What is a pre-registered vehicle?

If you’re exploring your leasing options, it’s likely that you’ll have come across the term ‘pre-reg’. Short for ‘pre-registered’, these vehicles are often listed with tempting price tags and short delivery times. 

But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from brand-new or used lease cars? 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about pre-registered vehicles, including what they are, what to look out for, and why they might be a smart choice if you're leasing. We discuss: 

A pre-registered vehicle is a car that a dealership registers with the DVLA before it’s been sold to a customer. That means it already has a number plate (hence the term) and a V5 logbook, even though nobody has driven it. 

Why do this? It comes down to sales targets. Dealerships are incentivised to meet quarterly or monthly sales goals, and registering a batch of cars can help them meet these targets, even if the cars haven’t been sold yet. 

Yes, technically, the vehicle is second-hand. But in reality, it’s not. It’s simply waiting to be driven. 

• Already registered with the DVLA 
• Not customisable as the spec is fixed 
• Very low mileage 
• Never owned by a private customer 
• Often available straight away and with a discount

For leasing customers, don’t be put off by pre-reg vehicles. They offer a fantastic opportunity to secure a cost-effective lease deal, especially if you’re not fussed about picking your own spec. 

Because they’re already registered, they’re in stock and ready to go. Perfect for customers who need a car quickly. 

Here’s one thing to be mindful of: the manufacturer’s warranty on a pre-reg car starts from the date the dealer first registered it. 

If a pre-reg car has been sitting around for three months, you’ll only have two years and nine months of warranty left on a three-year warranty. 

This usually isn’t a dealbreaker, but it's worth considering, especially if you’re looking at a longer lease term or a lease extension down the line. 

In the eyes of the DVLA, any car that’s been registered has a previous owner. So, if you lease a pre-reg vehicle, the V5C logbook will show you as the second owner. 

But let’s be clear: that doesn’t mean the car’s been driven by someone else. It will likely have just been moved from the manufacturer to a dealership. 

There are many benefits to leasing a pre-reg vehicle, including: 

• Financial - pre-reg cars are cheaper to lease and are usually available as hot deals. Finance providers have taken a gamble in buying these cars, so they would rather see the back of them rather than sit on a forecourt. 
• Speed of delivery - they are sitting there, waiting to be delivered. As soon as your lease is agreed, a pre-reg vehicle can be available for delivery. 
• Popular models - pre-reg vehicles are usually popular models that are high in demand. You could get the car of your dreams as soon as possible. 

Obviously, leasing a pre-reg car does have some disadvantages and it’s not the perfect fit for everyone: 

• Shorter warranty cover - the manufacturer’s warranty starts ticking from the day it’s first registered. 
• Lack of customisation - you’ll need to choose from available stock. You get what you see, and you might have to compromise on what you originally wanted. 
• The car is technically second-hand - although it's in brand-new condition, it will appear as having a previous owner. 

Leasing a pre-reg car is ideal for: 

• Business users who need vehicles fast without factory order delays 
• Families looking for a great value vehicle that still feels new 
• Drivers on a budget 
• Anyone looking to avoid long wait times 

Pre-reg cars sit between new and used. For leasing customers, they offer quick access, low monthly costs, and a basically new driving experience without the price tag and delivery delays. 

If you’re happy to pick from in-stock models and can live without full customisation, leasing a pre-reg vehicle is smart and cost-effective. 

At Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we regularly update our stock with pre-reg vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a city runaround or a family SUV, we’ve got cars ready to go.