No Pass No Fee MOT - what's the catch?

muhandis

My car is due for an MOT and I was looking for places that open on weekends. Came across a MOT only place (they don't do repairs) http://thetestcentre.co.uk/ open on Sundays with excellent (and what look like genuine) reviews on google.

Their selling point is that if your car fails the MOT, it's free. I called them to confirm this and they said I am free to drive away without paying a penny if my car fails the MOT. They confirmed that they only do MOTs and no repair work.

I've booked an appointment for Sunday morning but was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what the catch might be on an offer like this?

Thanks,

K

PS: They charge full price £54 for Sunday appts and £45 for other days.

DoaM

They'll either be very liberal with their interpretations, so your MOT pass may be dubious; or they'll find issues and recommend a place that is an expert in fixing such issues - they'll be on a kick-back for the referral.


... is my cynical interpretation.

tonyh66

if it does pass, how much do they charge?

Giles_K

DoaM wrote: »

They'll either be very liberal with their interpretations, so your MOT pass may be dubious; or they'll find issues and recommend a place that is an expert in fixing such issues - they'll be on a kick-back for the referral.


... is my cynical interpretation.

Exactly! There is either a kick-back scheme going on (what's the nearest garage from this place?) or they have some very low MOT standards. Either that or the cars that do pass have to be charged a cost that covers all the 'free' failures.

In simple maths, something doesn't add up.

pappa_golf

seeing as VOSA or whatever they are called this week charge theem for doing an MOT , ON THE SYSTEM which is about 50% of the average retail cost , how can they offer a no pass no fee settup

dannyrst

Giles_K wrote: »

Exactly! There is either a kick-back scheme going on (what's the nearest garage from this place?) or they have some very low MOT standards. Either that or the cars that do pass have to be charged a cost that covers all the 'free' failures.

In simple maths, something doesn't add up.

Or, the garage is owned by the same person who owns the garage next door, who conveniently do repairs but not MOT's.

muhandis

£54 for a Sunday appt, £45 for other days.

tonyh66 wrote: »

if it does pass, how much do they charge?

pappa_golf

check the address , check companies house for the owner , check what other companies he owns

and wonder why they say "What happens if my car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the MOT we will immediately call to let you know, explain why the car has failed and let you know the next steps."

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06351624

dannyrst

pappa_golf wrote: »

check the address , check companies house for the owner , check what other companies he owns

and wonder why they say "What happens if my car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the MOT we will immediately call to let you know, explain why the car has failed and let you know the next steps."

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06351624

How much do you bet they tell you it's illegal to drive the car/unsafe to drive and their friendly neighbour has a slot free to fix it right now.

muhandis

I don't mind slightly low MOT standards. I have an old hatchback which barely does 2000 miles a year, mostly trips to and from the nearby tube station, Lidl and the local high street.

The neighbourhood garage referral did cross my mind, but I didn't see any mention of that in the many reviews it has on google.

In any case, if there is indeed a referral made for work to be done, I can always get it done at my usual place (they don't do MOTs unfortunately) as I'm getting the MOT done on day 1 of the one month MOT date preservation period so there is plenty of time to fix anything that's wrong.

Robisere

The Companies information listed in the Link, shows the business as "Motor Vehicle Testing and Repair." (my italics)

Draw your own conclusions...