Used car MOT risk
MOT Advisory Cost Checker
MOT history is easy to find. The hard part is knowing whether an advisory is a cheap fix, a negotiation point, or a reason to walk away. These guides translate common MOT wording into plain-English repair risk for UK used car buyers.
Cost bands
Typical UK repair ranges for the advisory wording, including when a simple part can turn into a larger job.
Buyer risk
Clear advice on whether to monitor, negotiate, inspect properly or walk away from the car.
Checks to do
Practical checks you can do at a viewing, plus the garage checks worth asking for.
Common MOT advisory meanings and costs
Brakes
Brake pipe corroded
A corroded brake pipe advisory is one of the more serious MOT notes. It can become a dangerous brake fluid leak and often gets worse quickly on older UK cars.
Typical cost: GBP 120-350 per section, more if multiple lines need replacing
Suspension
Suspension bush worn
A worn suspension bush is common on UK roads. It is not always a deal-breaker, but it affects handling, tyre wear and future MOT risk.
Typical cost: GBP 100-300 per side, depending on whether the bush or full arm is replaced
Tyres
Tyre close to limit
Tyre advisories are common and easy to price. They are not usually a reason to walk away, but they can reveal poor maintenance.
Typical cost: GBP 60-180 per tyre for common cars, more for large wheels or premium tyres
Engine
Oil leak
An oil leak advisory can be minor or expensive. The risk is uncertainty: a cheap gasket and a major engine seal can look similar in a short viewing.
Typical cost: GBP 80-250 for minor gasket leaks, GBP 500+ for awkward engine or gearbox leaks
Structure
Corrosion advisory
Corrosion is the advisory that most often justifies walking away, especially on cheap cars where welding can exceed the car value.
Typical cost: GBP 150-500 for small welding repairs, GBP 800+ for structural or repeated corrosion
Brakes
Brake discs worn
Brake disc advisories are common wear items. They are usually manageable, but repeated brake neglect can point to poor maintenance.
Typical cost: GBP 180-450 per axle for discs and pads on common cars
Suspension
Coil spring corroded
Corroded coil springs are common on older cars. The risk is that a spring can snap later and cause an MOT fail or roadside issue.
Typical cost: GBP 120-300 per spring, often more if top mounts or shocks are also worn
Exhaust
Exhaust corroded
An exhaust corrosion advisory is often manageable, but leaks and emissions-related parts can become expensive.
Typical cost: GBP 80-250 for a section or mounting, more for catalytic converters or DPF parts
Check the car behind the advisory
Enter a registration to see MOT history and common failure patterns for the exact make, model and year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MOT advisory?
An MOT advisory is a warning noted by the tester. The vehicle still passed on the day, but the item may need monitoring, repair or pricing into a used car negotiation.
Are MOT advisory repair costs fixed prices?
No. The cost bands are typical UK guide ranges. The actual price depends on the vehicle, parts quality, labour rate, access and whether related parts also need replacing.
Should I avoid cars with advisories?
Not always. Tyres and wear items can be normal negotiation points, while repeated corrosion, brake pipe issues or unknown leaks deserve a much more cautious inspection.