Do the arithmetic first
Take the repair quote, add the next twelve months of likely costs, and compare it against what the van would be worth once repaired. If the repair bill is close to or above the repaired value, selling as-is is almost always the better outcome.
Usually worth fixing
These are typically modest bills that restore full value.
- Tyres, wipers, bulbs and washer jets
- Brake pads and discs
- Exhaust sections and emissions faults
- Suspension bushes and drop links
- Number plate and lighting defects
Usually not worth fixing on an older vehicle
These commonly exceed the value of a high-mileage vehicle.
- Structural corrosion in the sills, chassis or subframe mounts
- Head gasket failure or major engine work
- Automatic gearbox replacement
- Widespread braking and suspension failure at once
- Airbag or ABS module faults on an older platform
Can you drive a failed vehicle?
Only to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs, and only if it is roadworthy and insured. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect is an offence regardless of the MOT status. If yours has a dangerous defect, do not drive it — have it collected.
Selling after a failure
You can sell a van that has failed its MOT. Declare the failure items honestly — with us they are inputs to the price, not something to hide, and the offer is built around them.
Common questions
- Will you buy a van that failed its MOT?
- Yes. It is one of the most common reasons people contact us.
- Do I need to get it retested?
- No. Sell it exactly as it is.
- Does an advisory matter?
- Advisories do not stop a sale. Tell us what they say and we will factor them in.