Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing First MOT

My 2011 Plus 4 is due an MOT for the first time. Do you think it should be fine to have this done at any MOT centre or would it be better at a Morgan dealer. I am unsure if it is straight forward as in a 'normal' vehicle or if there is any need for a Morgan sympathetic test location. Any advice is appreciated.
Peter

I would take it to a centre that knows Morgans if the MOT's on my current 2009 car are anything to go by. The previous owner had Quickfit do one of them and it came with a list of advisories.

There were wood panels hiding the underneath of the car so a full inspection could not take place.

The handbrake did not work correctly...the ratchet release did not work.

The tyres contacted part of the chassis on full lock.

I'll be taking it to a dealer recommended MOT centre myself!

hi there,
I think I took the Aero 8 to my local Halfords a few years ago and they weren't able to undertake one of the tests - forgot which one. I now go to local garage and they are fine - also do all services (first one took them ages!!!)
peter

I always took Woodstock to the local test centre.

Yes, I would agree....choose wisely.

Some test places just don't know what to make of the trad Morgans.

I use my local classic car service garage. They aren't 'official' Morgan service agents, but thankfully they know Morgans inside out, as they are Morgan enthusiasts.

Try asking around other Morganeers in your area.

Same gargage for years it used to have an elderly chap in . The first time I took it he said " thats the first time I have had to wash my hands to do an MOT " . The lad in now is starting to learn the Christian names of the nuts bolts and washers .

I've been taking mine to the same place for years, although they are generally pretty good they still make mistakes. Last year they tried to fail it because it didn't have a working steering lock, claiming that this was now a requirement since 2012. I checked and it only applies to cars manufactured after 2001 IIRC.

This year I'm going to use the on-line test manual to double check everything before I take it in.

I would use a Morgan dealer, you may find your insurance (if you have an agreed value policy) requires a certificate of value to be completed so there will be restrictions on who could do this and an agent should complete this for you FOC if they are doing the MOT, its also good to build a relationship with an approved dealer.

Thank you all for the advice. I have found an MOT garage that has a lot of experience with Morgans so hopefully it will be fine.

I have my MOT done by BHM at the same time they do an annual service, plus every three years or so they do a valuation for the insurance. I've never had any problems, probably because they know Morgans inside out.