Buying with MOT due in a couple of weeks and untaxed

[nottaken]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a used Civic, and have found one which has full service history (from a private seller).
3 issues I have come accross are
1. The MOT is due in 2 weeks time,
This was the result from last year

Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

o/s front Tyre tread 3mm

The Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i)) has appeared for the last 2 years. How much would that cost to fix

Can i get some advice as to whether the MOT being due very soon is a good idea, and what is a good plan in term of negotiating

2. The car is untaxed. How am i supposed to test drive it. What is the best way to get round this?

3. The number plate changed according to Experian Autocheck. Should i worry about that?

Thanks in advance

[ATM]

You've not bought many cars have you?

[Pericoloso]

Don't buy it unless.......

It has new tyres to replace the 3mm one ,and of a quality brand.

The track rod end has been replaced.

The seller not getting a fresh MOT on it is ridiculous as a car with 12 months MOT is worth considerably more than a 2 week one.

Bent MOTs are rife though.

[nottaken]

ATM said:

You've not bought many cars have you?

Correct

[Roboticarm]

As above, the car would sell much more easily with a new MOT so the fact the owner hasn't had one is a red flag.
I'd be walking away (not exactly a rare car so another will come up) of agreeing that they will get a new MOT and fix any major issues before handing over the cash

[Roboticarm]

The number plate thing is usually just it having had a private plate at some stage so not an issue.

The untaxed thing is an issue as you can't test drive it.

The owner needs to tax it so you can test it, else arrange a test drive on private land.

[Pothole]

Pericoloso said:

Don't buy it unless.......

It has new tyres to replace the 3mm one ,and of a quality brand.

The track rod end has been replaced.

The seller not getting a fresh MOT on it is ridiculous as a car with 12 months MOT is worth considerably more than a 2 week one.

Bent MOTs are rife though.

Muppet.

[Pericoloso]

Pothole said:

Pericoloso said:

Don't buy it unless.......

It has new tyres to replace the 3mm one ,and of a quality brand.

The track rod end has been replaced.

The seller not getting a fresh MOT on it is ridiculous as a car with 12 months MOT is worth considerably more than a 2 week one.

Bent MOTs are rife though.

Muppet.

Care to explain ?

[Pothole]

Weigh up how likely you are to encounter an ANPR-equipped police vehicle on a 20 minute spin around the block.

Or book the car in for an MOT the day you go to see it and test drive it to the MOT station. If you like it, go ahead with the test, then tax it on your phone when it passes (Its' almost bound to). If you don't, the seller can drive it home dropping you off at the station on the way.

[ATM]

nottaken said:

ATM said:

You've not bought many cars have you?

Correct

If in doubt walk away.

You need to feel right about the car and then the seller and then the deal in that order. Stop thinking about the deal until you feel right about the seller. If you don't feel right about the seller then go elsewhere.

[nottaken]

ATM said:

If in doubt walk away.

You need to feel right about the car and then the seller and then the deal in that order. Stop thinking about the deal until you feel right about the seller. If you don't feel right about the seller then go elsewhere.

I didnt feel any dodgyness when i spoke to him over the phone and he sounded alright. I'll try and speak to him tonight about the tax and MOT and see what he says.

The price has dropped a few hundred quid over the last few days.

[ATM]

nottaken said:

ATM said:

If in doubt walk away.

You need to feel right about the car and then the seller and then the deal in that order. Stop thinking about the deal until you feel right about the seller. If you don't feel right about the seller then go elsewhere.

I didnt feel any dodgyness when i spoke to him over the phone and he sounded alright. I'll try and speak to him tonight about the tax and MOT and see what he says.

The price has dropped a few hundred quid over the last few days.

Some people just don't realise that selling with mot due in 2 weeks is a red flag. He could be a genuine seller and just a bit clueless or not have much spare time. I have a Porsche which is out of mot and has been for over 2 months because I've just not found the time to take it for a test.

Buying with a short mot is still a risk but the car could be fine. I bought an old BMW on Ebay for a laugh. It was due an mot in 5 weeks and I got the car for 600 quid. It only failed on something minor but basically passed - cant actually remember. Turned out to be a great car. The seller's son even found me on the thread below and said his dad sold it too cheap really. Sometimes these deals work out fine and sometimes they don't. Buying a car always involves risk to some degree. That's what makes it fun. Try to enjoy it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Trevor555]

nottaken said:

ATM said:

You've not bought many cars have you?

Correct

I'd suggest paying a little more and buying from a dealer.

You'll at least have some sort of comeback if you have problems early on.

Most dealers ensure their cars are roadworthy.

Find a local dealer to yourself that's been there a while and has a good local reputation.

Buying privately is great if you know what you're doing, but can be a massive risk if you don't.

I've assumed you're not experienced at buying cars, correct me if I'm wrong and ignore my advice.

Failing that, if you've got your heart set on the Civic from this seller, why not tell them to put the price back up by £200 if they'll get the MOT done for you.

[Trevor555]

Pothole said:

Or book the car in for an MOT the day you go to see it and test drive it to the MOT station. If you like it, go ahead with the test, then tax it on your phone when it passes (Its' almost bound to). If you don't, the seller can drive it home dropping you off at the station on the way.

Insurance?

[Pothole]

Pericoloso said:

Pothole said:

Pericoloso said:

Don't buy it unless.......

It has new tyres to replace the 3mm one ,and of a quality brand.

The track rod end has been replaced.

The seller not getting a fresh MOT on it is ridiculous as a car with 12 months MOT is worth considerably more than a 2 week one.

Bent MOTs are rife though.

Muppet.

Care to explain ?

Care to read the MOT blurb properly?

"Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt"

Tell me why the TRE needs replacing.

[Pothole]

Trevor555 said:

Pothole said:

Or book the car in for an MOT the day you go to see it and test drive it to the MOT station. If you like it, go ahead with the test, then tax it on your phone when it passes (Its' almost bound to). If you don't, the seller can drive it home dropping you off at the station on the way.

Insurance?

What about it? My policy covers me to drive any other vehicle TPO with owner's permission. If owner is happy, we're Gucci.

[Pothole]

OP: where is this vehicle?

[aaron_2000]

Roboticarm said:

As above, the car would sell much more easily with a new MOT so the fact the owner hasn't had one is a red flag.
I'd be walking away (not exactly a rare car so another will come up) of agreeing that they will get a new MOT and fix any major issues before handing over the cash

In fairness, some owners just can't be arsed. I sold my V70 commuter car with 3 weeks left because I didn't wanna spend another £35 to sell it when I was just gonna be offered "200£ cahs today.boss", new owner took it to a Halfords centre and it went straight through with an advisory on 2 front tyres.

[Trevor555]

Pothole said:

Trevor555 said:

Pothole said:

Or book the car in for an MOT the day you go to see it and test drive it to the MOT station. If you like it, go ahead with the test, then tax it on your phone when it passes (Its' almost bound to). If you don't, the seller can drive it home dropping you off at the station on the way.

Insurance?

What about it? My policy covers me to drive any other vehicle TPO with owner's permission. If owner is happy, we're Gucci.

Then at least tell the OP to check if their insurance covers them to do the same.

Other than that, I think you're advice on taking it for an MOT is great.

Edited by Trevor555 on Saturday 26th October 20:23

[Pericoloso]

Pothole said:

Pericoloso said:

Pothole said:

Pericoloso said:

Don't buy it unless.......

It has new tyres to replace the 3mm one ,and of a quality brand.

The track rod end has been replaced.

The seller not getting a fresh MOT on it is ridiculous as a car with 12 months MOT is worth considerably more than a 2 week one.

Bent MOTs are rife though.

Muppet.

Care to explain ?

Care to read the MOT blurb properly?

"Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt"

Tell me why the TRE needs replacing.

It's been like that for 2 years.

Get the tight wad seller to replace it, it's a small balljoint ,not expensive.

I did read it properly.