Buying a used car :(

Interesting. I'd do the tax online now - before the MOT. To be sure to be sure.

Nah, wait till it fails then try online, and report back :-)

You're three quarters dead?

If yo take it to a Post Office they probably won't do the on-line check.

What we need is a guinea pig - someone who is taking their van for an MOT today for example and is willing to deliberately get it to fail :-)

I would, because the introduction of the system did not change the rules on how MOTs work.

Neil

I think they may do. Had one car taxed at the local (small) PO this year due to the online form not arriving. They didn't even look at the insurance and MOT. So I assume they were checked when they entered the details.

I suspect they must do. Had the TVR MOT'd last week and the "MOT certificate" is a plain laserprint, the most easily forged document I've ever received from an agent of the State. The PO must check them online.

They do.

MOT and insurance now all centrally registered.

You can see your MOTs if you type in the actual MOT number online at VOSA and if you fill in the registration details as well, ALL previous ones.

I wonder where they buy the specially grubby thumbprinted stationary? Or perhaps the app prints them?

Next year maybe. It passed with flying colours.

And it's a long time since I went into a MOT station with ashtrays that were actually in use in the indoor waiting/viewing area:-)

Even the lad that tested my van was smoking a cigarette.

And it's a long time since I went into a MOT station with ashtrays that were actually in use in the indoor waiting/viewing area:-)

Even the lad that tested my van was smoking a cigarette.

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That's the fuel system integrity check.

(Actually, probably not if your van is diesel!)

That seems a little glib IME. Plenty of people sell cars for all sorts of reasons other than it being a "lemon".

Erm, point of order... you claimed "There are exceptions, of course, but the vast majority of secondhand cars that are out of warranty are lemons." - out of warranty generally would mean most cars over 3 years old...

May I suggest that *you* read the thread. In particular the OP where it said "About £3k budget (ie purchase price; excluding insurance etc)".

There are plenty of decent cars out there to be had for £3K. In fact 10 year old prestige car will often find better quality results than 5 year old run of the mill stuff.

You are assuming that the current owner bought it new. Many folks will buy a nearly new car - sold as it comes out of warranty or is sold off by the fleet buyers etc, and then change it every one or two years. It will ensure they usually get a decent vehicle without too much trouble, but without getting stung for the highest part of the depreciation curve.

Possibly true... but in a world where you can buy a new car for 6K, 3 will still buy a respectable car. You just need to be careful what you choose.

In message , John Rumm writes

There is an Indian car that I'd like, a Hundustan Ambassador. They're not quite at the point of western cars where 'No user serviceable parts inside', and I like that. Trouble is I don't think they can be made UK legal these days... used to be, was a company importing them, but AIUI changes to the regs mean the car can no longer comply without modifications that make it completely unreasonable.

Justin.

Far from cheap (£11425) when last sold in the UK according to

you can buy a new one here for £6K - in fact less :

I don't agree with that; the reasons for selling cars are many and varied.

Not true at all.

Indeed. Not sure WHY our freelander was sold..one careful lady owner..guess she traded it for a newer model..

Or maybe it was the split in the £5 turbo hose..