Can I get an MOT Refund??

stones7

My girlfriend recently took her Clio to the local garage for an MOT, despite the fact that it wasn't the cheapest locally for the test because the owner cliamed that other people charge less but then find things that need to be fixed to pad the work they do. It failed for 2 reasons:

1 - Emissions. The garage owner said it needed a new catalytic convertor.
2 - Number plate.

The garage owner gave a quote for the work. I don't think he expected us to ring around; but we did and found another garage who quoted 1/2 as much for the same work. He got all a bit aggressive that we didn't want him to do it, and claimed he'd have to charge the full MOT test fee for a re-test - which didn't sound right to me.

Anyway, dropped the car in this morning to the cheaper garage. They called back within half an hour to say they checked the emissions, and they're fine; no need for a new catalytic convertor at all.

The number plate does need replacing and they're doing that; but they just saved 80% of the amount being charged. They're also doing the MOT for almost half what the local garage charged.

So, the question is can I get a refund for the test from the local garage who it seems wrongly failed the car to generate work for themselves? Or is it just a salutary lesson for the future? I'm guessing that as the test is a service they performed, the fact that they did it means we have no comeback whatever the outcome was?

stugib

If you are unhappy with your MOT service
If you are unhappy with the way your test was carried out please let VOSA know as it helps to know that MOT test stations are providing a good service. Contact the Area Manager at your local VOSA office. The address is shown on the Fees and Appeals poster displayed at your MOT test station or you can ring VOSA on 0300 123 9000.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022113

Inactive

But they didn't " wrongly fail the car ", it needed a new number plate at least.

aqueoushumour01

did she drive the car around first? it may just be that it hadn't been properly warmed up first time but it was second time around.

custardy

as said,emissions could be higher on a cool engine or after too many short journeys

hethmar

But a decent MOT tester would know that and allow the car to run for a while (well, our bloke down the road does)

custardy

hethmar wrote: »

But a decent MOT tester would know that and allow the car to run for a while (well, our bloke down the road does)

can do,depends on the place
i dont think they are obliged to
they can just fire the machine on and take a readong

Barneysmom

I thought the retest had to bwe free but I just looked on here,
http://www.motester.co.uk/CarOwnersGuidetoTheMOT/FreeRetestItems.aspx
and there are exemptions.
Your number plate and the emissions are on there so you shouldn't need to pay for a retest.

jcb208

Similar thing happened to my car, failed on emissions took it elsewhere for a repair and was told there was nothing wrong with emissions,Took it back to origonal garage and it turned out there machine was faulty that day as 6 cars before mine had also failed on emissions, but they didnt have my phine no. to contact me

EcoR1

custardy wrote: »

can do,depends on the place
i dont think they are obliged to
they can just fire the machine on and take a readong

The car has to be warm. Usually the oil temp. is measured and it has to be above 80 degrees.