Cheap MOTs: Northern Ireland

Former_MSE_Andrea

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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:

Northern Ireland MOTs

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Wee_Bargain_Hunter

With regard to this weeks newsletter & the updated guide, NI has had a brilliant, government-run, MOT system for years. The link with all the info is here. As usual things are a bit different in NI in that we cannot use a private garage but must use an official centre. No great hardship though as they do a great job.

almillar

Quite right, this is one thing NI does right compared with the rest of the UK. Garages don't perform MOTs, official MOT centres do. You pay a fixed amount for your MOT, they perform it, and pass you or fail you, tell you what's wrong with it, and send you on your way. They don't care if there's anything wrong with your car, and won't offer to fix made-up faults to try to get money out of you.
The only hints I can give are book early (through https://www.nidirect.gov.uk is quick!) to get a time that suits you,
If you haven't booked early, phone between 9.30 and 10.00 in the morning to get cancellations,
and if you fail, park round the front of the test centre and go in and re-book, which is cheaper and easier.

deeor

The drawbacks are the waiting times although these seem to have improved recently and the fact that you have to rebook and pay a second fee (£18 I think) if you fail, even on one item.

You also get a written reminder that the test is due although they let me down this year. Not sure if you get reminders in GB.

We've also got a test disc which we must display on the windscreen.

My son lives in Wales and simply drives in off the street to an MOT approved garage, but he has taken the trouble to find one with a good reputation.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Interim post to keep open

deeor

DVA seem to have raised their game considerably. My neighbour's mot expires on 25 April and he got a reminder dated 7 March. There are now early evening and week-end slots at the MOT stations and the online booking system works smoothly.

almillar

Haven't had to wait for more than 2 weeks for an appointment since the upgrades were completed a few years ago just by way of update...

karen_love

Have been advised that I should go for MOT as a guide for "genuine" service requirements rather than single female being charged for work thats not really required. Not sure if this is good value for money advice ? waste of MOT fee £30 as has to be paid for re-test. Any helpful comments welcome

BeenThroughItAll

karen_love wrote: »

Have been advised that I should go for MOT as a guide for "genuine" service requirements rather than single female being charged for work thats not really required. Not sure if this is good value for money advice ? waste of MOT fee £30 as has to be paid for re-test. Any helpful comments welcome

What do you mean? An MOT will only show up any problems with testable items, but you could have a completely knackered gearbox, differential, or clutch, no coolant in the car, a holed radiator, brake pads with virtually no friction material, etc etc... none of which would fail your MOT.

Iceweasel

I agree - an MOT won't tell you anything about service requirements.

Only about the things which are tested - and apart from the wiper-blades, brake pads, and tyres very few of those things are considered replacement service items.

And even then worn out brakes for example will easily pass an MOT.

deeor

Tend to agree with previous poster. However a small garage servicing your car cheaply may miss corroded items (eg brake pipes) which would be an MOT failure.The resit fee in NI is around £18.