Failed MOT

[GaryPL]

Hello,

Got my car its first MOT test today. Failed on some fraying of the seat belt which the dealership put down as a major/dangerous fault. I'm suspicious that it was a major fault, but beyond that, they wouldn't let me take the car, stating that it had to be repaired before they could let me drive it.

They have quoted nearly £300 for the repair. £300 for some seat belt fabric. Apart from the new MOT rules giving dealerships a chance to get some captive trade, am I being taken for a ride? This price seems a bit steep for the work and parts involved.

Thanks.

 

[MATT RILEY]

They wouldnt let you take YOUR car?

 

[GaryPL]

That's what the receptionist that I spoke to said. Told me it was illegal to drive it. I didn't press the matter in fairness, as I was still getting over the shock of £300 for a seat belt!

 

[BigJase88]

Thats B.S they will let you sign a disclaimer. They can’t keep your car.
I had to sign a disclaimer once at a main dealership to take my car away

 

[MATT RILEY]

Price sounds about right for supplying and fitting a new belt, but they cant keep your car. Once it fails a Mot it is not roadworthy and could be trailered away.

 

[Hag]

Hello,

Got my car its first MOT test today. Failed on some minor fraying of the seat belt which the dealership put down as a major/dangerous fault. I'm suspicious that it was a major fault, but beyond that, they wouldn't let me take the car, stating that it had to be repaired before they could let me drive it.

They have quoted nearly £300 for the repair. £300 for some seat belt fabric. Apart from the new MOT rules giving dealerships a chance to get some captive trade, am I being taken for a ride? This price seems a bit steep for the work and parts involved.

Thanks.

It also depends on when the MOT actually expires. If it doesn’t expire for another 3 days there’s no reason you cant take the car away but usually it can only be driven to a fixed MOT or repair appointment to gain an MOT. Like everything it depends how the dealership have handled you and explained everything too you


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[SRGTD]

This RAC article suggests that if a car fails its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ fault, then it can’t be taken away from the garage.

MOT checklist and guide - how to pass the MOT | RAC Drive

Looking to find out more about MOTs? We've created a truly comprehensive MOT guide, covering every aspect from costs to laws and tips to checklists.

www.rac.co.uk

it’s not clear from @GaryPL ’s original post whether the MOT fail was classed as ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’; the post states ‘major/dangerous’, so both rather than one or the other. If it’s a major fault, then if a car has been MOT’d in advance of the MOT due date (you can get it done up to a month before the due date) I think you’re able to take the car away from the garage who carried out the MOT to get the repairs carried out elsewhere.

@GaryPL; if the dealership who carried out the MOT has maintained your car since new, it’d be worth asking them if they’ll discount their labour rates as a goodwill gesture. Alternatively, if Seat have a price match promise like VW do, it’d be worth getting written quotes from other garages if they’ll do the job cheaper to present to your dealership - you’d need to check the T&C’s of any price match promise, to ensure the written quotes comply with them.

 

[GaryPL]

Thanks all.

The garage said it was dangerous. I'm not entirely familiar with the new rules as I haven't been through a MOT test for something like 5 or 6 years.

As I said, it was just the shock of £300 for a seat belt and my perception of garages being able to use the new MOT rules as leverage to obtain custom.

Edit: it has about 2 weeks until its third birthday.

 

[BigJase88]

This RAC article suggests that if a car fails its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ fault, then it can’t be taken away from the garage.

MOT checklist and guide - how to pass the MOT | RAC Drive

Looking to find out more about MOTs? We've created a truly comprehensive MOT guide, covering every aspect from costs to laws and tips to checklists.

www.rac.co.uk

it’s not clear from @GaryPL ’s original post whether the MOT fail was classed as ‘major’ or ‘dangerous’; the post states ‘major/dangerous’, so both rather than one or the other. If it’s a major fault, then if a car has been MOT’d in advance of the MOT due date (you can get it done up to a month before the due date) I think you’re able to take the car away from the garage who carried out the MOT to get the repairs carried out elsewhere.

@GaryPL; if the dealership who carried out the MOT has maintained your car since new, it’d be worth asking them if they’ll discount their labour rates as a goodwill gesture. Alternatively, if Seat have a price match promise like VW do, it’d be worth getting written quotes from other garages if they’ll do the job cheaper to present to your dealership - you’d need to check the T&C’s of any price match promise, to ensure the written quotes comply with them.

I would say if the original MOT is still valid and has not expired then you could take it away under that original expiry date.

if it has failed it’s MOT and the previous MOT has expired i guess you could always get it towed away.

 

[BigJase88]

Or if they want to play hard ball purchase a seat belt and fit it on their lot. That would please the scumbags

 

[Hag]

I would say if the original MOT is still valid and has not expired then you could take it away under that original expiry date.

if it has failed it’s MOT and the previous MOT has expired i guess you could always get it towed away.

Id have thought towing it away to get a cheaper price may cost more in the long run but I appreciate a £300 bill when not expecting it is unpleasant. If they handle it correctly and explain the pricing etc it always makes it that easier to swallow but a lot of service advisers don’t always have that skill set (from experience and it is a thankless job)


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[GaryPL]

Does anyone have any tips to prevent the new seat belt fabric from fraying? It's happened at the point where it goes through the latch (I.e. where it doubles back on itself). I think it's been slowly fraying, not helped by the fact that the buckle is in a fixed position.

Thanks

 

[andycupra]

i

It also depends on when the MOT actually expires. If it doesn’t expire for another 3 days there’s no reason you cant take the car away but usually it can only be driven to a fixed MOT or repair appointment to gain an MOT. Like everything it depends how the dealership have handled you and explained everything too you


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incorrect. if its failed an MOT for a serious issue that offer safety risk then that applies, not a pass thats 12 months ago, (or in this case never so 3 years)

 

[Hag]

Does anyone have any tips to prevent the new seat belt fabric from fraying? It's happened at the point where it goes through the latch (I.e. where it doubles back on itself). I think it's been slowly fraying, not helped by the fact that the buckle is in a fixed position.

Thanks

Could it be warranty if the cars under 3 years old and the cars causing it to fray


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[Peller]

That's horrific service. I would've told them to shove it as I'd rather take a FPN from the Cops for 'not wearing a belt' before taking the car elsewhere to get a second opinion or repair!

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[Cupra622]

Surely that should be a warranty fix, defective part?

 

[kgp280]

Had to get my seat belt replaced due to it fraying. Check link below. Can’t remember it costing £300 thou’. Replacement was done at a Seat dealership.

Frayed Cupra Seat belt

Just thought I would post this up so that anyone still with a warranty on their Mk3 Leon can keep an eye for a similar fault. My car was 6months out of warranty before I noticed it. Had to pay to get belt replaced. :censored: Did contact Seat, about maybe getting them to contribute to the cost...

www.seatcupra.net

 

[SuperV8]

I would say if the original MOT is still valid and has not expired then you could take it away under that original expiry date.

if it has failed it’s MOT and the previous MOT has expired i guess you could always get it towed away.

No, if its classified as dangerous it is illegal to drive the car on the public road no mater when your MOT is actually due.

This has always been the case - if an MOT tester finds a 'dangerous' issue then it is illegal to drive a 'dangerous' car - the problem now with the 2018 EU MOT rules is the decision is taken away from the MOT tester, so now they have no choice - if they find a defect on the dangerous list.

I would question however that the garage can keep your keys! It's your car, and they are NOT the police!

 

[BigJase88]

No, if its classified as dangerous it is illegal to drive the car on the public road no mater when your MOT is actually due.

This has always been the case - if an MOT tester finds a 'dangerous' issue then it is illegal to drive a 'dangerous' car - the problem now with the 2018 EU MOT rules is the decision is taken away from the MOT tester, so now they have no choice - if they find a defect on the dangerous list.

I would question however that the garage can keep your keys! It's your car, and they are NOT the police!

Surely you are allowed to tow it away?

because thats like being judge and jury. Aye its failed because it’s dangerous mate you can’t take the car away but we will fix it for 1 million dollars........

 

[SuperV8]

No, if its classified as dangerous it is illegal to drive the car on the public road no mater when your MOT is actually due.

This has always been the case - if an MOT tester finds a 'dangerous' issue then it is illegal to drive a 'dangerous' car - the problem now with the 2018 EU MOT rules is the decision is taken away from the MOT tester, so now they have no choice - if they find a defect on the dangerous list.

I would question however that the garage can keep your keys! It's your car, and they are NOT the police!

Surely you are allowed to tow it away?

because thats like being judge and jury. Aye its failed because it’s dangerous mate you can’t take the car away but we will fix it for 1 million dollars........

All I said was it's illegal to 'drive' the car on the public road.
It is also illegal to drive at more than 70mph on the motorway, or drive without your seat belt but many people do.

I also said - "I would question however that the garage can keep your keys! It's your car, and they are NOT the police!"