ZX MOT

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 13 Apr 2004, 21:17

Other half has a M reg ZX advantage 1.4 and is taking it in for an MOT on Wednesday.
Apart from the usual pre-MOT checks, is there anything we should pay particular attention to on the ZX?
This is the first time we have taken it for an MOT!

Unread post by **philhoward** » 13 Apr 2004, 21:44

Rear subframe mountings/bushes seem to be a favourite on ZX's, from looking on here...

arry_b · Unread post by **arry_b** » 13 Apr 2004, 21:48

Front brake balance, handbrake efficiency, handbrake balance.

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 14 Apr 2004, 16:53

Good news is that it passed without problem.
Something of interest: before the MOT we removed the child seat thinking the MOT tester would need access to the seatbelt to inspect it. Apparently this isn't necessary for an MOT pass-the child seat can stay in the car.

arry_b · Unread post by **arry_b** » 14 Apr 2004, 18:12

Nice one Sponix, that first MOT on a new (to you)car is always a bit of a worry. I'm off to my friendly tester later today for my first MOT on the Toyota (see sig).
Wish I was taking the ZX.....

sponix · Unread post by **sponix** » 14 Apr 2004, 21:08

Good luck...!
MOTs are always a bit of a worry. Obviously I wouldn't take a car in *knowing* something was a failure. Most MOTers are OK and do a fair test and make allowances for the age of the car.
However, some take things to extremes. Before the ZX the wife had a Ford Escort. One particular MOT station failed it because of a sticker on a side window, despite the fact it had been there for 5+ years and never caused a problem with MOTs before. It was only a little sticker on the drivers window near the lock thing that pops up, advertising the fact that the car had a coded stereo. The next door neighbour took his car to the same garage last month and guess what? They failed it on a "Car alarm" sticker that had been on the car since new!
Needless to say, if you find an MOT station that does a fair test-stick with them!

Unread post by **philhoward** » 14 Apr 2004, 23:36

My local tester is always very fair - if it's something daft, he knows i'll do it (slight crack in number plate, borderline wiper blades,etc), and is quite happy for me to take an unknown car in for an "£35 assessment" as whether or not it's worth doing it!
Luckily i've been there a few times, so there's no trying to pull a fast one on "false" failures, as he also knows I do all my own work.