Do MOT results reflect reliability?

[davep]

In the minds of some, TVRs have a reputation for poor reliability; mainly arising, they claim, from questionable build quality, shoddy servicing and low standards of owner maintenance. So you'd expect the accumulated MOT test results over a seventeen year period to clearly reflect this woeful state of affairs, it is surprising then that the overall pass rate (approx 75%) and type of item failure would seem to indicate otherwise, according to this site:

http://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/mot/tvr

In the comparison charts with 'All Cars' the TVR numbers appear to stack up quite well. Lighting and signalling are the worse culprits for fails, followed by driver's view of the road (whatever that is). Both of which are not exactly show stoppers.

So is this reputation for our cars ill-deserved, or will naysayers claim that these MOT numbers and statistics flatter to deceive?

[phillpot]

In a word I'd say no.

MOT is primarily concerned with safety, and while something like a failed track rod end could lead to a breakdown (and an accident) a number plate light not working, a worn shock or a rusty outrigger and so on are unlikely to leave you stranded at the roadside.

[Getsis]

The statistics don't show how many broke down on the way to the MOT station

[Roy C]

davep said:

...driver's view of the road (whatever that is).

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_830.htm

[alphaone]

Getsis said:

The statistics don't show how many broke down on the way to the MOT station

or on their way back ;-)

[Barreti]

How many times have you had a warning one year, done nothing about it and got through the next year with no mention of it.

I just did exactly that with my Landy steering drop arm, yet it failed the MOT this year because the fog light dash telltale wasnt working and the number plate font was wrong despite it being on the car more than 10 years to my recollection.
Pathetic nit picking seems to be the order of the day now when it comes to MOTs

MOT tests are a vague check that nothing is immediately wrong IMO

[jamienshelly]

sometimes it depends if there is a crate of beer in the boot for some to pass emmision tests (it must act as a catalyst) and of course how "friendly" the tester is

[Cats]

jamienshelly said:

sometimes it depends if there is a crate of beer in the boot for some to pass emmision tests (it must act as a catalyst) and of course how "friendly" the tester is

Also helps for the guy to stick the emissions probe up the exhaust of the car next door

[scotty_d]

Getsis said:

The statistics don't show how many broke down on the way to the MOT station

At least one with a broken 100 amp fuse

[jamienshelly]

Cats said:

jamienshelly said:

sometimes it depends if there is a crate of beer in the boot for some to pass emmision tests (it must act as a catalyst) and of course how "friendly" the tester is

Also helps for the guy to stick the emissions probe up the exhaust of the car next door

I've heard tale of a Chim having the same emission result as a Renault Clio

[Andy JB]

jamienshelly said:

Cats said:

jamienshelly said:

sometimes it depends if there is a crate of beer in the boot for some to pass emmision tests (it must act as a catalyst) and of course how "friendly" the tester is

Also helps for the guy to stick the emissions probe up the exhaust of the car next door

I've heard tale of a Chim having the same emission result as a Renault Clio

Not sure what some of you guys are running your engines on but in standard tune the emissions should always be well within limits for teh year - i guess cats have to be refitted so i suggest there may be a problem with your engine...

It always pays to find a friendly MOT station though who will advise on small items rather than outright fail on silly items