What does MOT advisory mean?
MOT advisory means an issue was noted during an MOT test that doesn't cause the test to fail but may need attention in the future. Advisories are recorded on the MOT certificate and remain part of the vehicle's MOT history. They indicate potential problems that should be monitored or repaired before they become more serious.
Why MOT advisory matters to buyers
Future repair costs
MOT advisories indicate issues that may require repair in the future. While they don't cause test failure, they can develop into more serious problems that require costly repairs. Understanding advisories helps you assess potential future maintenance costs.
Vehicle condition
Advisories provide insight into the vehicle's condition and maintenance history. Multiple advisories or recurring advisories may indicate the vehicle hasn't been well maintained or has underlying issues that need attention.
Negotiation leverage
Advisories can be used as negotiation points when purchasing a vehicle. If a vehicle has advisories that will require future repairs, you may be able to negotiate a lower price to account for these potential costs.
Safety considerations
While advisories don't cause test failure, they may indicate safety-related issues that should be addressed. Some advisories may develop into safety concerns if not addressed, affecting the vehicle's safety and reliability.
What MOT advisory indicates
MOT advisories are issues noted during an MOT test that don't meet the threshold for failure but are recorded for future reference. They indicate components or systems that may need attention, monitoring, or repair in the future.
Advisories can cover various issues, including wear on brake pads, minor corrosion, tyre condition, suspension components, or other systems. They are recorded on the MOT certificate and remain part of the vehicle's official MOT history, accessible through vehicle history checks.
While advisories don't prevent a vehicle from passing its MOT test, they provide valuable information about the vehicle's condition and potential future maintenance needs. Reviewing advisories over time can help identify patterns or recurring issues that may indicate underlying problems.
What to check before buying a car with MOT advisories
- Run a vehicle history check to review all MOT advisories over time
- Check if advisories are recurring, which may indicate underlying issues
- Assess the severity of advisories and potential repair costs
- Verify whether advisories from previous tests have been addressed
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, paying attention to advisory items
- Consider the impact of advisories on future maintenance costs
- Use advisories as negotiation points if they indicate significant future costs
- Review the complete MOT history to identify patterns or recurring issues
How a vehicle history check helps
A vehicle history check provides official records from UK databases, including complete MOT history with all advisories recorded at each test. This helps buyers identify advisories, assess their severity, and track whether they have been recurring or addressed over time.
Sellers may not always disclose MOT advisories, or may be unaware of their significance. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources, helping buyers understand the vehicle's condition and potential future maintenance needs before purchase.
What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show
- MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
- Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
- Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
- Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
- Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
- Keeper changes and number of previous owners
- Registration plate changes and vehicle identity verification
Frequently asked questions
Do MOT advisories cause test failure?
No. MOT advisories do not cause test failure. They are issues noted during the test that don't meet the failure threshold but may need attention in the future. The vehicle can still pass its MOT test with advisories.
Do I need to fix MOT advisories?
MOT advisories don't legally require immediate repair, but they indicate issues that may need attention. It is advisable to address advisories before they develop into more serious problems that could cause future MOT failure or affect safety.
How can I check MOT advisories?
You can check MOT advisories by running a vehicle history check that includes MOT history. The check will show all advisories recorded at each MOT test, allowing you to review the vehicle's condition over time and identify any recurring issues.
Do MOT advisories affect value?
MOT advisories can affect value if they indicate significant future repair costs. Multiple advisories or recurring advisories may reduce a vehicle's value, as buyers will factor in potential repair costs. However, minor advisories typically have minimal impact on value.
Can advisories become failures?
Yes. If advisories are not addressed, they can develop into more serious issues that cause MOT failure in future tests. It is advisable to address advisories before they become failures to avoid the cost and inconvenience of test failure.
What should I do if a car has MOT advisories?
If a car has MOT advisories, review them to assess their severity and potential repair costs. Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, paying attention to advisory items. Consider the impact on future maintenance costs and use advisories as negotiation points if they indicate significant future expenses.