Where to get MOT?

caveman38

First time in 20 odd years I will ned an MOT. I've always changed my cars every 3 years and avoided the problem. This year however I am waiting for the introduction of the new model which doesn't come out for a few months yet.


Does having an MOT at main dealers have hidden consequences under the new MOT rules. Which if I understand correctly could result (if failing) leaving the vehicle there until the repair to pass the test is done. Which at main dealer prices could be astronomical.


Would you get a 3 year old car's MOT & service done at an independent garage?

facade

Assuming the warranty is still valid, any failure that isn't a bulb, wiper blade, no screenwash, worn brakes or tyres is going to be a warranty fix, so you might as well let the dealer do it, (after you check the bulbs, wash/wipe tyres & brakes.)

Scrapit

Would you expect your car to fail? If so repair it now before any MOT. otherwise it doesn't matter where you get it done. The costs don't vary wildly between top and bottom end of the scale. I would be shocked if any of my vehicles ever failed its 1st mot.

stehouk

We had our first mot done at the main dealer 33k on clock, it needed no repairs, i would be surprised and disappointed if it had needed work, it all depends on what mileage you have done and if you have kept up with the servicing, if you have average mileage and had it serviced i don't see why it would need any major work done and servicing and mot done by a main dealer looks good when it comes to selling/px.

AdrianC

caveman38 wrote: »

Does having an MOT at main dealers have hidden consequences under the new MOT rules.

No. And there are no "new MOT rules".

Which if I understand correctly could result (if failing) leaving the vehicle there until the repair to pass the test is done.

Nope. If you take it in, it fails, and it still has time left on the old test, it's just as legal to drive away as it was to drive to the test.

Yes, even if it fails.
You can't be prosecuted for not having an MOT, because you do still have a current MOT.
You can be prosecuted for driving an unroadworthy car, but it was just as unroadworthy on the way TO the test, too... And yesterday, and the day before.

A 3yo car that's had even the barest minimum of attention should waltz through. And if it's a 3yr warranty, a heads-up on anything that might need attention before the end of the warranty would be a good plan, right?

chrisw

As said above, get it done by the main dealer ahead of the 3 years. Then any significant repairs, software updates and modifications should be covered before the warrant expires.

pinkteapot

And after that, just get a recommendation for a local independent.

Getting an MOT really isn't a big deal. Been putting two cars and three work vehicles through MOTs for years and never had a problem, vehicle taken off the road, etc!

You can present for MOT up to four weeks or a month (can never remember) before it's due and keep the same anniversary. E.g. MOT due 28 Feb - can have the test done in early Feb and if it passes then your new MOT cert is good till 28 Feb 2021. That gives you ample time to get any faults found fixed before the MOT expires.

caveman38

Thanks for all the advice.