13 replies to this topic

[coopertaz]

my mini becomes eligible for historic tax exemption on april1st (no laughing), but re. mot exemption I had it modified to a convertible 20 years ago, it is not a Q plate and the original monocoque was modified, reading gov. guidelines can't work out if this is classed an acceptable modification or not, it only seems to state about fitting a non standard monocoque. other mods that have been done will pass as acceptable or in period. originally aware that if vehicle has been altered 'from standard' then it is not eligible but unable to get clarification. any ideas?

[Gaz66]

Can of worms opening time ☺
Get your popcorn, otters noses and wolf nipple chips here!

[PoolGuy]

Is it registered and insured correctly? If it is then I'd fill in the form at the post office and see what happens. 

[weef]

The DVLA guidelines are always vague when it comes to individual cicumstances but on the surface it would appear your vehicle would not be in the MOT exemption class, as the modifications to the monocoque were carried out 20 years ago.

You can contact the Federation of British Historic Vehicles to see if they can advise on your individual case, but whatever the outcome just because the requirement to submit the vehicle for a MOT test is not required it still has to be roadworthy so really it only comes down to a saving of the test fee.

You could always submit a V112 form when you roadtax next time and see what the response from the DVLA is.

[Quinlan minor]

PM'd you.

[Chris1275gt]

My car being a 1975 is exempt but I still get it MOT’d every year and at around £60 it’s a bargain, should the proverbial hit the fan, as you have proof it was deemed road legal, as Gaz66 says id also be reluctant to open the worm can.

[sonscar]

The MOT does not make it road legal.Some items met the minimum standard at the time it was subjectively looked at by a human.It needs to be kept roadworthy at all times.Of course we all know and do this.Steve..

[PoolGuy]

The MOT does not make it road legal.Some items met the minimum standard at the time it was subjectively looked at by a human.It needs to be kept roadworthy at all times.Of course we all know and do this.Steve..

Always good to get a second opinion on what's 'road worthy' though?

[stuart bowes]

I've always thought of MOTs as something they brought about because of all the totally hopeless car owners who would drive all day long without even noticing they had a flat tyre, or it's pulling violently to one side and they just think ok well ill hold the steering wheel different then lol

Wheras even the most basic level car enthusiast / amateur mechanic will immediately notice a problem and deal with it straight away and keep the thing in good working order

In fact I guess you don't even have to someone who does the work yourself, just be alert enough to realise something isn't quite right and get it looked at

 

there's a guy where I work for example who needed to be told by the MOT man that both track rod ends were shot AND both lower wishbones needed replacing (ball joints bullt in)  seriously that thing must have just been literally all over the place.  makes you wonder 

Edited by stuart bowes, 31 March 2023 - 06:52 PM.

[sonscar]

So,if we were all doing it right there would be no MOT failures?So these dangerous cars are being driven for months with no resulting carnage?Lots of requests for "classic friendly/mates" MOT stations.I am not against MOT but am unconvinced.People still think "years MOT,that means ok till next year"Just my jaundiced view,Steve..

[PoolGuy]

True Steve. For those who thinks it's unusual, put >>>> failed mot site:www.theminiforum.co.uk  into Google.

Edited by PoolGuy, 01 April 2023 - 09:44 AM.

[stuart bowes]

Alright yes I suppose I wasn't really thinking about the full range of things the MOT checks for,

 

I do have sympathy for people who get caught out on things like rust in an unseen place, or a tiny split in a boot that you missed, emissions problems that  weren't visually obvious (or smelly) etc, a slight leak from a shock abosorber maybe..  it's true sometimes there are things that catch you out

 

so yeah I guess MOT's are important in that respect, and I get on well with my MOT man anyway we sit and chat about things that might need doing in the future, he knows I stay on top of things and gives me advice, that's all part of what I mean about being an enthusiast / amateur mechanic, caring enough to read about common issues, listen to advice, put effort in

 

my point was more about the number of times I've heard someone say about failing an MOT and it was something so glaringly obvious that it's surprising they didn't know in advance,  like a hole in the exhaust or brakes weren't working, one tyre was bald, they forgot to check the lamps, etc.  and those people tend to be just average every day people who say things like 'a car's just a car' and 'oh you know it gets me from a to b' etc  (well not if you don't look after it, it doesnt)

Edited by stuart bowes, 01 April 2023 - 10:28 AM.

[bpirie1000]

https://www.gov.uk/g...mption-criteria

This is your guidance.

I think you will be fine. A Mini cabriolet came from factory.

I trust there are no engine suspension or running gear changes.

Either way keep it mini shaped..

[IronmanG]

Mines classed as historic but I take it for a paperless MOT just so they can check it over. Back box has hole in it which will get changed this year.
I would say if you come to sell it it would definitely be worthwhile having an MOT history?