Would you buy a car with a short MOT?

missile

Buying a 15 year old car with 150,000miles is a gamble. Even for those who know diddly about cars, your eye is your best guide and if it looks uncared for it probably is. Can you afford to lose £700?

Hammyman

Why does everyone get hung up about an MOT? As something for proof of the condition of a car, it is a completely worthless bit of paper yet the stupid masses seem to think that it proves a vehicle is a good one.

The only difference between a short MOT and a long one is that you'll need to pay for one sooner with a short one. Doesn't mean the car is any better or any worse.

scheming_gypsy

Hammyman wrote: »

Why does everyone get hung up about an MOT? As something for proof of the condition of a car, it is a completely worthless bit of paper yet the stupid masses seem to think that it proves a vehicle is a good one.

The only difference between a short MOT and a long one is that you'll need to pay for one sooner with a short one. Doesn't mean the car is any better or any worse.

well, if it's a very short MOT it might mean you're going to end up spending a lot more money than you wanted and it turns out to be more expensive than the one that was listed for more. If it's got a longer MOT you might not find out about the problems for a few more months

Dippypud

s_b wrote: »

not important at this age

It is if it hasn't had it's VIC yet and that's why the MOT is short.

rev_henry

As sb said, I think you could knock the price down quite a bit if he wants it out the way. Offer something very low and leave your number so he can call you if he changes his mind.

mikey72

Mk3 or Mk4?

If it's not a complete wreck, or totally rotten, a Mk 3 is well worth a punt for £700, I would view a Mk4 as a gamble for that price though.

Hammyman

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

well, if it's a very short MOT it might mean you're going to end up spending a lot more money than you wanted and it turns out to be more expensive than the one that was listed for more. If it's got a longer MOT you might not find out about the problems for a few more months

Oh. Dear. If it has MOT failing faults, they should be fixed regardless of what is left on the MOT certificate as with many of the faults, you'll be committing an offence driving it under RTA and C&U.

And

If it's got a longer MOT you might not find out about the problems for a few more months

means you might not find out the brake pipes are shot to the point of blowing if you have to brake hard....

scheming_gypsy

Maybe, but that doesn't mean they're screaming out to be changed or the average person will spot them. Even a mechanic won't spot them unless doing a full check; so there is no 'oh. Dear' when there are numerous unspottable reasons why it might fail it's MOT

vaio

mikey72 wrote: »

Mk3 or Mk4?

If it's not a complete wreck, or totally rotten, a Mk 3 is well worth a punt for £700, I would view a Mk4 as a gamble for that price though.

15 years old so think it is Mk 3

Flyboy152

Hammyman wrote: »

Why does everyone get hung up about an MOT? As something for proof of the condition of a car, it is a completely worthless bit of paper yet the stupid masses seem to think that it proves a vehicle is a good one.

The only difference between a short MOT and a long one is that you'll need to pay for one sooner with a short one. Doesn't mean the car is any better or any worse.

However, it is based on a probability of risk. If the MOT was yesterday, there is far less chance that he car will be as unsafe if it was inspected eight months ago. If there is anything imminent, the MOT examiner will raise advisories.