MoT needed while away - is the AA Collection service worth a go?

MuddledOfMiddlesex

Hello
Ideas or advice much appreciated here. I have a W reg Ford Ka, low mileage but a bit under-used so it has rust in places. We're currently living in Spain but it's likely we'll come back soon: while we've been away and trying out La Vida Loca, my car has been sitting on my parents' drive on Merseyside. It hasn't had an MoT for a while but as it hasn't been driven, that's been legal as it is taxed and insured.

Tax is now up at the end of November, and I need to get an MoT to renew the tax, and if we move back from Spain, it could be a good low value run around.


I just found that the AA do a collection service to take to an MOT garage, as well as doing a service on the driveway beforehand. This might save my dad the hassle of having to take it, but I am worried that they will naturally choose an expensive garage that might list tons of work. Obviously I want the car to be safe but I really don't care about trivial stuff at all.

So - is it worth trying this service, given that my dad doesn't know a local garage anyway? And would getting the AA to do a service to highlight anything that needs doing, reduce the chances of the garage ripping me off... The car in itself seems to be worth around £1500 (according to Glass's) and the next door neighbour may also be interested in buying it if we stay in Spain. It's been very reliable in the past but now it's quite a hassle.

Many thanks.
MoM

wallbash

Im thinking SORN , leave all the problems till you are back in the country

You could even do by phone whilst in Spain.

Gloomendoom

That's what I was thinking. Just SORN it and sort out the MoT and tax when you get back.

MuddledOfMiddlesex

Thanks, guys. I did think SORN but am I right that it's then not possible to insure it on the drive? And we might be back as soon as December?

missile

MuddledOfMiddlesex wrote: »

I did think SORN but am I right that it's then not possible to insure it on the drive? ?

You can sorn it, don't need tax or MOT to insure a vehicle.

AA deal might be the way to go, then your car would be ready to drive if and when you come home.

SailorSam

If you have to leave it on the drive uninsured i'd simply take one or two wheels off and leave it jacked-up.

sassy_one

Ford Ka are not worth much these days, so if it is a huge bill I wouldn't bothered, nasty nasty little cars

cyclonebri1

And to be honest for a W reg Ka that's been sat rotting on a drive for a year and possibly another one, insurance isn't really critical. The cars worth say £500. AA, mot, repairs and insurance will cost more than that for a car that possibly won't be used again????

reduceditem

I agree. A rusty W-Reg Ka is not worth much, even with a low mileage.

TBH I'd sell it as is on gumtree or something and move on.

MuddledOfMiddlesex

Aww, my poor little Ka. I liked it! But, yes, I do see your points. Will think about it and maybe post on Gumtree or ebay. Though I guess I have to be there to sell it, my dad wouldn't be able to sign the transfer document.

reduceditem

MuddledOfMiddlesex wrote: »

Aww, my poor little Ka. I liked it! But, yes, I do see your points. Will think about it and maybe post on Gumtree or ebay. Though I guess I have to be there to sell it, my dad wouldn't be able to sign the transfer document.

Don't get too hung up about the document....your dad can scribble any old scrawl in the box.

If you REALLY think it's worth the bother, get him to mail you it then sign it and send it back.

The DVLA don't pay the slightest attention to the signature box, despite what everyone else is about to tell you.