They weren't new when they were registered. They are old stock that had been sitting around since before production of the old shape ended, and possibly for a long time for a long time before. Check the seat belt tags. The belts won't have been made more tha a week or so before the car was assembled.

HJ

I can't comment on the Mark III, but I have owned a Mark II (56 reg) for nearly three years.

It's the Sport diesel version though. I can't praise it enough and all round I think it's the best car I've had (although 3 Subarus Foresters run it close). It is supremely reliable, very comfortable (we've just towed a 17ft caravan for 3800miles round Portugal and Spain with never a back ache or seat ache (we are in our early 70's too). Mostly in 6th gear!

Economical - averaged 26mpg on that trip. Normal motoring (within speed limits) up to 41/42 mpg - say 38 urban cycle.

Hope this helps

RakebeckBob