This type of program are the same the world over. They are merely an excuse take some cash off you wraped up in a we are only doing this for your own good cover.Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilipA
I purchased a Falcon from NSW which had had its check earlier the same month. When presented it for its RWC in Queensland it failed. The test was done by a mate who was correct in what it was failed on were not minor points and the car was not safe. All this deteroation within a 30 day period and a drive north.
Here in the UK you have a yearly check (MOT) after the car is 3 years old. What is checked is very minor and mainly is centred around emissions. You can have panels falling off the car due to rust and it is not an issue. The problem is that most people only have a mechanic look at their car when the check is due. Then believe that the car is safe to drive for another 12 months without any further maintenance.
It was recently going to be reduced to each second year however a heavy campaign by the motor trade has resulted in it being kept on the existing yearly schedule. Reason for the reduction was that it was not considered to be worth doing so often based on a review of the results of the inspections.
Have worked a dealerships where using the annual check to obtain work on the car is a major part of the profit budget. Set up a seperate bay to do the initial check. Invite the customer in to see the 'horrors' that have been uncovered. Most people have no idea and think anything you show them is really bad and needs instant attention. As they have seen it with their own eyes the work is booked in and done.
Another great selling point of the MOT is that many people are scared of it. The prospect of an MOT drives people into the dealership as they would rather buy a new car than have the MOT done. Strange how that shiny new car become a financial liability and potential death trap a such a young age. This has been drumed into people so much that they think it is normal.
Queensland used to operate a fairly strong roadside checking system which was carried out by the Police and Transport people. They would pick cars out of the traffic and carry out a check then and there or block whole roads and select those they wanted to check. Both these worked well as 95% of cars pulled over failed the test and were repaired or destroyed. Has this been culled?
I was caught by it at about 3 in the morning. Had to present the car within 48 hours to the Transport departments own testing centre. Had been stopped for having rust holes down both sides of the car. When presented they did the RWC check and passed the car. The rust holes were where the chrome trim used to attach to the doors. Attempted to explain this to the police when was stopped however they would not believe me. How often do you see rust holes which are all the same size and in a straight line? Transport department tester thought they were keen to put me in as the car was over 20 years old and it was late at night. Seems they foud a lot of older cars which do not pass the RWC on the road between 1 and 5 in the morning.
