MOT help please

jopwo_87

My car is due for its MOT on thursday and as i am on benefits i have next to no money for it so im trying hard to be as cheap as possible!
For my birthday present my Mum paid for the catalyc converter to be replaced and another part of the exhaust in preparation for this MOT (knowing that when i bought it last year just after last MOT, was told it almost failed so would need replacing this year) at a cost of £160. I also had the windscreen wiper blades replaced, back and front, as one had split and thought that they may pick up on it. I also had the two front tyres replaced and the spare fixed. The back two tyres are fine i think.

Its a 98 plate peugeot so its a bit old. There is a couple more faults with it though which im not sure would make it fail or not...

The drivers seat doesnt seem to 'click' in place (although not sure if this is because im quite heavy) and as such i have a little piece of wood inserted in the runners to stop it moving back.

When i go round corners after driving at speed (usually after coming off motorway and round a roundabout) the warning lights occasionally come on the dashboard for a split second. (Have been told it might be a loose wire)

Can anyone tell me whether it is likely to fail on these points and also does anyone know a way i can go about getting a decent garage, (preferably one with a free retest) who isnt likely to rip me off.

jeannieblue

I wouldn't worry about the intermittent light but if they do the MOT correctly, it will fail on the seat as it is potentially dangerous.

We don't charge for retests - but others do. What location are you?

Sorry x

patanne

You might be better trying a local council MOT station that doesn't do repairs. They have no interest then in failing your vehicle so that they can do the repairs. I'm sure someone will be along soon who can tell you where to find one. I'm positive I've seen mention of a website that locates them by area.

anewman

Many MOT testers like to adjust the seat for their comfort so they are likely to find out about the problem then. Get a Haynes and get yourself off to a scrap yard for another seat.

Which warning light is coming on? (My guess is the brake fluid level light in which case it needs topping up and may point to a leak that needs fixing for the MOT).

mrposhman

patanne wrote: »

You might be better trying a local council MOT station that doesn't do repairs. They have no interest then in failing your vehicle so that they can do the repairs. I'm sure someone will be along soon who can tell you where to find one. I'm positive I've seen mention of a website that locates them by area.

Pretty sure that website is this website.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-mot

This does work. For the first time I took my car for an MOT and funnily enough there was nothing wrong with it. I have also taken it for a service at the same garage and again, nothing wrong with it, so I fully back this guide.

You have to pay the full MOT charge (instead of the discount most provide) but you have less chance of spending more.

You will however, fail on the seat but make sure you take the wood out anyway before you submit if for testing.

jopwo_87

Great thanks everyone.
Im in Kent by the way.
The warning lights are a little orange one, and the oil and coolant ones.

jopwo_87

Oh god, after reading all that info on the links im even more scared now!!
I read something about not being allowed to take it in for MOT if its already run out. Mine runs out on Thursday but what if i cant afford to do it until Friday or next Monday or something?

mrposhman

Try this mechanics. (Off the above link)

Kent

The Forstal, Beddow Way, Kent, ME20 7BT
01622 605 800

Kent

County Workshops, The Forstal, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7HB
01622 605800

I don't know what they are like as I don't live in Kent but the one on there in Merton is very good.

mrposhman

jopwo_87 wrote: »

Oh god, after reading all that info on the links im even more scared now!!
I read something about not being allowed to take it in for MOT if its already run out. Mine runs out on Thursday but what if i cant afford to do it until Friday or next Monday or something?

You can take it in, but its effectively illegal to drive on the road. Should be fine if stopped on your way to the test centre as you can state thats where you are going.

Be careful though, as an invalid MOT will mlost likely void your insurance so if you can get it in on thursday (can you borrow the money) that would obviously be better.

Inactive

I know this sounds harsh, but if you cannot afford to maintain your car properly, then it shouldn't be on the road.

Driving a car with the seat fixed with a piece of wood is a recipe for disaster.

made2fade

You are legally entitled to drive your car without an MOT as long as you are on the way to or returning from a pre booked MOT test.

And that means a direct route, so you can't do the shopping on the way!