When buying or selling a used car in the UK, MOT history plays a major role in determining value. While mileage, age, and condition are the biggest influencers, MOT results can significantly affect a vehicle's depreciation curve—sometimes more than drivers realise. Understanding how MOT outcomes impact long-term value can help you plan maintenance better and avoid unnecessary financial loss.

For quick checks of your MOT history, you can use CheckMot.com.

How MOT Results Impact Resale Value

A clean MOT pass signals that a vehicle is roadworthy, safe, and properly maintained. Buyers often interpret a strong MOT history as evidence that the owner takes good care of the car. This trust can translate into a higher resale value.

On the other hand, an MOT failure—especially for safety-critical components like brakes, suspension, or tyres—can raise concerns about hidden issues. Vehicles with multiple past failures tend to depreciate faster because buyers fear costly repairs.

Even advisories can affect value. A long list of advisories may not immediately fail the car, but they indicate components nearing the end of their lifespan. Potential buyers usually negotiate the price down accordingly.

Why Consistent MOT Passes Slow Depreciation

Vehicles with a history of consistent passes tend to hold their value better. This is because:

• Predictable maintenance reassures buyers.
• Fewer repairs mean lower long-term costs.
• Documented safety increases desirability.
• Strong MOT history is often required by reputable dealerships.

A well-maintained vehicle with ten years of clean MOT passes will almost always sell for more than a similar vehicle with failures or major faults recorded.

Common MOT Fail Issues That Speed Up Depreciation

Some MOT failures have a larger impact on depreciation than others. These include:

• Brake system issues
• Suspension wear
• Corroded structural components
• Tyre defects
• Emission failures

These issues suggest the car may have been poorly maintained or driven in harsh conditions. Buyers may assume the worst and lower their offer accordingly.

How to Protect Your Vehicle’s Value Using MOT Results

1. Address Advisories Quickly

Fixing advisories soon after the MOT helps prevent them from turning into failure-worthy issues.

2. Keep Maintenance Records

Pairing MOT results with receipts creates a trustworthy service history.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Repairs Before Selling

Regular maintenance throughout ownership is more convincing than rushed pre-sale fixes.

4. Use MOT History to Plan Preventative Care

Checking past patterns helps you anticipate future repairs and avoid failures that hurt value.

FAQs

Does a single MOT failure reduce my car's value?

Yes, especially if it relates to safety-critical components. However, fixing the issues promptly and keeping future MOTs clean can minimise the impact.

Do MOT advisories affect depreciation?

They can. A long list of advisories suggests upcoming repair costs, which buyers factor into negotiations.

Can a strong MOT history increase value?

Absolutely. Buyers often pay more for vehicles with clean, consistent MOT records.

Where can I check my MOT history?

You can check it quickly at CheckMot.com.