Inconsistent MOT inspections

[Stock323iSaloon]

I`ve taken my car (1999, 76k) in for an MOT to a local MOT centre that I have been using for the last 3 years. Unfortunately, it failed for `excessive noise from n/s wheel bearing`, although I couldn`t hear anything. All I got was the usual `we`re professionals` nonse :mad: Thought about DIY but to change the wheel bearing, it`s a 3 hour dealer/ramp job as drive shaft and lower arm has to be removed so it would have cost me a dearly, and DIY wasn`t an option. Anyway, totally undeterred, I went to another MOT centre along the SAME road and 44 quid later, the car passed without a problem :D I later asked the mechanic whether he found any issue with the n/s wheel bearing and he was like `eh?`. Inconsistent standards or just pure luck?

[Two_Stripes]

Yep, had that before. On my old e36 I had it MOT'd and failed on emissions (level should be 3 or something and they said mine was like 4.9%).

Went to a friend of Dads who ran an extra MOT that day for us, stuck the car on the emissions machine about 2 hours after the first one and they were about 0.5% or something similar, gave me printout and everything.

[M5 SC]

Sounds like / could be the garage trying to make a quick few £££???
I know you said you have been going there a while but you never know?!

[Raj]

Unless you know the MOT testers really, really well, it is always better to go to an MOT only test centre (that way you can be sure that they aren't just trying to make a little extra by doing any work they highlight themselves).

[Enforcer]

I have been going to a place that a friend used to work for, they are always straight with me, and usually give me an 'advise' if anything needs doing. :p


I have always been wary of places the do MOT's and repairs, if they are quiet (repair wise) then they are probably more likely to fail you.

[donut]

The place that does my MOTs are all mates. One of my best mates is the manager, and the MOT tester I've been friends with for years! It's a tyre/exhaust depot.

:)

[peppernick]

There are also some MOT places where you simply cannot fail on anything :D .......tsk tsk :rolleyes:

[M5 SC]

There are also some MOT places where you simply cannot fail on anything :D .......tsk tsk :rolleyes:

Very slick!
I've got that perk too!!!
Its not what ya know its who you know...

[Stock323iSaloon]

Yep, had that before. On my old e36 I had it MOT'd and failed on emissions (level should be 3 or something and they said mine was like 4.9%).

Went to a friend of Dads who ran an extra MOT that day for us, stuck the car on the emissions machine about 2 hours after the first one and they were about 0.5% or something similar, gave me printout and everything.

emissions is a weird one as apparently it gives off higher rating when you have air con on so I've always turn it off before a test.

on this occassion, the garage might have tried to chance it but I'm not sure. As Nick says, there are plenty of 'lenient' MOT centres where you can pass anytime. I have a mate who drives DIY kit cars and god knows how he manages to pass every year [hmm :D [hmm ;) That's why I don't really trust private seller's claim of 'will give you a new MOT no problem'