My car was booked in for a recall yesterday - possible fault with the heating harness. Obviously it had to go into the local agency for Vauxhall (GM). However, its annual MOT was due on the 23rd so it had been booked in a nationally advertised discount company which also sells tyres - this was on the 22nd.
It failed its MOT due to an oil leak which I had not noticed. I was surprised and also annoyed when the young man proclaimed loudly when asked for an analysis :"We do not work on engines and yours is 11 years old!" Basically he was quite rude and "no respecter of persons". I paid my discounted fee and drove home.
Yes the vehicle is 11 years old but has covered fewer than 50,000 miles (must give it a long run one of these days). It has done fewer than 1000 miles between MOT tests.
Imagining a huge bill on the horizon, I 'phoned the main agent. Should I cancel their appointment or not? They suggested I book another MOT with them for the same day as the service replacement yesterday and let them look at things. I agreed and took the vehicle in; a friend gave me a lift home.
Later they rang me. "Your vehicle has now passed its MOT."
I did not know, now, what to expect. "What did you have to do?" I asked.
"Well. to be certain we steam-cleaned the engine bay and then ran the engine for a while. Then we road-tested the vehicle, brought it back and tested everything. There is nothing wrong at all but we have to make a charge - £27.50."
I nearly fell over it was cheaper than the "discount" price it been given at the "MOT and tyres" place!! I commented on this.
"Yes sir; always beware of the 'bulb changers'" was his final remark.
I shall call to see the manager of the tyres establishment in the next day or so to claim a refund. If unsuccessful I shall go further up their ladder!
I shall remember that phrase 'bulb changers' and avoid all such places like the plague in future!