MOTs Cost Cutting MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion Area

KTF

strapped4cash wrote: »

I live in Winchester and work in Basingstoke. Does anyone know a reputable MOT centre in either of these areas please? Basingstoke doesn't have a council run test centre, and not having lived in this area for long, I dont really know any reputable garages.

Any help much appreciated!

The nearest one to you would probably be the Eastleigh Council one in Hedge End. Its about 15-20 mins from Winchester (off M27/J7).

markie76_2

Hi Guys,

I have 2 cars, a motorbike, drive a couple of times a week and hate having to fork out on anything motoring related. But in my 12 years of motoring I've only ever been MOT failed on reasonable items eg, emmissions out, split rubber cv boots, headlight aim on cars over 10 years old. While I appreciate other guys probably drive much more than me and have modern expensive cars we shouldn't undermine the actual MOT test itself and standards the MOT testers need to adhere to. Of course you'll always get the mechanic/garage who wants to take you for a couple of hundred quid, but on the up side if they've actually done the work & installed new parts are you really being conned? You haven't handed the money over and got nothing in return? If you ask the right questions and know how to deal with mechanics you can avoid getting conned.

On the flipside I found an excellent MOT testing station which has always pointed out borderline items which 'at that point in time' pass the test but require changing/servicing. Even taking me under the vehicle and pointing them out.

So;
1. People with large MOT bills - this could just be because your tin can with wheels is actually wearing out and becoming a death trap on wheels (be it to you or other road users) and in the MOT testers opinion a repair to bring it back to standard is required. Remember some cars are a pain to work (and complicated) on and therefore by definition repair costs will be huge.
2. All this talk of using alternative MOT testing sources which are less likely to fail you, could be a false economy (and/or a safety concern). OK, so you purposefully take your slightly dodgy car to a council depot, as they don't do repairs and there is less incentive to fail you - unless of course a wheel drops off during the test. BUT if after your miracle MOT pass you crash into the first lamppost because your borderline suspension snapped - whos to blame?
3. Ever heard of a second opinion? If garage A says your car needs £700 worth of repairs, then unless one of your wheels has fallen off during the test, you can drive to garage B who can give you a second opinion. If its true then I'm sure they won't stop you spending £700 with them.

While I'm all for money saving and a regular forum user, where safety is concerned you can't cut corners and risk lives.

Thanks.


Mark.

aprile_2

can you help me locate one in brent please?

KTF

Look on the list in the original article here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1126540795,61463,#find

Edit: Its probably the Hounslow one.

James21_2

Looking for one in stockport area, or greater manchester. Can only see Oldham on that list but that is too far away..

northerntightwad

Bradford council's test centre:

Shearbridge Depot
Shearbridge Road
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD7 1PU

Ring BDirect (council switchboard) on 01274 431000 and ask to be put through. The man on the end of the phone said all council shops have to take on a proportion of the public's vehicles - not just their own council vehicles.

Matt_T

Nothing useful there anymore.

Frugal_Fox

Hi all,

Just thought I'd report that my 10 year old car passed its MOT first time at the council run MOT station. The inspector was really friendly and kept telling my children what was going on - in fact he offered them a job for next year :eek: (They are 9 & 7 years!).

First time I've used a council station - and oddly enough the first time my car has passed - no repairs needed! :T

demented_2

Hi Frugal Fox. Where abouts did you get your MOT done in Banbury. I live out your way and could not see a Council test centre apart from Bicester or down the Cowley road. Did you have to pre book a few weeks ahead?
Thanks demented:T

jordanbowen

My MOT was happily done with no dodgy findings at the Gateshead Council Test Centre found at:

Local Environmental Services Central Depot
Park Road
Gateshead
NE8 3HN

0191 4337433