A failed MOT can be a major headache, especially if you were planning to sell your car. However, a failed MOT doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. You still have options, whether you decide to repair the car, sell it as-is, or scrap it. This guide will walk you through what to do if your car fails its MOT and how to proceed with selling it.
Understanding the MOT Test
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a yearly inspection required by UK law for vehicles over three years old. It checks your car’s roadworthiness, including its emissions, safety features, and general condition. A pass means your car meets the required standards; a fail indicates that it doesn’t meet one or more of these standards.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
Before deciding what to do next, it’s helpful to understand why your car failed its MOT. Common reasons include:
- Brakes: Worn or faulty brake pads, discs, or calipers are frequent causes of failure.
- Tyres: Insufficient tread depth or damaged tyres can result in a fail.
- Lights: Faulty or non-working lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators.
- Suspension: Issues with the suspension system, such as worn shock absorbers or springs.
- Exhaust and Emissions: Excessive exhaust emissions or a damaged exhaust system.
- Steering: Problems with the steering system, including worn or damaged components.
Understanding the specific reasons for your car’s failure will help you decide on the best course of action.
Option 1: Repair the Car
If the cost of repairs is reasonable and the car is otherwise in good condition, it may be worth repairing the vehicle to obtain an MOT certificate before selling it. Here’s what to consider:
- Cost of Repairs: Get quotes from different garages to compare repair costs. If the cost of repairs is less than the value you’ll gain from selling the car with a valid MOT, it’s worth fixing.
- Car’s Overall Value: Consider the car’s age, mileage, and condition. If the car is relatively new or in good shape, repairing it could increase its resale value.
- Availability of Parts: If your car requires hard-to-find or expensive parts, it might be more cost-effective to sell or scrap the car as-is.
- Timeframe: Consider how quickly you need to sell the car. Repairs can take time, so if you’re in a hurry, it might not be the best option.
Option 2: Sell the Car As-Is
If the cost of repairs is too high or you’re not interested in fixing the car, you can still sell it as-is. Here’s how to approach it:
- Be Honest About the MOT Status: When selling a car with a failed MOT, honesty is key. Clearly state in your listing that the car has failed its MOT and provide details of the failure.
- Price Accordingly: Expect to sell the car for less than you would if it had a valid MOT. Research similar cars with MOT failures to set a realistic asking price.
- Target the Right Buyers: Some buyers, such as mechanics or car enthusiasts, are specifically looking for vehicles to repair or use for parts. Targeting these buyers can help you sell the car more quickly.
- Sell to a Dealer or Specialist: Some dealerships and specialist buyers are interested in purchasing cars with failed MOTs. They may offer a lower price, but the sale will be quick and hassle-free.
Option 3: Scrap the Car
If repairing the car isn’t cost-effective and selling it as-is doesn’t seem viable, scrapping might be the best option. Here’s what you need to know:
- Get a Quote: Contact a few scrap yards or use an online service like CarWave to get quotes for your car. The price will depend on the car’s weight, the value of any reusable parts, and current scrap metal prices.
- Free Collection: Many scrap yards offer free collection, so you won’t need to worry about transporting the car yourself.
- Notify the DVLA: When you scrap your car, you’ll need to inform the DVLA. You can do this by filling out the relevant section of the V5C logbook and sending it to the DVLA. The scrap yard should provide you with a Certificate of Destruction as proof.
- Environmental Responsibility: Ensure you’re dealing with an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) that follows environmental regulations for scrapping vehicles.
How to Sell a Car with a Failed MOT
If you’ve decided to sell your car despite its failed MOT, here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Get a Professional Valuation Start by getting a valuation of your car in its current condition. This will give you a baseline for setting your asking price.
Step 2: Create a Detailed Listing When creating your listing, be upfront about the MOT failure. Include details of the failed components and any other relevant information. This transparency will help attract serious buyers.
Step 3: Negotiate with Buyers Be prepared to negotiate, as buyers will likely try to use the failed MOT as a bargaining point. Stay firm on your minimum price, and explain why the car still holds value despite the failure.
Step 4: Complete the Sale Once you’ve agreed on a price, ensure all paperwork is completed correctly. Fill out the necessary sections of the V5C logbook and provide the buyer with any relevant documents, such as the failed MOT certificate.
Conclusion
A failed MOT doesn’t have to be the end of the road for your car. Whether you choose to repair, sell, or scrap the vehicle, there are viable options available. By considering the cost of repairs, the car’s overall value, and the time you have to sell, you can make the best decision for your situation. With the right approach, you can still turn your car’s MOT failure into a successful sale.