Buying a second-hand car is an excellent way to join, or remain a part of, the driving population of the UK without breaking the bank. But, cheaper as second-hand cars can be than new cars, they also bring with them a greater degree of risk. Cars with MOT passes are often seen as safe in this regard, having been checked for issues and deemed road-legal – but this is not the whole story, and such cars may not be as safe as they seem.
MOT and Ongoing Safety
The key logical argument behind MOTs as safety criteria stems from the stringent nature of the MOT itself; the test is a government-mandated one to ascertain a car’s safety on UK roads, with a relatively high bar to pass. Even a car with its dashboard warning lights on the blink can be failed, let alone a car with suspension or braking issues.
But, while the MOT serves its function well, it cannot be an indicator of any vehicle’s current quality – only the condition the car was in at the time of the test. It is unknown to you as a buyer that a given second-hand vehicle, advertised as a recent MOT pass, hasn’t developed an issue or suffered an accident since. Not only this but there are other elements of vehicle reliability that need to be taken into consideration before you buy.
Car and Dealer
Firstly, it is important to recognise the differences in risk that can present between models of car and kinds of dealers or sellers. Put simply, a pre-owned Lexus from a trusted local dealership will inspire much more in the way of trust than a used Vauxhall sold privately.
Larger dealerships are more likely to have a servicing framework in place, wherein additional checks are performed on top of any pre-existing MOT certificate. They are also more likely to provide a warranty, in the event that an issue does occur after purchase.
It is also true that certain brands and models of cars are more reliable than others. Even if buying from a private seller, a more well-renowned brand is less likely to present post-MOT issues than an older car or budget brand.
Condition and History
Of course, these general considerations are just that: general. With more specific regard to cars, you may be looking at, there are some vital checks you should make to ensure all is well. For one, you should be able to view any pre-owned car’s V5C documentation on request. These documents dictate basic information about the vehicle and its owner’s history.
With a unique number from the V5C, you’ll be able to check the vehicle’s MOT history – hence, discover any previous issues that could recur before your next MOT with said vehicle. You should also take the time to check the vehicle’s general service history, to ensure that no major incidents have been logged and that no future problems are likely to arise.
The best way to do this is to take the car for a test drive before you commit. Ask for the car to be started from cold to ensure the engine is in good condition and take the vehicle up to higher speeds, to check out the brakes and suspension.
In conclusion, while a car with an MOT pass is a good sign of its current condition, there is no substitute for a thorough check yourself. Knowing that you’ve done your due diligence can make the process of buying a second-hand car safer, and ensure you don’t end up buying a lemon.