MOTs Cost Cutting MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion Area

PhiL_P_3

AllyP wrote:

Suggested to my Hubby that he try the local one in Huddersfield. Unfortunately our car had loads of probs - ended up paying local garage over £300 in repairs plus another £40 for a re-test on top of original £40 test! If we'd took it to the local garage in the first place we'd have probably paid less for the retest. Didn't realise what an old banger we have so be warned...

Similar problem for me in Croydon - had two guys spend nearly 1.5 hours performing the MOT test on my car, and it failed. A little too thorough IMO! :rolleyes:

Saltydog

PhiL_P wrote:

Similar problem for me in Croydon - had two guys spend nearly 1.5 hours performing the MOT test on my car, and it failed. A little too thorough IMO! :rolleyes:

The system is a license to print money. If you take the car to a reputable garage and tell them you want it back with an MOT certificate, regardless, they will find any minor fault and repair it, having 'phoned you first to warn you of the cost. If you dispute their findings, the disputes procedure and re-test fees can cost you almost as much, sometimes more.

My BMW, now 9 years old, has run up bills of £182 and £173 at the last 2 MOTs. This was for minor faults which I could not have spotted myself without a hoist. Because it's a BMW, and I wear a collar and tie occasionally, they assume I am a wealthy old git and not just a pensioner trying to make ends meet.

The only thing worse than the MOT is the Council Tax, another license to print money, in Scotland I pay £2400 PA for a modest 3-bedroom flat. This out of a State Pension of £6300.

[Deleted User]

I agree with Saltydog. My car passed it's MOT yesterday but another lady ahead of me had hers failed because of headlights being misaligned.

Surely that is just a matter of tweaking something?

That was at Kwik Fit.

I only went there 'cos of the £25 internet offer (now finished).

But I would never go back. Their customer service stinks.

r.jenkins36

Thanks for this thread - so useful! My brother took his 3 year old car (27k miles) for its first MOT at the local Mazda dealer - quote - £800 for "worn discs and pads - beyond manufacturers limit". He then took it to a garage that specialised in MOTs and that did NO repairs - result - "pass, brakes are fine".
A friend used to be an inspector at a Government Centre. His take on your article is that an MOT should be along the lines of "can the brakes safely stop the vehicle" and he had seen plenty of vehicles failed by garages that were perfectly safe.
It seems like avoiding any garage with a vested interest makes sense!
I know where I'll be going for my MOT.

nemo183

I used to have my motor bike serviced with local dealer, and then MOT'd with his tester.

Realised after a while that after service, was being charged for removal of exhaust pipe (fitted standard part, but a bit noisy) and temporary replacement with bog standard very quiet exhaust, just to pass MOT with dealers own tester - and then cost of putting back normal exhaust - extra cost of around £85 of my money.

Solution - dealer now services bike, and I then take it to "more flexible" tester for MOT. "More flexible" tester not that worried that I may be a couple of decibels over the limit - more concerned with safety of bike. Easy to find bike friendly MOT centres by asking friends.

By the way, just in case anyone's wondering why some bikers choose louder exhausts - a small minority virtually abandon the silencer aspect for a few more horsepower, and the "Look at me Factor". Toxxers.

The rest of us settle for slighty louder to assist with the "Sorry, mate, didn't see you" problem - despite massive lime green bike, dipped headlights, white helmet and light coloured leathers. You have to have had it happen to you to realise .........

diem2005

Thanks to the advice I received hear I got my car MOT'd for £40 at Fife Council.

They have three centres in Fife (one in each locality) and can be contacted on 01592 414141 and asking for Fleet Services/MOTs.

They open at 7.15 so can do the MOT before going to work. The one I was at this morning was:

Fleet Services
Denburn Yard
Denburn Road
Kirkcaldy
Fife
KY1 2HD

They put a new bulb in my number plate light and sorted the alignment of my lights without any extra charge or apparent effort. Chatting to the guys who did my test (45mins long) they 'look to pass' the car. The car passed with no concerns. Stunning.

Cheers for this most excellent tip.

D. :T :T :T

nemo183

I've quickly scanned this tread, and I don't think I've seen anyone who has mentioned the benefits of using a trusted local mechanic (maybe a one man operation?) who will do a service followed by an MOT.

Although it's pretty reasonable to expect your car to sail through the MOT after a service, there are often, especially with older cars, some grey areas where it's a matter of personal opinion if, say, a wishbone needs replacing at once, or within the next 12 months.

The guy that does my servicing seems to have a good relationship with the local MOT centre, so if the car fails, as long as he promises to fix the part, they don't insist on a full re-test.

robskillz

mjjordan wrote:

for a good sensible friendly bloke who only does MOTs ( has others on his premises who will do a repair but he does not grind their axes for them ) try Kevin at New Stadium MOT Centre, just off Britannia Rd, near St Marys Stadium. He will cheerily tell its either passed or failed and what can be done about it if necessary.

First Bus have an MOT centre in their bus depot in Portswood. They test cars and don't do repairs so you should get a fair test there. I took my kit car there once and they let me observe and join in to help!

As for cheap MOT's, Regal Cars in Cambridge Road usually do 1/2 price tests and Hartwells Vauxhall nearby on the Avenue had a £20 offer on in the summer.
Rob

researcher

DJChris wrote:

The County Council's MOT Test Centre in Worcester is

Sixways Depot, Off Junction 6, M5 (Next to the Rugby ground)

Telephone 01905 753000

Chris

Only £32 for an mot. They said they're keen to attract more people like us!

They also gave me two new numbers

0845 2235530 - reception
01905 753011 - direct to manager

sh220757

Does any one know of andy Government MOT centres in or aorund the Lancaster area. My car is due its MOT in Jan and I am worried about being taken for a ride.

Thanks!
J