Possible purchase of used car - MOT query

bd80s

Hi 

Just after a bit of advice if possible.

There are two used cars that I am looking at much the same price and both have recent MOT's. One passed its MOT first time no advisories (Ford KA) and the second failed on Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h)), Horn not working (7.7 (a)), Repair as soon as possible (minor defects): Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i)) but then passed 7 days later with no advisories (Suzuki Alto). 

Does anyone know whether any of the faults listed could be sufficiently covered up to pass an MOT but not have been fully fixed? I've learnt a lesson from a previous purchase on checking up MOT's and service history as much as possible to try and avoid anything major going wrong within a couple of months. 

Both cars would suit my need and I have no preference over makes/model/colours etc I just need a small car for day to day life journeys but if any one has any advise on either make of car I'm happy to take it. 

thanks 

 

facade

A KA without rust advisories? I'd have a very good look at that before buying it.

The Suzuki would be my choice, but I'd like to know what put the MIL on, and how they got it to go out. Most likely related to the exhaust sensors, Suzukis chew through the one on the manifold, but they are cheap & easy to change.

bd80s

thanks @facade, will definitely check on those. 

There was corrosion to the subframe noted for the KA in its 21 MOT as an advisory so I'm guessing who ever had it at that point took care of it but will check it through. 

facade

bd80s said:

thanks @facade, will definitely check on those. 

There was corrosion to the subframe noted for the KA in its 21 MOT as an advisory so I'm guessing who ever had it at that point took care of it but will check it through. 

Don't ever guess   Advisories are things the tester feels are worth mentioning as they may shortly need work.  If "they are all like that, Sir" a different tester might not think it is worth putting an advisory.  Have a search online on where to look for rust on a KA, the original ones were real rustbuckets, like 1980s Lancias.

Subframe corrosion is quite common on all cars, if it is only surface rust a quick wirebrush and daub with paint/stonechip/underseal will hide it.

Check the VIN plate on the suzuki. If it doesn't start with a J it wasn't built in Japan, and just isn't as good as one that is.

Later Altos were also built by Maruti in India (starts with M) and Pakistan (starts with N) as well as China (starts with L)

bd80s

Ah thanks, great tips for what to do there. 

Did not know (and hadnt seen anywhere in the searches for reviews I've done) the tip for where the Alto would have been made, that's very handy!

facade

bd80s said:

Ah thanks, great tips for what to do there. 

Did not know (and hadnt seen anywhere in the searches for reviews I've done) the tip for where the Alto would have been made, that's very handy!

I've made the mistake of buying a Japanese car built in Spain, and then one built in England. Never again! If the VIN doesn't start with a J I don't want to know.

oldagetraveller1

How about France?

Yes, I would prefer a Japanese car to be made in Japan. However, my 8.5 years old French built Yaris has been totally reliable and has been very well put together. Shouldn't have written that, probably jinxed it now!

From what I read elsewhere though, the latest incarnation has gone down the pan somewhat with regards quality and reliability.

More spent on gimmicks and "toys" than quality?

shane2k

i would never touch a old ka they known for rot , rust you name it
if you know where to check if you dont buy it

when i look at buying cars i know everypoint to check if you dont you could end up with a banger for 1year that will fail next mot depending on the mot place you use depends how much you spend if its like £500-600 and got 1 year mot then well you get what you pay for to get 1 year before fail but you can maybe get them to last 2yr before needing work depends on state

if i was you look at fiesta or yaris and similar cars even kia i got a picanto 2009 and no rot or serious rust on my car ive already been commented by 3 garages saying its cleanest they seen

also always check with the mot history as some mots are different and trader/ dealer get them squashed for mot to pass to make it look they getting a bargain when actually next year you could after spend money

jimjames

shane2k said:

i would never touch a old ka they known for rot , rust you name it
if you know where to check if you dont buy it

I agree. Parents had Ka from new and always maintained it. Rust visible starting around filler cap. Invisible who knows but certainly sills and chassis mount points are likely!

bd80s

Thanks for all the comments and tips! The Alto dealer never came back to me when i questioned what the cause of the MIL was and what rectified it, the KA had been sold by the time I went to look at it on Saturday but did see (and test) a 57 plate Toyota Yaris, MOT history appears good, clean looking and couldn't see any rust areas on the body work, any problem areas any one knows of with the Yaris's? 

Grumpy_chap

bd80s said: any problem areas any one knows of with the Yaris's? 

You could love it too much 

Toyota's have a reputation for rock solid durability but can tend to be rather dull cars.

At this kind of age and price point, you are looking for a car that seems OK, has a verifiable history and judging to luck in a large part irrespective of make.  Condition is key.