MoT Question

[1972nail]

Yes, the NI system works fine for me and we do get reminders 6 to 8 weeks in advance. But there are 'horror stories' out there, we all have them, me included.... here's mine.

Our Minor Traveller (and of course all other Minors) has an exhaust hanging strap bolted through the boot floor. Our car had been repaired in the past in that area and the hanging strap moved leaving the original hole. The 6mm hole had started to become ragged and no longer looked drilled. The car failed on a rust hole within 300mm of a vital suspension mounting point! I asked to see it and was shown the strap mounting hole.

I explained what it was and was told it had to be repaired as the car was now recorded as a Fail. I immediately booked a re-test - I got one the next morning. I went home, cut a postage stamp size piece of steel and welded it in place with 4 spots of MIG. You guessed it....it passed! It still has that repair to this day.

[dann01]

Yeah, all valid points made, except...

Without a test of any kind other than the one when the vehicle is first purchased, there would certainly be death traps on the roads. And call me a cynic, but all is fine and dandy with that until it's a family member, or a friend that's killed by someone who hasn't kept their vehicle in any kind of road worthy state, and then it's "There should be a test" or "Why did they do away with the test" or "That car shouldn't have been on the road." When someone close to you dies because of something like this, it WILL change your perspective, I guarantee it.

I have a friend who MOT's and services cars... He has shown me pics and footage of vehicles he's seen that are just 3 years old, and undergoing their first test. Cars that have done maybe 30k miles in the hands of frantic women drivers doing school runs, fleet cars, rep mobiles, SUV's, all sorts. Cars with cracked brake disks and down to the metal on the pads. Cars with control arms hanging off or sheered, cars with tyres so bald the weave is showing... And these are nearly NEW cars, let alone old metal like ours in the hands of the few who can't be bothered to just check their cars over.

Sorry, but I think we need the test.

Dan

[ADRIAN]

In France, the test is every 2 years for cars, and every 5 years for classics. (Called the Control Technic). Most are independant test companies, - so not linked to any garage. And very expensive compared to our prices, even though the test is less strict and only gets a quick look over. They are all one man testers, so the suspension is tested on rumble machines, which I think are too rough on old cars. Strangely, if you have a "fail" you can still drive the car but you have 6 weeks to fix the problems and return for another test. (full fee payable again)
Really OLD Vintage cars dont need a test in France. I once saw a really tatty 1920's barn stored Humber, that was used as a chicken shed. That car was brought out for a road run & car show and it was in front of me in my Viva on the road run. . Its tyres were the originals and bald down to the canvas. And the local plod / Gendarmarie just waved it through at junctions with a happy wave! The French are strange in some respects.

[edgoose1]

Out of interest my Viva was MOT today. I droped it of the night before at the garage so they had it first thing in the morning. Had a call at 0930 to say it passed. Agree with Dan there needs to be a basic test of some kind, but at a reduced fee . it took no more than 30 minutes to mot the Viva

[Fred Dukes]

At £35 per test I think is worth the peace of mind to know someone has checked it over - there are ways of keeping the cost down without not having a test - my day car gets a free MoT through my AA fuel card - as I said my MoT man does my Classics for £35 - so 5 cars £175 per year

[ADRIAN]

Its £55 everywhere here in Norfolk for MOT's - no cheap deals for us. So X 4 Viva's & one modern and then £60 for the Bedford van class, and its £335 every year for me. I would prefer the classic Viva MOT's to be needed to be done every two years, - so that two are MOT'd every year on a staggered basis. Adrian

[1972nail]

NI seems good value then at £30.50

[Bob perry]

Agree that I would definitely be in favour of a regular test, of some sort, just for peace of mind really. The though of some numbskull coming towards me, or my family, in some old rattler, without being checked, doesn't bear thinking about!!

By the way, don't be taken in by the 'MOT's only £29-50' or half price scam, currently carried out by a certain , very well advertised, National Company!!

I tried it with my every day Peugeot last year and got stung. Prior to the test I went to my regular garage who have always been excellent with service and repairs, but don't do mot's. Got him to give it a pre mot look over when he serviced it, and he found all was in order with no problems.

Got the MOT done the next day at the 'half price' station. Car failed on a noisy rear wheel bearing.
It's a Wheel bearing and hub assy on those, and was quoted £150 to fix it!
I still had a week to go on the mot date, so told him I would get it done and bring it back.

Went back to my regular guy who said he couldn't find any fault, and if it was up to him wouldn't fail it.
Suggested he do it anyway, which cost me £75.

Went back to the MOT station for a re check and ticket.
Passed ok this time, but then he asked for ANOTHER £29-50.
I argued the second price, but they said that the half price deal only applies if rectification work is done at the time, and on the premises!!
Small print on the advert pointed out.

Total cost £59 for MOT and £75 for work not needed really!

Moral: Nothing comes free, and always check the small print!!

Not used that company since, or bought tyres from them, and made sure anyone I speak to is aware of this particular dealership, and their methods.
It probably won't change their advertising practise, but it makes me feel better.

[edgoose1]

Yes i always use one garage now. mot is £45. but he is fair and if work needs doing his hourly rate is reasonable about £40 plus the vat

[lord13]

Same here, £45 for mot, they also collect and return the vehicle I sent my lad's corsa in a month or so ago, it failed on a couple of bulbs , but the guy replaced them FOC and retested it and passed it before bringing it back and parking it up on my drive. That's service for you