mot

[terambulan]

A recommended mechanic wanted to do my car MOT, he failed it with pin-hole exhaust, tyres not aligned (just had new tyres) and a few other minor probs @ �250.

I took car to 'instant' small garage, done & passed �40 all in!

Y are some mechanics such con-merchants? This wont do him any good as I shall make sure all my clients know of his con.

[tombrandy]

are you a female? because they normally sting the Ladies.

[terambulan]

Yes......but he is trying to start up his own business. What a stupid move from him. I serve lots of females, he left his cards with me to distribute....binned them.

I try to support new businesses......what a let down.

[tombrandy]

Nice one.tom

[terambulan]

I never paid him anything as that was just an estimate for 'repairs'.

[Toureman]

Why didn't you report the garage? it tells you how to do it on the MOT certificate and in the garage reception area.

[terambulan]

Good idea....will look into it!

[chas2008]

always worth having the MOT done first then put right any failures unless theres something really obvious ie blowing exhaust/lights/wiper etc..
Tyres not aligned isnt a failure, they dont do a geo on an MOT..
In his defense MOts are always a bit a of a grey area he might well of thought it would fail.., different mechanics at MOT stations interpret the rules differently..I know one that has 2 mechanics, one has a reputation for failing cars on worn discs...the other passes them...

[david1702198]

a pin hole in the exhaust is not automatically a failure either, UNLESS it is to the extent where it results in the emissions test being effected, . tyres out of line? new one on me , tyres that are warped would fail but seen as you mention these were brand new i would very much doubt that!! As other folk have said there is a procedure to appeal to VOSA, ask the garage for an appeal form

[donella]

mechanics are definitely worse if your a female,

i have a few tricks to help with the mot, firstly i make sure i have a suitably tight pair of jeans on and a "flattering" top, i will always have forgotten to put the rear seats back up after having the dogs in the back, so have to climb in the boot to reach over and pull the back of the seats up (im quite short so i have lean right over!

i also like to hang around and ask the nice gentleman to point out any failures as i can fix a lot of them myself (that is actually genuine, i will do minor work with own fair hands!!)

i usually find this ensures a fair mot, as i have now found a favourite garage i dont need to bother with the hanging about to watch bit!!

[burnhal]

ive heard that sometimes works if your a bloke as well.......

[donella]

hehe, yes im sure it would if you found the right garage, luckily for me none of the garages ive been to had mechanics that way inclined, that would just spoil my fun!!

[mischief121]

Its best to go to your local council mot station.phone your council and ask for the number of council mot number.(all councils have one for public)The mot is usually cheaper and most of them do not carry out the work themselves so they are not looking for work if you know what i mean!!hope this helps next time.Then phone round half a dozen mot stations for a quote get the work done and go back to the mot station for a retest.

[kempie]

^ I have never seen a council MOT test centre charge a lower fee than is available elsewhere locally, so amend the above post to "the mot is usually more expensive..." however the rest of the post can be considered as accurate.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap- mot