Yes, you can sell a car without an MOT in the UK. It is perfectly legal, and thousands of vehicles change hands every year without a valid test certificate. Whether your MOT has expired, your car has failed its test, or it has never been tested, you have options. We buy cars without MOT of any kind and pay cash the same day.
Is It Legal to Sell a Car Without MOT
There is no law preventing you from selling a vehicle that does not have a current MOT certificate. The legal requirement is on the person driving the vehicle on public roads, not on the act of selling it. A buyer can purchase a car without MOT, but they cannot legally drive it on the road until it passes a new test, unless they are driving it directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment.
This means you can sell your car privately, to a dealer, or to a car buying service regardless of its MOT status. You are not required to get the MOT done before selling, and no penalty applies to the seller for completing the transaction.
Failed MOT vs Expired MOT — Does It Matter
Both situations are common, and we buy vehicles in either case. However, they can affect the price differently:
- Expired MOT: The previous test may have been a pass, and the car could be in perfectly good condition. It simply needs booking in for a new test. Buyers tend to view this more favourably because the car might pass without any work.
- Failed MOT: The test identified specific faults. Minor advisories might cost very little to fix, while major failures like structural corrosion, brake issues, or emission problems can be expensive. The nature of the failure affects the value significantly.
- Never tested: Imported vehicles, kit cars, or vehicles that have been off the road for an extended period may never have had a UK MOT. These can still be sold, though the buyer takes on more risk.
When you request a free valuation from us, be upfront about the MOT status. If the car has failed, mention the key reasons. This helps us give you the most accurate price upfront and avoids any surprises at collection.
How Much Less Is a Car Worth Without MOT
The impact on value depends entirely on why the MOT is missing. A car with an expired MOT but no known faults might be worth only slightly less than the same car with a valid certificate. The buyer simply factors in the cost of a new test.
A car that has failed on serious items will see a larger reduction. The buyer needs to account for the repair costs to bring it back to a testable standard. Common expensive failures include:
- Structural corrosion (particularly on subframes and sills)
- Brake system faults (discs, calipers, lines)
- Suspension damage or excessive wear
- Emission failures on diesel vehicles (DPF or catalyst issues)
- Steering rack or power steering faults
Even with these issues, your car still has value. Parts, scrap metal, and salvageable components all contribute. We make offers on vehicles regardless of condition because we have the facilities and trade network to process them efficiently.
Your Options for Selling a Car Without MOT
Get the MOT done first
If the car is likely to pass, getting a fresh MOT before selling could increase its value by more than the test fee. However, if it fails, you are then faced with repair costs or selling it as a failure anyway. This option involves risk and effort.
Sell privately
You can list a car without MOT on classified sites, but expect fewer enquiries and lower offers. Private buyers are generally more cautious about vehicles without a current test, and arranging viewings and test drives becomes more complicated when the car cannot be driven legally.
Sell to a car buying service
This is typically the fastest and simplest option. We collect the vehicle from your location at no charge, handle all the paperwork, and pay you the same day. There is no need to arrange an MOT, no advertising costs, and no waiting for a buyer. Get your free valuation to see what your car is worth today.
Scrap the vehicle
If the car has reached the end of its useful life, scrapping is an option. However, scrap values are usually lower than what a car buying service will offer, because we consider the vehicle’s value beyond just its metal weight. Always compare a scrap quote against a proper vehicle valuation before deciding.
Why We Buy Cars Without MOT
We buy vehicles in all conditions, including those without MOT. Our business model is built around purchasing cars and vans that owners want to move on quickly, regardless of their test status. We have trade relationships and processing capabilities that allow us to find value in vehicles that individual buyers might avoid.
Whether your car needs a minor repair to pass or is beyond economic repair, we will make you an offer. There is no obligation, and the valuation is completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car to you without MOT?
No. A vehicle without a valid MOT cannot be driven on public roads except to a pre-booked MOT test. We provide free collection from your home or any other location, so there is no need to drive it anywhere.
Do I need to tell you why the MOT failed?
Yes, please. Being accurate about the reason for failure helps us give you the most realistic price upfront. If you are unsure, check your MOT history online using the DVLA service — it lists all previous test results and advisory items.
Will you buy a car that has been off the road for years?
Yes. We buy vehicles that have been SORN, sitting on driveways, or stored in garages for extended periods. Condition varies widely with these vehicles, so describe it as accurately as you can when requesting a valuation.
Is the price lower for a car without MOT?
Not necessarily. If the car is in good mechanical condition and the MOT has simply expired, the difference may be minimal. Cars with significant MOT failures will reflect the cost of repairs in the offer, but we still pay competitive prices. Get a free valuation to find out.
If your car has failed its MOT and you want to sell quickly without paying for repairs, see our dedicated sell your MOT failure service for a guaranteed offer with free collection.
