The Link Between MOT History and Car Finance Approval

When applying for car finance in the UK, lenders don’t just look at your credit score and income—they also consider the condition of the vehicle you want to finance. One factor that can influence their decision is the car’s MOT history.

In this article, we’ll explore the connection between MOT history and car finance approval, why it matters, and how you can use this information to your advantage.

Why MOT History Matters to Lenders

An MOT test ensures that a vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. If a car has a poor MOT history, it suggests that the vehicle may be unsafe, unreliable, or expensive to maintain.

For lenders, this poses a risk. They want to ensure the car will hold its value throughout the finance agreement. A vehicle with repeated failures or advisory issues may not be worth financing, as it could break down or lose value too quickly.

How MOT History Affects Car Finance Approval

When lenders assess a car finance application, they typically consider:

• Vehicle age and mileage – Older cars with high mileage and patchy MOT records may be deemed too risky.
• Consistency in MOT results – A history of regular passes indicates the car has been maintained properly.
• Recurring issues – Repeated advisories or failures for the same faults suggest neglect.
• Mileage discrepancies – Inconsistent mileage readings raise red flags for potential fraud.

A car with a strong MOT record is more likely to get finance approval because it demonstrates roadworthiness and reliability.

Benefits of Checking MOT History Before Applying

Before committing to finance, checking a car’s MOT history can save you time and disappointment. By reviewing the history, you can:

• Avoid rejected applications – If the car has a poor record, lenders may refuse finance.
• Negotiate better terms – A clean MOT history can strengthen your application and lead to lower interest rates.
• Spot potential repair costs – Advisories in the history may point to upcoming expenses that affect affordability.

Using a tool like CheckMOT.com makes it quick and easy to view a vehicle’s MOT records before applying for finance.

What to Do If the MOT History Looks Poor

If you find that the vehicle has multiple failures or ongoing advisory issues, you still have options:

• Choose a different car with a stronger record.
• Ask the seller to fix issues before applying for finance.
• Use the history to negotiate a lower price, which may make the car more financeable.

Final Thoughts

The connection between MOT history and car finance approval is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in whether lenders agree to finance your purchase. A well-maintained car with a clean MOT record gives both you and the lender confidence in the deal.

Before applying for car finance, always check the MOT history at CheckMOT.com—it could make the difference between approval and rejection.