Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JesterRT on 19 March 2010, 08:01:11

Title: Mot Doom
Post by: JesterRT on 19 March 2010, 08:01:11
Finally stuck my Jag in for an MOT and spent all day yesterday crossing my fingers.

I'd put it in asking for an MOT and oil change, so they merrily went about the oil change before the MOT, and then as they went through the MOT when they came across something they didn't like they had a go at changing it.  My indicators weren't 'orange' enough for their liking, and a wiper blade apparently wasn't up to scratch, so they've replaced them.

Got the phone call at about 4pm with a list that went on forever.  Rear wishbones, rear upper arm, front ball joints, both rear callipers...  bill to get her back on the road would be 1600 quid.  The car had no advisories last year!

Since they changed the oil and replaced bits as they went I've got a bill for over a hundred quid just for putting in for MOT  >:(  If they'd done the MOT first then called me then I'd perhaps have not bothered with the Oil change just yet - it might just be going the distance if that's the cost to repair.

And as he rounded off the conversation, the bit that's really got me annoyed was that the MOT tester's said that if you're going to get rid of it then he'll give me 500 quid for the car, because he likes the number plate.  It's on a private plate - I bought it like that and have no real attachment to it at all. 

I just feel like that cars had that extra bit of scrutiny and been through a harsh MOT because the MOT man's taken a shine to the no. plate.  And these days, with everything being computerised I can't take it elsewhere for a second shot at the MOT.

Still, I've had a look around for bits and I reckon I can get her back on the road for about 500 quid and a weekends work.

Trying to talk SWMBO in to car loan and using the scrappage scheme against something.  With the amount I'm paying to keep motoring these days I think it'd be almost cheaper  :-/
Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: mantahatch on 19 March 2010, 08:17:09
Sounds like they are trying to get you to sell the car off cheaply to them.

Time for a complaint I think http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022113

Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: Andy B on 19 March 2010, 08:20:43
Quote
..... 
 And these days, with everything being computerised I can't take it elsewhere for a second shot at the MOT.

 ......

I don't see why not. A N Other would be able to see what it had failed on before, but an MOT is down to the tester, what is a fail to one bloke could be a pass to someone else (eg my Astra back box  ::))

Jags often do have a lot more suspension though than most cars  ;)

You need to find a local MOT station that just does MOT's  ....... no financial interest if your car passes or fails ;)
Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: mantagte on 19 March 2010, 08:24:01
Quote
Finally stuck my Jag in for an MOT and spent all day yesterday crossing my fingers.

I'd put it in asking for an MOT and oil change, so they merrily went about the oil change before the MOT, and then as they went through the MOT when they came across something they didn't like they had a go at changing it.  My indicators weren't 'orange' enough for their liking, and a wiper blade apparently wasn't up to scratch, so they've replaced them.

Got the phone call at about 4pm with a list that went on forever.  Rear wishbones, rear upper arm, front ball joints, both rear callipers...  bill to get her back on the road would be 1600 quid.  The car had no advisories last year!

Since they changed the oil and replaced bits as they went I've got a bill for over a hundred quid just for putting in for MOT  >:(  If they'd done the MOT first then called me then I'd perhaps have not bothered with the Oil change just yet - it might just be going the distance if that's the cost to repair.

And as he rounded off the conversation, the bit that's really got me annoyed was that the MOT tester's said that if you're going to get rid of it then he'll give me 500 quid for the car, because he likes the number plate.  It's on a private plate - I bought it like that and have no real attachment to it at all. 

I just feel like that cars had that extra bit of scrutiny and been through a harsh MOT because the MOT man's taken a shine to the no. plate.  And these days, with everything being computerised I can't take it elsewhere for a second shot at the MOT.

Still, I've had a look around for bits and I reckon I can get her back on the road for about 500 quid and a weekends work.

Trying to talk SWMBO in to car loan and using the scrappage scheme against something.  With the amount I'm paying to keep motoring these days I think it'd be almost cheaper  :-/

if you are not happy with that mot testers result you can take to another mot station for a test you can go to as many mot stations as you like just pay the mot test fee
Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: markfree on 19 March 2010, 11:46:17
Did you know your local council may do MOT's (they have no financial interest in passing/failing cars as they don't do repairs) - I know ours does but they charge full wack :y
Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: PhilRich on 19 March 2010, 13:46:08
They have no business changing/renewing parts without your prior authority! >:(
Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: webby23 on 19 March 2010, 17:50:27
They had his authority to do the oil change.

He said it took it in and told them to do an oil change and MOT, which is exaclty what they have done........

Sorry but I dont think the garage is to blame here, and if you dont want to sell it to the mechanic then dont, its irrelevent.......!

 :y
Title: Re: Mot Doom
Post by: guncharmer on 19 March 2010, 21:13:11
I am intrigued by the mention of both rear calipers,i would expect to see brake efficiency on the rear mentioned as fail but to specificaly mention the calipers has me baffled. i thought mot testers just note pass or fail parameters and not reasons why when it comes to braking.So i am wondering what a rear caliper can fail on apart from braking.If there is a normal explanation then all fair and well otherwise i would be a little suspicious.What is the reason for a fail on both rear calipers?