Car with MOT gap due to going to Ireland??
Discussion
I have been looking at a Mercedes E class online.
Once I researched the vehicle there was a 5 year MOT gap. The seller says this is because some were done in Ireland and the vehicle returned to the UK in 2020.
Is there a way for me to check this? And is this vehicle now classed as an Import?
Once I researched the vehicle there was a 5 year MOT gap. The seller says this is because some were done in Ireland and the vehicle returned to the UK in 2020.
Is there a way for me to check this? And is this vehicle now classed as an Import?
Thanks for your reply. Yes it was originally supplied to the UK and on asking the garage that's selling the vehicle has the MOT's for while it was in Ireland. However have only got record of one service done independently in 2017 with the MOT and the vehicle is on 120k. They have just serviced it but do have numerous records and receipts for repairs and work done. Just nothing regards oil change or service.
Should I stay clear? The vehicles at a reputable garage. However the service history is now making me think twice.
Should I stay clear? The vehicles at a reputable garage. However the service history is now making me think twice.
How old is it and how much is the asking price?
If there is no evidence of a proper service history that could explain the paperwork for numerous repairs, ie don't bother to service and wait for it to go wrong.
If it is a diesel ideally it should be serviced once a year to maintain the warranty, depending on age, or every 15k ish miles, whichever comes first.
At 120k it should have had at least 8 services, so it could be missing 7. With the proper service schedule 120k should not be an issue, but if you want to sell you might find it difficult unless you can get it for a knock down price yourself.
Are the garage prepared to put a worthwhile warranty of the car?
Personally based on just the one service, if that is correct I would look for something else.
If there is no evidence of a proper service history that could explain the paperwork for numerous repairs, ie don't bother to service and wait for it to go wrong.
If it is a diesel ideally it should be serviced once a year to maintain the warranty, depending on age, or every 15k ish miles, whichever comes first.
At 120k it should have had at least 8 services, so it could be missing 7. With the proper service schedule 120k should not be an issue, but if you want to sell you might find it difficult unless you can get it for a knock down price yourself.
Are the garage prepared to put a worthwhile warranty of the car?
Personally based on just the one service, if that is correct I would look for something else.
Just to clarify, was it in Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland?
If Northern, its registration has never left the UK so never had to return. If Republic, it would have been registered there and done NCTs before returning.
I don't know much about the NCT system, but can tell you that the Northern Irish MOT system is different to GB in that it's not conducted by private companies, rather by a collection of test centres. The MOT results do not appear on the DVLA website but it is the same thing and is nothing to worry about.
With service history, I'd be inclined to assume it has had services at that age and mileage, although it's strange the paperwork is gone since there's other paperwork. So nothing can be sure.
It's worth being careful and checking the car thoroughly and only buying it if it's significantly cheaper than one with service history
If Northern, its registration has never left the UK so never had to return. If Republic, it would have been registered there and done NCTs before returning.
I don't know much about the NCT system, but can tell you that the Northern Irish MOT system is different to GB in that it's not conducted by private companies, rather by a collection of test centres. The MOT results do not appear on the DVLA website but it is the same thing and is nothing to worry about.
With service history, I'd be inclined to assume it has had services at that age and mileage, although it's strange the paperwork is gone since there's other paperwork. So nothing can be sure.
It's worth being careful and checking the car thoroughly and only buying it if it's significantly cheaper than one with service history
The old mantra of buy on condition is probably worth bearing in mind as long as the price reflects what you get and recognises the fact it might be more difficult to sell on without a verifiable service history.
If you intend to keep it long term and the car looks ok, go for it, they are good for big mileages.
If you intend to keep it long term and the car looks ok, go for it, they are good for big mileages.
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