With the number going onto cars these days I can't really see it being a good investment either unless it's a real special plate so I'd not bother with my own money

A proper one is an investment as the DVLA are running out of decent plates, and the new style numberplates dont really offer much scope for personal plates, as when spaced properly (as they should be) they just look like a normal numberplate.

I paid a lot of money for mine (more than most people on heres cars are worth) but it reads correctly and needs no dodgy spacing/altered letters/strategically placed screw heads!

It is already worth twice what I paid for it after only a couple of years, I doubt I'll ever sell it as it's personal to me but there aren't many things that appreciate in value at that rate!

And as for being easily recognised, yep it is, but unless you habitually drive like a t*sser it's not a problem!

There is one I have my eye on, but I'm waiting for it to come up at a DVLA auction

I was waiting for a plate with my surname on it, no extra letters or numbers just exactly the one word, thought I might even put a bid or two in, went for about 55k in the end - a little out of my league........

the other thing to think about is if you got plates that give away its your car i.e. personalised, then think about the obvious mods and stickers.