Do MOT advisories affect my car's value?
Yes, they can. Since MOT history became free to check online, buyers and dealers look it up before they make an offer. A long list of advisories can give them a reason to offer less, while a clean history helps you hold your price.
Here's what they look at, and what's worth fixing before you sell.
What buyers can see in your MOT history
Anyone with your registration can see, for each test:
- Pass or fail, and the date
- The mileage recorded
- Advisories (items to watch) and any failures or dangerous defects
They can't see who owned the car, but they can spot patterns.
The advisories that worry buyers most
| Advisory | Why it matters to a buyer |
|---|---|
| Corrosion on brake pipes, subframes or sills | Can be costly, and may become a fail |
| Tyres close to the legal limit | An immediate cost after buying |
| Brake discs or pads worn | Another near-term cost |
| Suspension wear, bushes or arms | Knocks, handling and possible future fail |
| Oil leaks | Raises questions about engine health |
| Repeat advisories that were never fixed | Suggests the car hasn't been looked after |
A one-off minor advisory is normal. The same advisory repeated year after year is what makes buyers cautious.
Mileage: the thing everyone checks
Each MOT records the mileage. Buyers look for a steady rise. A reading that goes down, or a long gap with no test, will raise questions. If there's an honest explanation (a replaced instrument cluster, a car laid up), keep the paperwork to hand.
Is it worth fixing advisories before you sell?
As a rule of thumb:
- Cheap and visible fixes are usually worth it: tyres near the limit, wiper blades, bulbs, a missing service.
- Expensive structural work often isn't: you may not get the full cost back in the sale price. Price the car honestly instead and mention it in the advert.
- Always be upfront: buyers will see the history anyway. Mentioning an advisory yourself builds trust.
Part-exchange and MOT history
Dealers check MOT history too, and they price in the cost of fixing any advisories. If your part-exchange offer feels low, the MOT history is often part of the reason. See part-exchange offer too low? Here's what to do.
Check yours before a buyer does
Valu8 pulls your official DVSA MOT history, including advisories and mileage records, alongside free private-sale, part-exchange and dealer estimates. Check my car free
FAQs
Do MOT advisories lower resale value?
They can, especially repeated or costly items like corrosion, brakes or suspension. Minor one-off advisories rarely matter much.
Can a buyer see my MOT history?
Yes. Anyone with the registration can check it free on GOV.UK.
Should I sell a car with a fresh MOT?
A long MOT is a selling point and reassures buyers. If your MOT is due within a month or two, getting it done first can help.
Does Valu8 buy cars?
No. We don't buy, sell or broker cars. All figures are estimates, not offers.