Scrap (sell?) or fix dilemma

MPescatore

Hello again everyone - thanks in advance for any advice.

So, my problem is this:

I have an old motorhome (1991 Ducato base) I bought last year which I've had multiple issues with (power steering, part suspension collapse, manifold gasket blow... etc...) It's due to be MOT'd next week and, having had a couple of mechanics look at it (for those other issues) this year I feel fairly confident it's going to fail on some pretty advanced corrosion. To wit, I've been told 'it's dangerous' and shown a worrying-looking hole in part of the chassis.

At present I don't have an address in the UK (I'm driving it back from Italy right now) and I don't know what the best course of action will be should it fail badly, as expected. If I don't want to spend a lot of money (I'm assuming it will be a lot) on welding (and whatever other issues might be raised), and it's not a total write-off... what happens next? I can't take it out on the road, I guess, so... scrap? Is that my only option? As I say, I've nowhere even to keep it while I mull options.

This has been my first time dealing with used vehicles (if that's not obvious!) and believe me, it's a lesson learned. An expensive one. I'm trying to be philosophical/practical about this latest step... but I'm a bit vexed at what my possible next move could be if it is as bad as I expect it to be.

Again, thanks in advance for any suggestions

M

Car_54

If you’ve been told it’s dangerous, so do you think it’s wise to drive it half-way across Europe?
It’s a 30-year-old Fiat, so rust is no surprise. It sounds like a money-pit to me. Sorry!

motorguy

Assuming you get it home to the UK, offer it as an auction for spares or repair on ebay?

AdrianC

91 Ducato, so a Cit C25/Talbot Express/Pug J5...

It's doing well to have lasted this long. They rotted badly back in the 80s and 90s, and they've been just about extinct for a decade or two unless you can live in the back.

Sounds like you've got a hard decision to make.
1. A lot of structural welding, with virtually zero parts availability, so a lot of fabrication.
2. A lash-up for a year or two.
3. Bop it on the head.

jimbo6977

Enter a Demolition derby?

MPescatore

Thanks guys... does anyone know what the actual technicalities, immediately following a failed MOT would have to be?

Would someone have to come and tow it?

Car_54

MPescatore wrote: »

Thanks guys... does anyone know what the actual technicalities, immediately following a failed MOT would have to be?

Would someone have to come and tow it?

Tow it where? Talk to the tester, they’ll know the local scrappy who may collect.
Alternatively, take it there first and save the test fee ....

AdrianC

MPescatore wrote: »

Thanks guys... does anyone know what the actual technicalities, immediately following a failed MOT would have to be?

Would someone have to come and tow it?

Depends.
When does the old test expire? Until that date, you have a valid MOT, and can't be prosecuted for not having one.

BUT... That doesn't mean it's legal. It's probably illegal already, since it sounds unroadworthy. Even if Mr MOT flags it with a "dangerous" fail, you lose any "But how was I meant to know...?", but no real other difference.

jameswyper

I'm not allowed to post the link but the government site says that you can drive a vehicle to and from a pre-booked MOT provided that it doesn't have any 'dangerous' failures.

AdrianC

jameswyper wrote: »

I'm not allowed to post the link but the government site says that you can drive a vehicle to and from a pre-booked MOT provided that it doesn't have any 'dangerous' failures.

That's an exception to needing a current MOT.

And it's not so much "provided it doesn't have any dangerous failures" - it's more that it needs to be roadworthy, as every vehicle does at all times.

There's two different things:
* Paperwork legality. An MOT is needed to be paperwork-legal. Unless you're driving to/from a pre-booked test or repairs.
* Roadworthiness. All vehicles must be roadworthy at all times they're on the road. No matter whether they have an MOT, or even whether they're too young/old/exempt to require one.

It sounds like the OP's motorhome is falling foul of that second already, ergo is illegal to use already, whether it's paperwork-legal or not currently.

Mutton_Geoff

AdrianC wrote: »

That's an exception to needing a current MOT.

And it's not so much "provided it doesn't have any dangerous failures" - it's more that it needs to be roadworthy, as every vehicle does at all times.

There's two different things:
* Paperwork legality. An MOT is needed to be paperwork-legal. Unless you're driving to/from a pre-booked test or repairs.
* Roadworthiness. All vehicles must be roadworthy at all times they're on the road. No matter whether they have an MOT, or even whether they're too young/old/exempt to require one.

It sounds like the OP's motorhome is falling foul of that second already, ergo is illegal to use already, whether it's paperwork-legal or not currently.

Good point, but more concerning is the OP is already aware of serious issues and intends to drive it on UK roads. Even if that was from the ferry terminal to the nearest MOT station.

The test is there for a reason, I wouldn’t like to drive a vehicle with serious structural rust, you don’t know what might happen in an accident.

Insurance cover would also be queried if the vehicle was not in a roadworthy condition. I’d find a layby in France and buy a box of allumettes.