MOT expires on 28th May. Is scrappage scheme worth it?

gaz77

Hi,

I drive a 96 Fiesta that I inherited over a year ago. It's MOT expires on 28th of May, and I'm not convinced it will pass. I'll try and get it tested this week, but if it costs a lot to get fixed, I may as well look at a new car.

1st question: What models of cars would people recommend? Something about the same size as my fiesta would be ideal. It's large enough to get my drum kit in the back (with seats down), yet small enough to easily park. I'd prefer to avoid makes in financial trouble (like Vauxhall), although I realise no maker is safe. What price am I looking at?

2nd question: Is the scrappage scheme worth it? Would I get better dealsjust now anyway or with a trade-in?

3rd question: Where would you recommend getting a fair MOT in Glasgow? I went to Kwikfit last time, and they turned it into a sales exercise.

I have to admit that I'm not keen to take on more debt at the current time, but if it's a good deal and I get a decent car out of it, then I'll be happy.

All advice is appreciated.

Thanks

MX5huggy

How far do you drive?

Scrappage not worth it, buy a 3 yr old fiesta will save you a lot more than the 2k in the scrappage.

Swans1912

Used car market is rather strong (for small cars),
New car market is rather weak (great deals out there, just not always on the small cars) how about a pre-reg 'old' style fiesta? I think i seen a 58 plate on the telly for £6500!

It doesn't cost you to go looking don't forget... get a price etc.

Can you afford the car loan if you lose your job? loads of pros and cons.

I've just bought a rather non MSE friendly Ford Focus Zetec S 2.0 petrol.... £11000 paid with full tank, plate transfer, mats and supagaurd!

gaz77

My mileage is quite low, maybe about 5k a year.

I'm self-employed, and I'm ok for work at the moment. I can't predict the future, but clients currently have plenty for me. That said, I'd prefer to pay off debt than take more on. I'm fed up of having debt hanging over me, and was quite pleased with the progress I've made so far on it.

A car isn't essential at the moment, but it makes things a lot easier.

I might go looking, but sales people always find me an easy touch! If I have a good idea of prices in advance, I'm better protected

tigerlily

Funnily enough I am in the same boat. The MOT on my 1996 fiesta runs out also on the 28th May! I ordered a lovely new car today via the scrappage scheme. It worked out after discount to be £5000. Delivery wont be until the end of June so I need to get the fiesta MOT'd. I have spoken to my garage and explained the situation, without the hint at all of them doing anything illegal or unroadworthy they will put as much as they can on an advice note for me to keep the cost down on what is really a wasted MOT. For example if in their opinion something would "go" in 6-12 months they would normally fail it ordinarily but as it is not a failure now and the car will be off the road in 6 weeks they will pass it and put it on an advice note. If you get on well with your garage it may be worth having a chat.

anewman

tigerlily wrote: »

For example if in their opinion something would "go" in 6-12 months they would normally fail it ordinarily but as it is not a failure now and the car will be off the road in 6 weeks they will pass it and put it on an advice note.

I wouldn't like to get my car MOT'd there. Someone seriously needs to complain to VOSA about them and their illegal practices. Please can you tell everyone the name of this garage so we can avoid it? I suggest you also drop a note off to VOSA about this and hopefully they will investigate them. (Either they are engaging in illegal practices or telling you porkies so they can dip into your wallet to reclaim some of that £1000 subsidy they have to put into your new car).

You don't really know if there's anything going to seriously fail the MOT until you get the car MOT'd. If it fails what's to stop you buying another car for £1000 with 12 months test on it?! It will last you a good few years. Much cheaper than scrapping the current car and spending £5000 you probably don't have (which turns into £6k or more with the finance). Plus you can sell the Fiesta as spares/repairs on ebay and you'll get at least £50 for it.

anewman

gaz77 wrote: »

3rd question: Where would you recommend getting a fair MOT in Glasgow? I went to Kwikfit last time, and they turned it into a sales exercise.

Anywhere but kwikfit really. Martin recommends using local authority test centres who have no financial incentive to fail the car.

roddydogs

MX5huggy wrote: »

How far do you drive?

Scrappage not worth it, buy a 3 yr old fiesta will save you a lot more than the 2k in the scrappage.

? Explain how a 3 yr old car is as good as a new one?

tigerlily

anewman wrote: »

I wouldn't like to get my car MOT'd there. Someone seriously needs to complain to VOSA about them and their illegal practices. Please can you tell everyone the name of this garage so we can avoid it? I suggest you also drop a note off to VOSA about this and hopefully they will investigate them. (Either they are engaging in illegal practices or telling you porkies so they can dip into your wallet to reclaim some of that £1000 subsidy they have to put into your new car).

You don't really know if there's anything going to seriously fail the MOT until you get the car MOT'd. If it fails what's to stop you buying another car for £1000 with 12 months test on it?! It will last you a good few years. Much cheaper than scrapping the current car and spending £5000 you probably don't have (which turns into £6k or more with the finance). Plus you can sell the Fiesta as spares/repairs on ebay and you'll get at least £50 for it.

From what you have put it seems as though you have not read my post properly at all!! I put that there would be NOTHING illegal taking place, the fiesta IS being mot'd on Friday!
Please do not make assumtion's on on my situation.....I live on the top of a cliff with no garage, I have run older car's for the last 11 yrs and have paid a fortune every year for welding as parts of the car have rusted badly due to the salt air. I chose Kia due to their 6 year anti perforation warranty. So while there is nothing stopping me from buying another old car I will have peace of mind for several years to come with a new one.
Also please do not make assumptions as to how I will pay for the car not that it is anyones business....yes I can afford the £5000, the car will be paid for in full on the day I pick it up from the dealer. No finance/credit/loan what so ever!

Tolkny

tigerlily wrote: »

From what you have put it seems as though you have not read my post properly at all!! I put that there would be NOTHING illegal taking place, the fiesta IS being mot'd on Friday!
Please do not make assumtion's on on my situation.....I live on the top of a cliff with no garage, I have run older car's for the last 11 yrs and have paid a fortune every year for welding as parts of the car have rusted badly due to the salt air. I chose Kia due to their 6 year anti perforation warranty. So while there is nothing stopping me from buying another old car I will have peace of mind for several years to come with a new one.
Also please do not make assumptions as to how I will pay for the car not that it is anyones business....yes I can afford the £5000, the car will be paid for in full on the day I pick it up from the dealer. No finance/credit/loan what so ever!

I got a better deal without Scrappage I think because I was fortunate to find a suitable vehicle which had been pre registered. There is also a faster delivery (tomorrow).

And I have had some bids on Ebay for the old vehicle, so it looks as if that will go in a couple of days also.

More has been written about my scrappage experience, here.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1672693

anewman

tigerlily wrote: »

From what you have put it seems as though you have not read my post properly at all!! I put that there would be NOTHING illegal taking place, the fiesta IS being mot'd on Friday!

I am saying that if the garage fails a car on things that it should not fail on, or likewise passes a car that should not pass, the garage itself is conducting the MOT test illegally. I never said *YOU* was doing anything illegal. The MOT test is a very strict test with strict criteria, the garage should not be applying their own rules. You said the garage claimed they did not conduct the test in a legal manner. Failing cars that are perfectly ok is against the law. There should be no "it may fail in 6-12 months" coming into the equation, it should already have failed and not meet MOT standard. The MOT test is largely black and white. It's not up to them to do you a favour with a "special MOT".

And regarding everything else it was directed in general and to the OP. You have already purchased so the comments wouldn't be directed towards you.

If you're going to be so bigoted as to misrepresent my post then fairynuff.