Buying a second hand car, need MOT failure advice

Fantomas212

Hi everyone,

Long time reader, first time poster. I'm thinking of buying a 2006 Hyundai Getz and am happy with the condition of the car. Looking over the MOT history it seems to only have one MOT failure for a major issue. The failure code was:

"Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)"

What does this mean? Is this indicative that a major repair was carried out? The same garage that failed the car on this basis then passed it on the same day with no advisories (Halfords Auto Centre).

Quentin

Sounds as though there was a hole in the exhaust which was subsequently repaired (replaced)

Fantomas212

So not a major issue then?

Quentin

Correct .

fivetide

If you wanted to you could check to see whether the exhaust was replaced or simply patched up which does happen but isn't that common.

Basically, check the system to see what condition it is in.

Friend has one of these on an 04 plate and recently had a stainless exhaust made for it because different bits were failing. Given the age, it's not a shock, it is a wear and tear part almost. You'd expect to replace at this sort of age.

If it was replaced it could be good news as it should mean you have a few years before needing to worry about it again.

Fantomas212

Thanks for all the info, called the garage and found out the pipe was replaced, so looks like everything's in good order.

arcon5

MOT check is a safety check primarily and shouldn't be used to determine if there has been or will be major failures. It certainly won't highlight if your clutch is on its way out or turbo blown or head gasket failing etc.