Overhaulin'

Selling a car with a new engine, not reflected on logbook?

I run a "for sale" group on Facebook. A seller is trying to sell a Ford Fiesta LX but states that he has put a Zetec sport engine in. He states that the logbook still says LX and that the MOT expires in October. I am slightly concerned that this may be illegal. Presumably the current MOT was valid for the previous engine model. Also, would a person be insured to drive it like this? What potential problems would a purchaser run into when trying to get the car MOT'd again? Any advice would be appreciated before I contact the seller. Thank you

Public Comments

1. You are right to be concerned, It is the owners responsibility to inform the DVLA of the changes to the Vehicle and have a new V5 issued. The second problem is going to be the insurance side, Some one is going to have to get and Engineers report done on the car before and Insurance Company will touch it.( Expensive) If the declaration " Has the car been modified in any way" it not declared correctly then in the event of a claim they are likely to be very unlucky to get any payment. The third and final concern is has it been installed correctly and is it safe to drive.( The reason for the Engineers report). If the character who installed this lump has been driving it as a "Boy Racer", then I would suspect of the state of the clutch, running gear and brakes.
2. 'LX' is the trim level of the car, NOT the engine. E.g my mate had a mk6 escort S reg with a 1.8 Zetec engine and that was an LX. If the engine was identical to the one removed, then i wouldnt worry. But as it seems to be an full upgrade then it should be changed on the log-book and the DVLA informed. As this will affect the insurance on the vehicle if a claim ever needs to be made etc etc etc. But that is down to the seller and buyer. and is of no concern to you imo It's not uncommon for this to happen, at car events i've seen 1.3 Vauxhall / Opel Astra's with 2.5 V6 Engines in them before so.....