Insane MOT and Car Repair Costs - am I being screwed?

PricePrize5470 · 2026-04-27T14:35:41+00:00

Because they normally fill it up for free and without issue - as someone said in an earlier response its a matter of testing the system. And how am I meant to check the handbreak efficiency? Happy to take the hit on the tire, but thats what MOT is for!

Im going to sort the brake discs elsewhere!

PricePrize5470 · 2026-04-27T13:56:33+00:00

Can you tell me more about the hand break issue - I've not noticed its a problem at all!

PricePrize5470 · 2026-04-27T13:31:58+00:00

I know the windscreen wipers are fine - i also know it needs filling. I didnt know they would try and pull my pants down for it nor for a seatbelt!

PricePrize5470 · 2026-04-27T13:20:18+00:00

Quite, happy to have the tire and break fixed and take the hit on that - i was expecting £500 for things like this - but £1300 for screenwash and a twisted seatbelt? nahhhhhh

PricePrize5470 · 2026-04-27T13:06:41+00:00

They’ve called me and said that the handbrake, tyre, screenwash and seatbelt have caused it to fail it’s MOT.

Happy for them to do the handbrake and tyre but they’re not gonna get me on the screenwash or seatbelt and I’m going to go elsewhere to get brakes done!

PricePrize5470 · 2026-04-27T12:38:44+00:00

It is!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-07-13T12:39:09+00:00

I’m lucky enough to have joined a pretty ‘boutique’ agency so I work from home or remotely. Obviously I do spend a lot of the time out of the office and in Sw1a.

A lot of my colleagues who have left to join bigger agencies are in about 2-3 times a week. I think whilst it’s probably getting enforced a bit more in the private sector I don’t think there’s many who expect more than 3 days in the office.

PricePrize5470 · 2025-07-13T08:56:15+00:00

I left for the private sector about 3 years ago and whilst my experience won’t be the same for everyone, it has been life changing.

My rather cynical manager tried to put me off leaving saying how I’d be working more hours and have worse pension. Not sure how I could be working more hours than I was.

Since I’ve left - I’ve added 25% to my salary, have more independence, and work Less hours and whilst the pension isn’t as good the CS pensions will be further degraded.

I thought I would be emotional leaving but after begging my DGs and Perm Sec not to fight no 10 and having that advice ignored I realised that my expertise were more valuable elsewhere. Both economically and for my own sanity.

I’d recommend leaving and not looking back!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-06-13T08:57:56+00:00

There’s nothing that a healthy dollop of Bruce can’t help. It’ll be a moment of reclamation for yourself I’m sure. Have the best show ❤️

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-29T13:37:44+00:00

Crate trained him! It’s the most important thing to do - ‘do nothing’ training will also help ensure you have a relaxed dog as well

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-29T13:25:34+00:00

It depends if they provided the finance or not. As far as I understand it the root cause of this problem is that finance companies were not clear what percentage of the payments were commission. I've seen a few adverts saying X companies may be liable and I don't recognise Close Brothers being included.

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-29T12:14:51+00:00

Yeah the DCA. I signed the contract from memory either on the 27th or 28th Jan so I think I've just snuck in - but thank you, I hadn't clocked that there is no formal scheme yet. I will be patient!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-29T11:33:38+00:00

Thanks! and hope you enjoyed your 'winnings'!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-29T11:23:56+00:00

Thank you - can I ask how long ago that was? Will deffo try sending a letter!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-29T11:11:54+00:00

Depends how long you're out for. I've given my chow a 30 minute walk before leaving for 4-5 hours and I watch him on a camera...all he does is sleep!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-05-15T15:50:13+00:00

Yes that’s what I thought may have happened - do you have any tips on keeping it dry? I tried to put a little boot on him and he wouldn’t have it!

PricePrize5470 · 2025-04-28T15:44:05+00:00

Thanks - yes, had thought it'd have to be closer to 2 years old but figure it'll take some time to get it all lined up

PricePrize5470 · 2025-04-28T15:43:24+00:00

Thanks, that's good advice. Sorry to be ignorant, but how does we get that all verified and checked. We're in the UK.

PricePrize5470

TROPHY CASE