- Thread starter jordan1
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This is a subject that has been done to death, the thread on the Series2 forum has 1300+ replies.
It's not just a simple case of a vehicle is exempt. It has to be declared VHI(Vehicle of historic interest) using a V112 form at the time of taxing, this is also dependant on it meeting the criteria. So if the vehicle had a failed MOT on the 21st May but was already taxed then it would still need an MOT until the next time it's taxed. The option then is to MOT it or SORN it and then tax it and declare VHI. If you talk to DVLA it seems they aren't 100%.
Even though I have 7 vehicles that are now MOT exempt the whole thing is crazy. We all know there are going to be loads of vehicles on the road that wouldn't pass an MOT. The cheapest MOT place near me is £30 and they don't do repairs so they are not looking for work yet people are making such a big deal about it.
I mentioned on the Series 2 forum that if not having a £40 MOT is going to make a difference as to whether you can afford to drive a vehicle then you shouldn't be driving it because clearly you are going to be skrimping on stuff. One person took real offence to this.
It's not just a simple case of a vehicle is exempt. It has to be declared VHI(Vehicle of historic interest) using a V112 form at the time of taxing, this is also dependant on it meeting the criteria. So if the vehicle had a failed MOT on the 21st May but was already taxed then it would still need an MOT until the next time it's taxed. The option then is to MOT it or SORN it and then tax it and declare VHI. If you talk to DVLA it seems they aren't 100%.
Even though I have 7 vehicles that are now MOT exempt the whole thing is crazy. We all know there are going to be loads of vehicles on the road that wouldn't pass an MOT. The cheapest MOT place near me is £30 and they don't do repairs so they are not looking for work yet people are making such a big deal about it.
I mentioned on the Series 2 forum that if not having a £40 MOT is going to make a difference as to whether you can afford to drive a vehicle then you shouldn't be driving it because clearly you are going to be skrimping on stuff. One person took real offence to this.
Read what I wrote again. MOT your MOT exempt vehicle and they will try and charge you for VED
owas
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yep, on my last MOT the rear drivers side brake cylinder was leaking and failed the brake test ... i had no idea there was anything wrong.
Not sure where you've got this from, the rules have only been in place for a couple of weeks, if the vehicle is registered as tax exempt they don't suddenly charge you for tax just because you get an MOT.
If your vehicle has modifications that sit outside the rules then you will still be required to get an MOT but it will still be tax exempt
doubleboost
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I have about 12 customers with cars that are now MOT exempt
Most of them have contacted us saying they want to keep the MOT paper trail going
I think that that is a good idea for the vehicle history/portfolio
It is surprising what can be picked up on a test that could be missed otherwise
Most of them have contacted us saying they want to keep the MOT paper trail going
I think that that is a good idea for the vehicle history/portfolio
It is surprising what can be picked up on a test that could be missed otherwise
brightspark
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even if my van was exempt I would still prefer a test .its nice to know everything's ok and wont let go on you when your doing 70mph round bends wink wink 
theres only one thing faster than a works white van and that's a hire van 
theres only one thing faster than a works white van and that's a hire van Nothing should be picked up on a test that is not picked up on a pre-MOT inspection. MOst places it is the same job without the VOSA taking a cut
That said all things being equal I would have an MOT as a way of validating that at least at a point in time the vehicles maintained solely by me are road worthy.
My 328 had advisories on the MOT from before I bought it in 2009, then noting until 2013
The defective upper outer trailing arm ball joints are never picked up by MOT guys until very destroyed and they have a lot of vertical movement way before then.
Same with rear subframe mounts.
Now in 2009 my wife's 325 failed on a shed load of stuff before we bought it.
When re-bushing the rear end I discovered the incorrectly fitted rear brake rigid lines replaced with copper just lying across the top of the exhaust heatshield under the prop flapping around.
MOT fail work for which there is a nice receipt, if I went back and looked it may even have been done by the folk that MOT it.
These lines can be properly changed by undoing a tank strap and accessing under back seat easily.
An competent enthusiast that knows their car will likely do a better job and has the luxury of dismantling the MOT guy does not.
That said all things being equal I would have an MOT as a way of validating that at least at a point in time the vehicles maintained solely by me are road worthy.
My 328 had advisories on the MOT from before I bought it in 2009, then noting until 2013
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- front brake discs and pads worn
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
The defective upper outer trailing arm ball joints are never picked up by MOT guys until very destroyed and they have a lot of vertical movement way before then.
Same with rear subframe mounts.
Now in 2009 my wife's 325 failed on a shed load of stuff before we bought it.
When re-bushing the rear end I discovered the incorrectly fitted rear brake rigid lines replaced with copper just lying across the top of the exhaust heatshield under the prop flapping around.
MOT fail work for which there is a nice receipt, if I went back and looked it may even have been done by the folk that MOT it.
These lines can be properly changed by undoing a tank strap and accessing under back seat easily.
An competent enthusiast that knows their car will likely do a better job and has the luxury of dismantling the MOT guy does not.
normspanners
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Not that I have done one yet, but when put in the VOSA data base it might come up with 'this vehicle doesnt require an MOT '
and if you then enter it ie force it, it might open a can of worms.
and if you then enter it ie force it, it might open a can of worms.
brightspark
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just get them to do the mot and not bother with paperwork then
doubleboost
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This is all well and good but if you have a bad accident I would think that having an MOT would go in your favour
For the cost of a quid a week (less in most places)
A pre MOT is fine but standing up in court with a current test must be worth its weight in gold
To me having a yearly vehicle safety check (MOT) is a no-brainer
For the cost of a quid a week (less in most places)
A pre MOT is fine but standing up in court with a current test must be worth its weight in gold
To me having a yearly vehicle safety check (MOT) is a no-brainer
HopefullySoon
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I think the current regulations are at best a fudge ... and goes back to don’t ask , don’t tell ... for example
I have a 79 MGB GT I’m restoring ... now before the regs came in I was legally planning an engine swap out to a rover vvc 1.8 , any approved mods need to be min 30 yrs old .... with the knowledge in mind it would be exempt one day .
so I could still fit the engine and argue the exemption under the 30 yr rule (hey officer it was there when I bought it , as the vvc engine was released in 88 if I remember so just squeezes in ) .
As far as MOT status goes, that’s an individual choice .... I’ve never had a car fail an mot I’ve prepped in many years (unless I’m knowingly sending it in with a defect I’m waiting for parts to fix) .
Depends on your personal skill set ... my brother is a joiner by trade and has little auto knowledge .... would I trust my Mrs in a car he’s prepped , not a chance ... does he trust his Mrs in a car I’ve prepped , absolutely!
If you require a second opinion by way of MOT have one for peace of mind , however if you have faith/trust in your skill set .... ignore it and know you know what your doing legally , the choice is yours .
Malc
I have a 79 MGB GT I’m restoring ... now before the regs came in I was legally planning an engine swap out to a rover vvc 1.8 , any approved mods need to be min 30 yrs old .... with the knowledge in mind it would be exempt one day .
so I could still fit the engine and argue the exemption under the 30 yr rule (hey officer it was there when I bought it , as the vvc engine was released in 88 if I remember so just squeezes in ) .
As far as MOT status goes, that’s an individual choice .... I’ve never had a car fail an mot I’ve prepped in many years (unless I’m knowingly sending it in with a defect I’m waiting for parts to fix) .
Depends on your personal skill set ... my brother is a joiner by trade and has little auto knowledge .... would I trust my Mrs in a car he’s prepped , not a chance ... does he trust his Mrs in a car I’ve prepped , absolutely!
If you require a second opinion by way of MOT have one for peace of mind , however if you have faith/trust in your skill set .... ignore it and know you know what your doing legally , the choice is yours .
Malc
doubleboost
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Try telling that to a Coroner
Once the brown stuff hits the fan
For a quid a week
Once the brown stuff hits the fan
For a quid a week
brightspark
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Ii get mot for 30 quid so its not out of the way 
doubleboost
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I charge £ 45
About the average around these parts
Personally, I think the price should be fixed
In theory, you are getting the same job at every testing facility
About the average around these parts
Personally, I think the price should be fixed
In theory, you are getting the same job at every testing facility
