MOTs Cost Cutting MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion Area

anewman

lyndhurst25 wrote: »

Just to clarify: oil level is NOT checked as part of the MoT test. So long as the engine runs so they can do the emissions test, the testing station isn't bothered if the sump is at the right level, empty or full of custard! Don't think that just because your car has recently passed an MoT test that the oil level has been checked and is correct.

Yep I think the recent email and article made a mistake to imply this to be the case. Some people neglect their cars enough already, and implying the MOT checks this is not helpful.

I suspect some people have the misconception an MOT is a service anyway.

rickbonar

dom_ wrote: »

Hi,

Might seem a rather daft question but can you use any local authority mot test centre or does it have to be the one you live in or the one you pay rates etc to ?

Thanks.

No you can go to any of them as long as you pay their MOT charge!

SINBAD_2

As Martin says; only go to Halfords for the half-price MoT offer if you are sure your car will pass. Well, even though my car is a ten year old Renault Clio, it's been quite well looked after, and had just a full-service (well, 500 miles before I took it in for the MoT.) So I thoughy I'd chance it with their half price MoT offer....here's what happened:
Halfords: 5 reasons for failiure and 5 advisory notices: total quote £1100+
I then went straight to my local garage to get a second opinion:
My local garage: two reasons for faliure; one advisory notice: Total bill: £265

The moral of the story- don't go to Halfords Woolwich as they are dishonest.

Update- I feel duty bound to add that after complaining to Halfords, they have told me they will refund the cost of the MoT.

zipman23

Bakie wrote: »

Halfords have been offering 1/2 price MoTs for some time now. I had one at the end of last year at the Sevenoaks branch and was charged an extra £15 for headlight realignment - without it the car would have failed. Fair enough one would think, expect the same happened to 5 others that I know of all using the same branch. I think it's a bit of a scam. The mechanic said it was due to pot holes. I watched him adjust the lights it took about 15 seconds

I went to my local Halfords to get a new headlight and 2 new sidelights. I think it cost about £34 which included the labour which is a hell of alot cheaper than the £90 the dealer was gonna charge me! Saying that though, if I had thinner hands...I could have fitted them all myself!

Poing

[/QUOTE] Originally Posted by Bakie
Halfords have been offering 1/2 price MoTs for some time now. I had one at the end of last year at the Sevenoaks branch and was charged an extra £15 for headlight realignment - without it the car would have failed. Fair enough one would think, expect the same happened to 5 others that I know of all using the same branch. I think it's a bit of a scam. The mechanic said it was due to pot holes. I watched him adjust the lights it took about 15 seconds [/QUOTE]

zipman23 wrote: »

I went to my local Halfords to get a new headlight and 2 new sidelights. I think it cost about £34 which included the labour which is a hell of alot cheaper than the £90 the dealer was gonna charge me! Saying that though, if I had thinner hands...I could have fitted them all myself!

I had two new headlights fitted by Halfords, and then the car failed it's MOT on headlight alignment (via local council MOT test centre). The Halfords technician had struggled putting them in so I don't think it was anything to do with potholes. Plus they don't check the alignment the same way the MOT does. I wouldn't trust Halford's labour again. They can be cheaper for parts so long as you can fit them yourself. You might be better spending a little extra at a trusted local garage.

petertwisty

Just to confirm earlier posts that the Camden Council run MOT Centre at its York Way Depot, Freight Lane, London N1C 4BE, just north of Kings Cross Railway Station, provided me with courteous and efficient service this week. A same day appointment was available and the staff were friendly and helpful.

There is a tiny waiting area but I was able to walk to a nearby cafe and join the dozens of workmen taking their break at the massive Kings Cross Redevelopment site which surrounds it.

Their telephone number is 020 7974 3447.

colino

Just on the anti-KF thing, a trader friend of mine now actually uses KF for MOTs. He knows his cars are very well prepped before they go for testing and gets his freshly printed, no-advisory MOT from KF to use as a talking point!

mattfd

I have a success story to tell.

I took my MINI for a service at a London MINI dealership. They told me it needed £1,700 of repairs, many of which, they told me, would be likely MOT failure issues.

I had only been aware of one of these issues - a broken bulb. They offered to replace this for £19.00.

Having read this thread, I took the car the following day to the Camden Borough Council MOT Test Centre. They failed the car - but only for the broken bulb. They replaced the bulb for free, saying it was only worth 20p and it wasn't worth worrying about.

This has just saved me £1,700 - more than a month's pay. I can't tell you how happy I am!

worried_jim

I always use an independent mot testing station and then take the car to the small family business for any work that needs doing.
£28 for the test if you book 90 days in advance. http://www.justmots.eu

Nobbie1967

Just took my 6 year old 107 to Halfords for a 1/2 price MOT, did the check suggested on here and found a duff numberplate bulb and a worn out front wiper. Passed first time, but with an advise on corroded front discs. Quite impressed that they didn't labour the point about the front discs, although there would have been little point as I could do myself for about £60.

Not impressed with the cost of the wiper blade (£16) from Halfords store I visited first. They are most definitely not a cheap place for parts, you are much better off going to small motor parts store, a chain like GSF or ebay.