesture, i was planning on going in & getting 5 - 6 hundred off but they had already planned what they was going to give me, pretty generous IMO.