I have a question about a car for sale…

[mrs.smith2012]

Hey all,
So I’m in the process of looking for my first Morris and have found a potential candidate on the classic car forum. Only thing, the ad states that the car is in daily use but when I checked the tax and MOT status it says the vehicle is SORN and there is no MOT history?
I’m completely new to the world of classic cars so I’ve no idea if this would be a flag or not?
I thought I’d ask you guys on here before I question the seller on anything?
Thanks

[svenedin]

An MoT is not a legal requirement for a car that old and not substantially altered but many owners routinely submit their cars for MoT testing (myself included). If I was ever to sell I would always sell with a recent MoT. If the seller is willing to have the car tested and it passes then it is worthy of consideration but without it’s a red flag for me unless it’s being sold for restoration.

Stephen

[Bill_qaz]

If a vehicle is SORN it should not be on the public road daily or anytime. This is regardless of whether its an mot exempt vehicle.
No mot history on an mot exempt vehicle is not unusual but as Stephen said ask for it to be mot inspected or get an inspection by a competent person carried out pre purchase.
An honest seller should have nothing to hide

[ndevans]

How can it be in daily use if it is SORN? That is a red flag to me; either the seller is lying or they are using the car illegally.
Not sure why it says there is no MOT history online either, mine has a full history going back 20yrs online, but then I get mine done every year, and will continue to do so regardless of whether it is a legal requirement.

[mrs.smith2012]

Thanks all, I’m aware that a classic doesn’t require an MOT but on other ads I’ve able to at least view previous MOT history. I’m also aware that a classic is free to tax but you still tax it right? It wouldn’t show up as SORN unless it’s actually been declared off road?
I think you guys have answered my questions. I just wanted to clarify

[TravellerROG]

Yes, you must still tax a Minor for use on the road, but the duty payable is £nil. It can be done online in the normal way, and as the car can be MOT exempt, your only bill would be for insurance.

Personally I think having a fresh set of eyes look over the car once a year is a good way of seeing things which might get missed with familiarity, and the easiest way to do that seems to me to be having it MOT tested.

As always the best advice for purchasing any car is, buy the best you can afford, have it looked over by someone you trust to be thorough and if you have any doubts, walk awa. There are plenty of Minors about, so shop around to find the best one for your requirements.

[mrs.smith2012]

I thought that’s how it worked with tax, I just wanted to clarify.

Hmm okay… tbh although I’m looking for a car I’m not in any mad rush so although this one is a decent price and looks like a nice little car, I think I will hold out. If it was local to me I’d be tempted to take a knowledgeable friend and have a look… but it’s pretty far out so…

[ndevans]

Thanks all, I’m aware that a classic doesn’t require an MOT but on other ads I’ve able to at least view previous MOT history. I’m also aware that a classic is free to tax but you still tax it right? It wouldn’t show up as SORN unless it’s actually been declared off road?
I think you guys have answered my questions. I just wanted to clarify

Correct. If it's SORN then it has been declared SORN and cannot legally be used on a public road.

[mobylette]

Can you point us to the advert so we can have a look?

[mrs.smith2012]

Can you point us to the advert so we can have a look?

I’ll dm you if you like? Wasn’t sure if I should just post it on here as I’m not trying to say it IS dodgy… I’m just very new to this and I wasn’t sure? If it’s acceptable to share it on here though I will

[mobylette]

I can't imagine why there would be problem posting a link to an advert . , but please pm me if you are concerned .

[les]

Well consider the ban on replies on the ‘cars for sale’ section. So the inclusion of an advert for a vehicle in this section, where a reply might be forthcoming, would possibly be frowned upon. I personally think the aforementioned ban is overkill, apparently it’s because some advertisers were offended by some of the replies they got, regarding the cars they were selling.

[mobylette]

I mean, if I put a link here to a car for sale on Ebay for example, what problem would that be?

[mrs.smith2012]

I can't imagine why there would be problem posting a link to an advert . , but please pm me if you are concerned .

I have sent you a pm… just in case did cause issues. For all I know the seller may be on this forum! I wouldn’t want them to think I’m accusing them of being dishonest or something
I’m not, I’m just genuinely confused and wanted to be sure I had read the ad correctly

[les]

I mean, if I put a link here to a car for sale on Ebay for example, what problem would that be?

No problem from my point of view, I was just pointing out the apparent concern this forum has over these matters, I mentioned the ban on replies to justify how it might be viewed.

[mobylette]

I think this was with regard to cars advertised for sale here on the mmoc forum, cannot see why we can't pass fair comment or give genuine advice if requested on cars advertised generally..

[les]

Yes it was, regarding cars adverted here, and maybe in this situation it would be ok. I’m simply considering how it might be viewed by admin. I don’t mind either way,

[mrs.smith2012]

Quite happy to pm anyone who wants to see ad, but you both make a fair point, I’ll refrain from sharing on here just in case!
Appreciate the feedback and the willingness to help

[mobylette]

I have replied to your pm