MOT cost cutting – official MSE discussion

MSE_Kelvin

Hello there,

Sadly the original MOT cost cutting thread has closed, so I'm creating a new one here for any and all discussion related to the following guide:

Cheap MOTs

Any additions/updates to the list of council MOT test centres would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

MSE Kelvin

ian_the_saver

Hi, I have used the Eastcroft Depot Nottingham in the past, but they now don't accept public vehicles. Shame....

ian_the_saver

Hi, I've just found out the other Depot in Nottingham is also not doing public vehicles! I'll have to take my chances with a local garage...aaargh!

Bigwheels1111

Are there any No pass No fee test centres near you ?.
This one ?.

https://weonlymot.co.uk/mot-locations/nottinghamcarlton/

DiaCha

After reading MSE's guide on booking MOTS, I cancelled a prebooked test at Kwikfit (£40) and booked one at Southampton's Council depot at +£54. However, never again. They failed my car yesterday, not because it was not roadworthy but bcs
(1) I had a mobile phone holder stuck to the window  (top right by sun visor) which he wrote "significantly" obstructed the driver's view of the road and
(2) a loose seat cover (he recorded it was fitted but it wasn't) covered the back seat so he, "couldn't test the back central seat belt".

It took less than 1 second for me to remove the offending items and I asked if the car could now be passed. However, a patronising voice on the reception phone told me he was at lunch and if I was prepared to wait another half hour (I'd been there 2 hrs by this stage) he might come and discuss the test.

I'm a retired lady who has always been treated with kindness and respect by 
kwikfit mechanics and I truly wish I hadn't followed MSE's guidance about council MOTs which made me worry there might be a big repair bill. 

Ive been told the council retest will be free and hopefully a pass will be given but it has been an bad experience so I'll be avoiding the petty inspectors at SCC for the foreseeable future. They seem to have lost sight of the purpose of an MOT and have a very bad attitude to customers.  

Bigwheels1111

DiaCha said:

After reading MSE's guide on booking MOTS, I cancelled a prebooked test at Kwikfit (£40) and booked one at Southampton's Council depot at +£54. However, never again. They failed my car yesterday, not because it was not roadworthy but bcs
(1) I had a mobile phone holder stuck to the window  (top right by sun visor) which he wrote "significantly" obstructed the driver's view of the road and
(2) a loose seat cover (he recorded it was fitted but it wasn't) covered the back seat so he, "couldn't test the back central seat belt".

It took less than 1 second for me to remove the offending items and I asked if the car could now be passed. However, a patronising voice on the reception phone told me he was at lunch and if I was prepared to wait another half hour (I'd been there 2 hrs by this stage) he might come and discuss the test.

I'm a retired lady who has always been treated with kindness and respect by 
kwikfit mechanics and I truly wish I hadn't followed MSE's guidance about council MOTs which made me worry there might be a big repair bill. 

Ive been told the council retest will be free and hopefully a pass will be given but it has been a bad experience so I'll be avoiding the petty inspectors at SCC for the foreseeable future. They seem to have lost sight of the purpose of an MOT and have a very bad attitude to customers.  

It’s hard to say but it’s your own fault. I’ve made the mistake myself.
There should be nothing to obstruct the visibility of the front screen.
The council depot is fair but a sticker on the rules.
Even a magic tree hanging from the rear view mirror is a fail.
I used a no pass no fee mot centre, they would have told you the reason it would fail and asked you to remove it or 
do it themselves.
I got my car back and they had taken the dash camera off the screen and placed it on the front seat.
I had a stone chip on the Front screen and fitted smaller wiper to miss it in its sweep, thus passing the mot.
I you know the rules you can play them at their own game.

tedted

phone holder top right is not a failure as it is not obstructing the view of the road and any covers on the seats your allowed to remove and test the seat belts

Bigphil1474

As above, if it's not obstructing your view of the road, then it is fine - should be no more than 40mm in the sweep of the wipers though. 

DeeGee75

I've just seen an advert for the East Lindsey District Council Motor Services depot in Louth, Lincs.

https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/article/24069/Vehicle-Maintenance-Unit

Obviously, it's a council MOT depot, but they also seem to have a commercial arm. I can't say I've used them myself, so it's not a recommendation.

I've also seen that the Royal Mail have a vehicle Maintenance depot in Grimsby and they MOT their own vehicles. There are MOT Parking signs outside. Does anyone know if those might be open to the public?