The dreaded MOT failure. You've taken your car in expecting a pass, maybe with a few advisories, and instead you're handed a list of faults and a repair quote that makes your eyes water. Now you're facing the big question: is it worth fixing, or is it time to scrap? Here's how to make that decision.

What does an MOT failure actually mean?

An MOT failure means your car doesn't meet the minimum safety and environmental standards required for UK roads. Failures are categorised as 'dangerous' (immediate risk, cannot be driven), 'major' (significant risk, fails the test), or 'minor' (should be repaired but doesn't cause failure alone). Understanding which category your faults fall into helps assess the severity and likely repair costs.

How do I decide whether to repair or scrap?

The core calculation is simple: compare the repair cost against your car's value after repairs. If fixing the car costs £800 and it would then be worth £1,200, the numbers might work. If repairs cost £1,500 on a car worth £1,000 even when working, scrapping makes more financial sense. Get a clear repair quote and check your car's approximate value on valuation sites before deciding.

What MOT failures are usually worth repairing?

Minor issues like worn tyres, bulbs, wiper blades, or small brake pad wear are almost always worth fixing - they're cheap and routine. Even moderate repairs like brake discs, a new battery, or suspension components can make sense on a car with remaining useful life. The key question is whether these are isolated issues or symptoms of broader deterioration.

What MOT failures usually mean it's time to scrap?

Structural corrosion is the big one. If your car has failed on rust to the chassis, subframe, or structural mounting points, repairs are typically expensive and may only delay further failures. Severe engine problems, gearbox failure, major electrical faults, or extensive welding requirements often push repair costs beyond the vehicle's value. Multiple simultaneous failures also suggest a car that's deteriorating faster than maintenance can keep up.

Can I get a second opinion on MOT repairs?

Absolutely, and it's often worth doing. MOT test results are standardised, but repair quotes can vary significantly between garages. Get the failure sheet and ask another garage to quote on the specific items listed. Sometimes the difference is substantial. Just ensure any garage you use for repairs is reputable - cheap fixes that don't actually resolve the underlying issues will only mean another failure at retest.

What if I can't afford the repairs right now?

If your car has failed and you can't afford repairs, you have limited options. You cannot legally drive it on public roads (except directly to a pre-booked MOT or to a garage for repairs). You could SORN the vehicle and store it off-road while you save, but this only makes sense if the repairs are worthwhile. For many people in this situation, scrapping the car and using the payment toward alternative transport is the practical choice.

Will a failed MOT affect my scrap value?

MOT status has less impact on scrap value than you might think. Scrap prices are primarily determined by weight and metal content, not roadworthiness. A failed car weighs the same as a passed one. However, if your car has salvage potential - usable parts that could be resold - the specific failures matter more. A car with a good engine but failed bodywork might be worth more for salvage than pure scrap.

Can I drive my car to be scrapped after an MOT failure?

If the failure is classed as 'dangerous,' you cannot legally drive the car at all. For major failures, you can drive only to a pre-booked appointment for repairs or to a pre-booked MOT retest - not for general use. The safest approach with a failed vehicle is to arrange collection rather than attempting to drive it. Reputable scrap services collect failed vehicles free of charge, avoiding any legal complications.

How quickly can I scrap a car that's failed its MOT?

Very quickly. Most scrap services can provide an instant quote online, and collection can often be arranged for the same day or next day. If your car is sitting at a garage that's charging storage, speed matters. Get a quote, accept it, and the vehicle can typically be collected within 24-48 hours. You'll receive payment and a Certificate of Destruction, and the failed car becomes someone else's problem to recycle.

The bottom line

An MOT failure isn't automatically a death sentence for your car. Minor repairs are often worthwhile, and even moderate work can make sense on a vehicle with years of life remaining. But when repair costs approach or exceed the car's value, or when structural issues suggest deeper problems, scrapping is the sensible choice. Get clear numbers for both options, make a decision based on facts rather than emotion, and move forward. Sometimes the kindest thing for an old car - and your wallet - is a dignified retirement.