Will ‘13’ plate prove unlucky for some?

When next March rolls around the DVLA will start issuing ‘13’ number plates as scheduled, quashing rumours that the previous ‘62’ plate would be continued as an option for the superstitious.

It may seem bizarre, but according to used car pricing experts CAP, the motor trade has been “rife” with talk about this ‘unlucky 13’ issue in recent months, with some even speculating that it may affect demand, and eventually used values as well.

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The worry is that even if the original buyer isn’t bothered by the number, not only could it put off a potential second-hand purchaser it might still cause anxiety amongst family members or other passengers.

CAP has apparently received a number of Triskaidekaphobia – look it up, word fans – influenced depreciation enquiries, forcing it to look into the matter quite seriously. Unfortunately, the lack of hard data on the number of people who take such superstitions seriously makes its impact impossible to judge.

CAP’s Martin Ward:

“It’s not often we say this at CAP but we have no idea whether the used values of 13 plate cars will be affected or not, although it does seem unlikely.”

He clearly couldn’t resist fanning the flames a little, however, as he signs off the press release with the following statement:

“Suffice to say the prospect of a nervous 13 plate driver seeing a lone magpie through the windscreen on Friday 13th doesn’t bare thinking about and our best advice is to make sure you don’t drive a March 2013 car under any ladders.”

Alternatively, simply put a private number plate on the car at the time of purchase; spookily enough, the DVLA has just announced it’s reducing the price of its cheapest examples to just £250 all-in…

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