probably just registered late thats all, there is not a 1998 model 850. the cars year of registration does not necessarily indicate model year. if you want to send me your reg or vin i can confirm this anyway, though like i said there never was a 1998 model 850. edit - that is a good link above and will answer the op's question, though i can get a bit more info than what it shows on the vin plate, like the exact date it rolled out of the factory, and usually the date it was registered, which could help explain the difference in year.