MOT conundrum

[AtW]

Yep, you are only allowed to scrap fully serviceable working cars with an MOT, and replace them with a new car that has used tonnes of energy in it's manufacture and transportation.

[TimberWolf]

On the other hand there are other things wrong with it. The drivers door was bent back a couple of years ago when someone tried to nick it and I have gaffer taped the plastic around the steering wheel where it was smashed, which makes it look a bit tatty. There's also a little bit of rust on one of the wheel arches. Goes well though.

[worzelGummidge]

If it was my car I would have it fixed and put it through the MOT. I hate looking for a new car and usually end up buying the first one that is large and in acceptable condition from the first garage that I visit.
My X reg 306 has just gone through an MOT with a pair of shocks replaced and various other little annoyances including the standard failed bulb all for £450. I think that the build quality of the car is generally a pile of pants but is goes fine can take lots of luggage is comfortable and does not cost too much to run so the option of keeping it was better than buying another.

[TimberWolf]

Hmm, I'm edging towards phoning the garage to say I will collect it with a view to scrapping it :Very sad emoticon: Realistically I think it's had its day.

[Paddy]

Aaargh! MOT day on my 14 year old Mondeo hasn't gone well. Apparently it needs 3 anti-rollbars and a shock absorber is leaking. Garage's estimated cost: £495

I said I'll think about it and get back to them. I've had the car for 10 years and it has served me very well. Don't really want to lose it and the engine was rebuilt last year (by proper engineers, engine is fantastic now), but spending that much on it may be stupid? Mind you I'll have to pay for the MOT and oil change anyway, which push £100.

What to do, what to do?

That is a rip-off price.

Parts should not be more that £100, with labour £160 max.

anti-roll bars are held in by two nuts and can be changed almost as easily as a road wheel. A shock absorber would take 20 minutes max. (presuming it is a shock absorber and not a MacPHerson Strut)

[BoredBloke]

Call yourself a contractor?

I am a permie and spent £12K on my wheels

And your 12k got you a focus that didn't work!

[BoredBloke]

That is a rip-off price.

Parts should not be more that £100, with labour £160 max.

anti-roll bars are held in by two nuts and can be changed almost as easily as a road wheel. A shock absorber would take 20 minutes max. (presuming it is a shock absorber and not a MacPHerson Strut)

They will probably be adding an amount for time on the ramp for these jobs which is a con as it's only going to be on the ramp because it's easier and more profitable for the garage.

[BoredBloke]

has it got any time left on the MOT - if it's only a day, take it in and get the scrappage. Personally I'd keep the old one going and use it's last remaining days/months as a means of transport between car dealers!

[VectraMan]

anti-roll bars are held in by two nuts and can be changed almost as easily as a road wheel. A shock absorber would take 20 minutes max. (presuming it is a shock absorber and not a MacPHerson Strut)

Have you tried removing 10 year old droplinks? Typically you need an angle grinder to cut through the bolts.

I'd guess the are MacPhearson struts on a Mondeo, but I don't see why you think that makes it more difficult.

[TimberWolf]

has it got any time left on the MOT - if it's only a day, take it in and get the scrappage. Personally I'd keep the old one going and use it's last remaining days/months as a means of transport between car dealers!

MOT ran out yesterday. I'm not sure what the deal is with scrapping a car. Do they pay you or do you have to pay them?