Cheap MOTs: Scotland

[MSE Andrea]

What’s this about?

Paying for MOT repairs can take a hefty wack from your wallet. Yet there's a way to cut this cost. The first point of call is read the full Cheap MOTs article. This discussion is specifically to talk about MOTs in your local area:

Cheap Scotland MOTs

If you want to discuss cheap MOTs in general please go to the Cheap MOTs Discussion.

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• London MOTs

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[Hanbag]

It's rather disappointing to see that there are no Council run MOT test centres in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde or North Ayrshire where we live..

However, I recenently had my car MOT'd at Phoenix Motown at Linwood. I'd had it done there before so they called my up on spec to get my business again. They quoted £52 which I said was a lot more expensive than previous MOTs. He quickly spoke to his manager and then offered it to me at £40. I thought this was ok and agreed. I made sure that I replaced the bulb on my brake light and I'd had my exhaust pipe replaced too. It passed with no problems except a balding tyre, but they put my (new) spare on for me for no extra cost. I was quite impressed.

[marcellep]

I have used Nationwide for many years and never found any problems with them, There price is always so much cheaper than other places

Just called Council Garage - Cost is £54

Nationwide - £32.40

Money Saving!!!!

[flyingscotno1]

Originally Posted by Hanbag

It's rather disappointing to see that there are no Council run MOT test centres in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde or North Ayrshire where we live..

Unless they get their vehicles done at Hawthorn Street with GCC, I suspect they will have an MoT place- infact it is virtually guarenteed. Call the council and ask where the transport workshop is- usually same place taxis are inspected.

I think Renfrewshire Council's is on Underwood Road, Paisley where the refuse trucks are.

[maursie]

Anyone recommend an mot centre in Ayr - took it to Parks last year as they had a half price deal for NHS staff but feel they took advantage and found a few extra things to add on..

[VickieD68]

Originally Posted by marcellep

I have used Nationwide for many years and never found any problems with them, There price is always so much cheaper than other places

Just called Council Garage - Cost is £54

Nationwide - £32.40

Money Saving!!!!

I have used my local Nationwide garage for many years and always had good service.
Even better is cashing in your tesco clubcard vouchers for 'Deals Vouchers' that way the MOT and /or service doesn't cost any cash - repairs do however.
You just have to remember to order your deal voucher in enough time - i.e. BEFORE your MOT expires!

[EWI]

I've used C&D Grant in Sandyford Rd, Paisley, previously Wilson Street in Renfrew. I was impressed that I was given a quote for my repairs first and wasn't made to feel under any obligation to proceed. I did and I was happy with the work done and felt it was very reasonably priced. Also, as a female driver, I didn't feel initimidated or that they bamboozled me with car jargon like I've experienced at other garages. I've gone there for several years now and would recommend it. MOT was 45 pounds.

[abbeyman]

I take my car to Overburn Automotive in Neilston Road in Paisley. It's just in next to Morrisons petrol station and they're doing MOT's for £19.66. (They were doing them for £5 for a while but I missed out on that promotion) Never had my car or any of my relatives car fail an MOT there and they're always willing to offer advice on any potential problem you think you might have before submitting your car for test. Farmer autocare is just across the road and they have started to do half price mot's to compete but cant comment on their service as Ive never used them.

[Young Einstein]

I'd like to suggest Car Care in Thornliebank (Spiersbridge Road). £15 MOT. Suggested to me last year by a long time user (when it was £20) who'd always had good service from them, her car is 10 years old and she has always passed. Mine passed last year without any fuss -- have booked again this year

[andy_young]

Hi

Renfrewshire Council do have an MOT centre open to public - it's at 52 Underwood Road Paisley (within the Cleansing depot). Think the number is 0141 840 6200.

rgds

[tim1leg]

There is one in north ayrshire its in pennyburn kilwinning the no is o1294 541608 £33 for mot but if you need repair you need to take it somewhere else then bring it back. Great guys down there, good luck.

[scotsman4th]

I go to Stonyburn (theres only one, I wont name it). It's cheaper than the normal fee, honest and above board. They're always packed and I've been going there for nearly 20 years.

[ROBLIN11]

I would recommend FARMER AUTOCARE to anyone in the Fife area.I have just had my car passed for the 3rd year running with no extra charges -just basic MOT cost.They charge £25 if you book by September 1st and £35 thereafter.They don't try and add on costs for things like faulty wiper blades oil top-ups etc etc.Very honest and reliable, just call Allan McPhee on 01592 268600 at the Kirkcaldy centre.They have other branches too in central Scotland.
For the cynical or suspicious folks on this site NO I don't have any vested interest in the company, I am genuinely only trying to help anyone seeking an honest, reliable dealer at a reasonable price.
Try them yourself and see.
Good luck all!
Rob

[Meepster]

I'll back what ROBLIN11 says. There was a Farmers garage on the corner of the street where I used to live (Dunfermline). Had the MOT done there two years in a row, only ever cost me £25 for the actual MOT.

The only things they found wrong were: first year, one of the tyres was borderline on the tread, they passed it but said it would need replacing in the next couple of months and the second year, one of my wiper blades was knackered (which I had been meaning to get around to for about 3 months anyway) and a bulb had gone, which they changed for me FOC.

I'll definately be going back there next year when my MOT is due again, even though it is 30 mins away from me now...

[benyooro]

I recommend the above website for any car works (including MOTs).

Having looked at all the majors in my area, this site led me to Burnfield Motors in Glasgow Southside. What a find.

Not only are you assured an MOT and service at a fantastic price, but (if you ask) you are directed to a local firm with similar standards for any tyre or body work i.e. "Just call xxx, ask for xxx and tell him xxx sent you".

The gentlemen concerned are all stunningly professional, and utterly dedicated to their work - it's a joy to deal with them.

Yes, yes - I know it sounds a bit like a commercial (!), but have a look at GoodGarageScheme.com and you'll see why I'm so happy to deal with these businesses!

[amanduccia]

Originally Posted by marcellep

I have used Nationwide for many years and never found any problems with them, There price is always so much cheaper than other places

Just called Council Garage - Cost is £54

Nationwide - £32.40

Money Saving!!!!

I decided to try Nationwide's half price MOT offer. That part went fine but the price they quoted for the work to be done seemed really high. I called my friend who's a mechanic and he laughed at me - apparently Nationwide are famous for cutting their MOT prices so they can get you in the door and rip you off for repairs. They quoted me £250 for the work. I took my car to an independent garage and he did the work for £100. I won't ever be going near Nationwide again!

[marcellep]

Originally Posted by amanduccia

I decided to try Nationwide's half price MOT offer. That part went fine but the price they quoted for the work to be done seemed really high. I called my friend who's a mechanic and he laughed at me - apparently Nationwide are famous for cutting their MOT prices so they can get you in the door and rip you off for repairs. They quoted me £250 for the work. I took my car to an independent garage and he did the work for £100. I won't ever be going near Nationwide again!

Least you never got ripped off with the "HIGH" cost of council MOT

[scotsbob]

Originally Posted by tim1leg

There is one in north ayrshire its in pennyburn kilwinning the no is o1294 541608 £33 for mot but if you need repair you need to take it somewhere else then bring it back. Great guys down there, good luck.

Didn't know about this one, thanks for the heads up. Went there today, the mechanic was superb and talked me through the whole test. Surprised this is not on the main Moneysavingextra list as it is North Ayrshire Council's MOT centre.

at all the posts in this thread from first time posters boosting garages. I am sure they are all genuine and no conflict of interest.

[foolsgold99]

Originally Posted by scotsbob

Didn't know about this one, thanks for the heads up. Went there today, the mechanic was superb and talked me through the whole test. Surprised this is not on the main Moneysavingextra list as it is North Ayrshire Council's MOT centre.

at all the posts in this thread from first time posters boosting garages. I am sure they are all genuine and no conflict of interest.

Brilliant. What's the cost of MOT and subsequent retest?

Thanks

[fantasy1]

RF MARTIN GARAGE

Unit 1, Corsehill Mount Rd, Dreghorn, Irvine, Ayrshire KA11 4JZ
Tel: 01294 222388
I have used RF Martins (just outside Irvine) for years now. They were recommended to me by a friend and I have subsequently referred all my friends and work colleagues to them. They never do work without calling you first and they will use non branded parts to replace branded items - this saves a fortune - for instance my windscreen wipers to replace with BRAND were £25+ VAT - NON BRAND (same quality as brand) with Martins charged me £6 total. It is only a small unit but they are always busy (good sign me thinks) so book early. There contact details are above.