If you’ve ever felt blindsided by an unexpected MOT failure, you’re not alone. As a used car dealership with an in-house workshop, we see it all the time. Customers walk through our doors, convinced their car is destined for the scrapyard after receiving eye-watering repair quotes from garages—quotes that, in many cases, are wildly inflated or downright unnecessary.
And the worst offenders? It’s no secret: the big-name MOT stations, including those massive tire shop chains and a certain big orange one with shops across the country. You know the ones. Their flashy branding might exude trustworthiness, but their practices often tell a very different story.
The Typical Con
Week after week, we hear from customers whose cars have supposedly failed so catastrophically that repair costs are deemed “uneconomical.” Convinced by these scare tactics, many believe their only option is to buy a new car—or accept a rock-bottom scrap price from the very garage that condemned their vehicle.
But here’s the kicker: when we take a closer look at these “write-offs,” we often find the issues are nowhere near as bad as claimed. In fact, some of these cars sail through MOTs at trustworthy stations or require just minor repairs costing £100–£200—not the £1,800+ quoted elsewhere.
A Real-Life Example
A customer recently came to us in a panic after their Fiat Panda failed its MOT at a well-known garage. This wasn’t an old banger—it was a low-mileage, one-owner car in great condition.
The garage declared the car unroadworthy, claiming the engine management light was on (it wasn’t), the emissions were outside of specification (they weren’t), and that repairs would cost £2,200. To make matters worse, they told the owner it wasn’t worth fixing and offered them just £200 to scrap it—a shocking offer considering the car’s true value of around £4,000.
Sensing something wasn’t right, the customer sought a second opinion. At another MOT station, the results were very different. The car did still fail, but only on two minor issues—worn rubber bushes on the rear shock absorbers. The emissions were checked and found to be perfectly within limits. The total cost, including the MOT and necessary repairs? Just £120 instead of £2,200.
Why This Happens
The problem stems from a combination of greed and the public’s lack of knowledge about vehicle mechanics. Many garages prey on customers who don’t know better, using technical jargon and scare tactics to push for unnecessary repairs—or worse, to acquire valuable cars for next to nothing.
Big-name garages are especially guilty of this because their business models rely on upselling. MOT tests themselves aren’t lucrative, so these companies use them as a gateway to push high-margin services. Unfortunately, it’s the average motorist who pays the price—literally.
How to Protect Yourself
So, how can you avoid falling victim to these practices? Here are a few tips:
- Don’t Panic: A failed MOT isn’t the end of the road. Always take a step back before agreeing to any repairs.
- Get a Second Opinion: If the failure list seems excessive or the quote feels unreasonable, take your car to another MOT station—preferably one recommended by someone you trust.
- Learn the Basics: While you don’t need to be a mechanic, having a basic understanding of common issues can help you spot when something doesn’t add up.
- Know the MOT Rules: Familiarize yourself with the difference between advisories and fails. Not every issue requires immediate attention.
- Choose Trustworthy Garages: Seek out independent MOT stations or mechanics with good reputations. Word of mouth is often your best bet.
Final Thoughts
The MOT test is supposed to ensure road safety, not line the pockets of unscrupulous garages. Unfortunately, too many motorists are being taken advantage of every day.
At our dealership, we’re committed to helping our customers navigate these murky waters. Whether it’s recommending reliable MOT stations, providing second opinions, or sharing stories like this, we want to empower drivers to make informed decisions.
If you’re in need of advice, assistance, or a second opinion, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you make the best decisions for your car—and your wallet.