As i'm not from mainland UK I don't know how to tell a vehicle year from its reg plate however if the car is older than '97 then i suggest a good breakers yard. I went to one recently for my '94 espace and he had 6 in various states of dismantling, but I got what I wanted, no problems.
Just remember to bring a small set of tools and most important, a No.20 Torx screwdriver
