NCT 30 year exemption !!!

8~)

Dony wrote: »

I'm sickened by this! I've a 1980 merc W107 registered in february.
Can nothing be done about this? :mad::mad:

What's the problem? Are you objecting to the requirement to ensure you drive a roadworthy car?

Landyaddict

8~) wrote: »

What's the problem? Are you objecting to the requirement to ensure you drive a roadworthy car?

Good question that.
I've no problem taking my classic to be tested. I'm just worried how it will be handled by the tester.
You see what they do with a normal car for testing, rev the crap out of it and then out comes the 4 foot crow bar.

Plus, my vehicle specs will NOT be on the NCT computer, thats for sure.

Been an ex MOD vehicle with MOD spec electrics, Lovely.

101sean

With a petrol they shouldn't need to rev it too the limit, it's scary when they do it to diesels though :eek:

Let us know how you get on with the suspension part of the test, my 110 usually has to have a couple of goes before it passes, reckon the test is too sensitive for this sort of vehicle.

PaulK_CCI

As mentioned before, in Holland and most other European countries that carry a tax free Classic Car status, the cars STILL require yearly or bi-yearly Testing!! So I am a bit puzzled as to why everyone is so depressed that only cars older than 1980 will remain exempt from NCT Testing! Personally I think it's a step in the right direction, but I would have rather seen an NCT testing requirement on ALL cars, irrespective of their Classic Car status...

Even though it cannot be denied there is a bit of milking cow attached to the system, ultimately it's all about road safety, not just for the driver and occupants, but also for all other road users too! If you care about your car, you want it to be in good health and mechanically sound. If your car fails because the exhaust is blowing, the shocks are knackered, and there is no thread on your tyres, then you shouldn't be on the road in the first place, wether the car is a classic or not.

Another 'benefit', as is also demonstrated by the Irish Times article recently, that the NCT tends to be an eyeopener on some of the issues that your car may have, that you hadn't been aware of. I mean, if the tester finds a small hole in the chassis or rust on the suspension mount, you would want to do something about it, and you may have caught it well in time, before it starts to get out of control!!

And then finally, NCT testing requirements for ALL Cars including classics, could spell the end for the hopelessly overpriced heaps of junks that everyone is complaining about!! Because if a car would NOT have an NCT certificate, the high asking price would suddenly not be worth the paper it is written on, since a potential buyer would not be able to take it out on the road!!! It would make people think twice about paying a premium for a neglected barn find, knowing that before they can start using it, it would have be NCT Tested!! Cars that would have a certificate, and that owner has looked after, would then deservedly command a higher premium.

mountai wrote: »

for instance

---

If your cars indicators dont work, then they will fail you .If however, your car didnt have indicators fitted ( a lot of early ones didnt ) then they cant refuse you a pass as they are not allowed to test for something that wasnt part of the original car .Same is true with regards to seat belts,mirrors,side repeators etc.

In Holland they resolved this by using the approach that if the car was never fitted with indicator lights, and they are not the car, that's fine. But if auxiliary indicator lights or seat belts front and rear HAVE been retrofitted, they MUST work as they should, so the car could still fill on a faulty indicator light or cracked lens!!!

Landyaddict

101sean wrote: »

With a petrol they shouldn't need to rev it too the limit, it's scary when they do it to diesels though :eek:

Let us know how you get on with the suspension part of the test, my 110 usually has to have a couple of goes before it passes, reckon the test is too sensitive for this sort of vehicle.

The wifes micra and my freelander, both petrol, rev'd to near breaking.
Had problems with the freelander after the test, traded it on.

I'm not looking forward to the test, but as mentioned, it will be an eye opener in more ways than just whats wrong with my 109
How will they handle it.

I'm expecting issues with the leaf springs and the steering and the electrics.
Shes heading to my mechanic next week for a check over.

Landy

8~)

My '84 Mercedes has been tested since the introduction of the NCT and I don't consider it's been mistreated. Granted it's been done at the same test centre and largely by the same people and they some have expressed a respect for the old thing and its condition. Plus they have been helpful, for example when the steering play was near the limit, they gave the benefit of doubt and advised how to improve it.

Landyaddict

I take it you've never driven a series 3 Land rover then.
Steering is vague, ride can be hard, noisey and cold/wet (during the cold/wet weather)

But for me, is a pleasure to drive. I look forward to the weekends.

But as for testing her, I think the list of failures will be very long.

:rolleyes:

8~)

No, haven't driven one but been passengered. Yep, they're basic.

But regarding the NCT, so long as its within the design tolerances it should be fine. Where the data doesn't exist for it they can't test it, i.e. there is no applicable test. They don't care if it's draughty in the cold weather so long as the draught isn't coming in through a rust hole too close to a structural component.

Electrically, so long as you've got a horn, enough lights, wipers and other bits and bobs and the wiring doesn't look like a rat's nest, it should be fine.

gyppo

8~) wrote: »

My '84 Mercedes has been tested since the introduction of the NCT and I don't consider it's been mistreated. Granted it's been done at the same test centre and largely by the same people and they some have expressed a respect for the old thing and its condition. Plus they have been helpful, for example when the steering play was near the limit, they gave the benefit of doubt and advised how to improve it.

+ 1. My W123 was most likely tested in the same place as yours, and I found them to be respectful and professional in their dealings.

Also, if the vehicle is in a roadworthy state, a tester with a crowbar checking for worn balljoints, etc.. would not worry me. It will encounter far more hardship on some of our road surfaces than any nct test centre.

vincenzolorenzo

Money macking racket pure and simple. Dempsey :rolleyes::mad:

spooky donkey

it is a money making racket for sure. 2 years between NCT`s should be enough......

mountai

Could the whingers and the moaners please explain

---

Who exactly is making money out of this?.Go to any decent garage and you will pay 50/100 euro ph.IMHO the charge is a very fair price to pay.The test usually takes 20 mins , take overheads , cost of machinery ,plant , premises etc and I guarantee there isnt much profit left.If the govt wanted to get more TAX, then all they have to do, is demand it at budget time, and we cant do a thing about it .

2cv

I've a question here...
The new yearly NCT for cars over 10 years old will come into effect in April 2011.

The NCT on my Renault 5 expires in May of 2011, so if i get it tested in May, i'll get 12 months NCT. However, as you can have a car tested 3 months before the due date, what happens if i get it tested in let's say March '11? Will i still get the 2 years?

rotorhead

2cv wrote: »

I've a question here...
The new yearly NCT for cars over 10 years old will come into effect in April 2011.

The NCT on my Renault 5 expires in May of 2011, so if i get it tested in May, i'll get 12 months NCT. However, as you can have a car tested 3 months before the due date, what happens if i get it tested in let's say March '11? Will i still get the 2 years?

I dont see why not even up to 31st march. Rules is rules as the say.Problem would be getting a booking I say as there would a rush for the same reason

galwaytt

mountai wrote: »

Could the whingers and the moaners please explain

---

Who exactly is making money out of this?.Go to any decent garage and you will pay 50/100 euro ph.IMHO the charge is a very fair price to pay.The test usually takes 20 mins , take overheads , cost of machinery ,plant , premises etc and I guarantee there isnt much profit left..

...are you for real ? Who is making the money ? The DoE, that's who, and sweetened the pot for themselves with the 10yr rule thing.

You can choose what/if garage to go to, and they do something for the money, and warranty it. The NCT does neither, and if they miss something, they're not going to stand over it either.

I don't need someone who knows less than I about my car to tell me what I know already.

mountai wrote: »

If the govt wanted to get more TAX, then all they have to do, is demand it at budget time, and we cant do a thing about it

If ? I have yet to see a budget where they DIDN'T screw the motorist.

2cv

rotorhead wrote: »

I dont see why not even up to 31st march. Rules is rules as the say.Problem would be getting a booking I say as there would a rush for the same reason

Well the NCT expires on the 11th of May, so i can do it from the 11th of feb. That leaves me 6 weeks... Should be able to find a slot somewhere....

corktina

galwaytt wrote: »

...are you for real ? Who is making the money ? The DoE, that's who, and sweetened the pot for themselves with the 10yr rule thing.

You can choose what/if garage to go to, and they do something for the money, and warranty it. The NCT does neither, and if they miss something, they're not going to stand over it either.

I don't need someone who knows less than I about my car to tell me what I know already.

If ? I have yet to see a budget where they DIDN'T screw the motorist.

well if they ARE making money out of this, what do you think they will be doing with it? SPENDING it on our behalf...given that x amount needs to be raised per annum, if it wasnt raised this way, it would have to be raised another, perhaps higher income tax or VAT...so long as its the same for all of us, its OK by me

stifz

Well my take on it is... Its just increased the value of my 2 motors 74' & a 78'..:D

Dades

2cv wrote: »

The NCT on my Renault 5 expires in May of 2011, so if i get it tested in May, i'll get 12 months NCT. However, as you can have a car tested 3 months before the due date, what happens if i get it tested in let's say March '11? Will i still get the 2 years?

Has it been stated somewhere that existing 2 yr NCTs will be allowed expire - before the 1 yr only rule kicks in?

2cv

stifz wrote: »

Well my take on it is... Its just increased the value of my 2 motors 74' & a 78'..:D

Have you heard of this new thing that's in fashion these days, called the recession?

2cv

Dades wrote: »

Has it been stated somewhere that existing 2 yr NCTs will be allowed expire - before the 1 yr only rule kicks in?

Nope, if you ask me, they can't revoke NCT certs that have already been issued.

Dades

2cv wrote: »

Nope, if you ask me, they can't revoke NCT certs that have already been issued.

That would have been my thought - I'd hoped you'd seen it confirmed somewhere.

Regarding your question, to be honest, I'd say you'd be very lucky to be awarded a 2 year cert by pre-testing a few weeks from the cutoff. But worth a shot!

2cv

Dades wrote: »

That would have been my thought - I'd hoped you'd seen it confirmed somewhere.

Regarding your question, to be honest, I'd say you'd be very lucky to be awarded a 2 year cert by pre-testing a few weeks from the cutoff. But worth a shot!

I always test my cars as early as possible anyway, so indeed worth a shot.

antodeco

My missus did her test last August, 3 weeks before it was due. Her cert was only issued for a year. I didnt realise it until she said it to me last week. Seems very odd to me...

2cv

antodeco wrote: »

My missus did her test last August, 3 weeks before it was due. Her cert was only issued for a year. I didnt realise it until she said it to me last week. Seems very odd to me...

I'd say you could fight that. The new rule doesn't come in till 04/2011.

Dades

antodeco wrote: »

My missus did her test last August, 3 weeks before it was due. Her cert was only issued for a year. I didnt realise it until she said it to me last week. Seems very odd to me...

Tester probably thought she was 11 months late, rather than 3 weeks early. I'd say it's just as common! :pac:
Call them up, pronto.

2cv

Dades wrote: »

Tester probably thought she was 11 months late, rather than 3 weeks early. I'd say it's just as common! :pac:
Call them up, pronto.

You'd think that with modern technology, the NCT internal system can automatically calculate the expiry date of the next NCT cert...
:rolleyes:

Dades

You'll be hoping for a dozy tester come March 2011.

shagman

2cv wrote: »

I'd say you could fight that. The new rule doesn't come in till 04/2011.

I tought it came in 04-10-2010 ??

rotorhead

rotorhead wrote: »

I dont see why not even up to 31st march. Rules is rules as the say.Problem would be getting a booking I say as there would a rush for the same reason

Just looking at this again I think you may be wrong on start date of new scheme
found following on Mr. Dempsey' page

From 1 June 2011 annual testing of cars over 10 years old will commence. Cars over 10 years old will be issued an annual certificate after this date.

manta mad

how can they test cars before 1986 , when they say their data only go,s back to 1986 ?

kja1888

manta mad wrote: »

how can they test cars before 1986 , when they say their data only go,s back to 1986 ?

Data........There is no data!! There's only limits depending when your car was registered new; the newer the car, the tougher the limits. It's quite simple - the brakes, suspension and side slip limits are the same for all cars, except for cars with single-circuit brake systems, where a higher handbrake performance is required.

Pre '80 petrol and diesel cars dont need an emissions test. Pre '94 petrol cars are only tested for CO and HC and only at low idle. The limits for newer petrol and diesel cars get progresively lower.

Dades

Just comparing my emissions test results from my (now departed) 1998 Nissan Primera, and my 1983 '924...

The Nissan was tested at both Low (780rpm) and High (3,130rpm) Idle.
The Porsche was tested at Low Idle only of 1,200rpm.

The CO2 volume results were 0.07% and 1.22% for the Nissan and Porsche respectively - but the FAIL limits are hugely different - 0.5% (Nissan) versus 4.5% (Porsche). So the Porsche would have failed under the Nissan's failure criteria.

The Nissan also had a "Lambda" test to pass under the emissions section, which wasn't there at all for the Porsche.

None of the other computerised parts of the test showed different pass/fail limits.

cmac

Probably a silly question I know but...
If I now buy a pre-1980 car and import it from the UK, will I have to obtain a valid NCT?
To put it another way, when the rules say "first registered...1980" do they actually mean "first registered in this State...1980"?
Called NCTS this morning and after several minutes checking they stated that they did not know the answer and that it was a matter for the Department of Transport. Phoned them and was first told that it was a question for...NCTS! Then they said I needed to talk to someone in "Vehicle Standards" but their extension simply rings out. I was told that there is no industrial action taking place today in the Department, but I have my doubts:)

2cv

cmac wrote: »

Probably a silly question I know but...
If I now buy a pre-1980 car and import it from the UK, will I have to obtain a valid NCT?
To put it another way, when the rules say "first registered...1980" do they actually mean "first registered in this State...1980"?
Called NCTS this morning and after several minutes checking they stated that they did not know the answer and that it was a matter for the Department of Transport. Phoned them and was first told that it was a question for...NCTS! Then they said I needed to talk to someone in "Vehicle Standards" but their extension simply rings out. I was told that there is no industrial action taking place today in the Department, but I have my doubts:)

Defo date of first registration, doesn't matter where. So if you have a 1979 car coming in from the UK, you do not need an NCT.

macplaxton

2cv wrote: »

Defo date of first registration, doesn't matter where. So if you have a 1979 car coming in from the UK, you do not need an NCT.

+1

First worldwide registration date.

cmac

That's a relief:) Sorry to say that I didn't trust the current establishment not to kill he entire classic/vintage car industry!

Dades

I quite surprised nobody could answer that!

Dades

I quite surprised nobody in "authority" could answer that!

unkel

Dades wrote: »

I quite surprised nobody could answer that!

Not sure what your question is? As kja1888 said, pre EURO 93 emission norm cars (without cat) are only tested for CO and HC and only at low idle (750RPM). The limits are 4.5% and 1000ppm respectively. My '86 928 Scored:

CO 0.17
HC 294

And the previous owner NCTd it a few days before I bought it and got:

CO 0.18
HC 177

And just comparing it to a modern car, an '01 Rover 75 1.8 petrol:

Low idle (750RPM)

CO 0.13 (above 0.5% fail)
HC 0 (above 0 fail)

High idle (3090RPM)

CO 0.11 (above 0.3% fail)
HC 40 (above 200ppm fail)
Lambda .998 (must be between .97 and 1.03) (car with no cat has no lambda)

unkel

Or this is maybe a bit more specific

(4) For vehicles first registered before 1st day of October, 1986, the carbon
Emission monoxide content is more than 4.5% at idling speed.
(5) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of October, 1986, up to
31st December, 1993, the carbon monoxide content at idling speed is
more than 3.5%.
(6) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of January, 1994, the
carbon monoxide content at idling speed is more than 0.5%.
(7) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of January, 1994, the
carbon monoxide content at 2,500 R.P.M. or at a speed specified by the
vehicle manufacturer is more than 0.3%.
(8) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of July 2002 the carbon
monoxide ad idling speed is more than 0.3%.
(9) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of July 2002 the carbon
monoxide at 2500 R.P.M. or at a speed specified by the vehicle
manufacturer is more than 0.2%.
Hydrocarbon (H.C.) (10) For vehicles first registered before 1st October, 1986, the hydrocarbon
content at idling speed is more than 1,000 P.P.M.
(11) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of October,1986, up to
31st December, 1993, the hydrocarbon content at idling speed is more
than 750 P.P.M.
(12) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of January, 1994, the
hydrocarbon content at 2,500 R.P.M. or at a speed specified by the
vehicle manufacturer is more than 200 P.P.M.
Lambda (13) For vehicles first registered on or after 1st day of January, 1994, the
lambda value at 2,500 R.P.M. or at the speed specified by the vehicle
manufacturer is not 1± .03 or within the vehicle manufacturers
recommendation.

Linky

BronsonTB

Will this new rule push the value of the pre-1980 cars up as they will never need an nct?

Buying an old car ie 1982 capri & having to NCT it every year is quite an extra financial burdon as they old cars will always needs bits done on top of keeping them ins/taxed on the road. Esp if you only do about 3k a year in it.

carchaeologist

BronsonTB wrote: »

Buying an old car ie 1982 capri & having to NCT it every year is quite an extra financial burdon as they old cars will always needs bits done on top of keeping them ins/taxed on the road. Esp if you only do about 3k a year in it.

Its still work that would have to be done anyway if you look after your car to any degree.Probably means a 1982 capri will be in better shape than 1979 one.
If they stop the rolling 30yr examption for the tax and VRT,then that will **** up everything.

alpina

carchaeologist wrote: »

Its still work that would have to be done anyway if you look after your car to any degree.Probably means a 1982 capri will be in better shape than 1979 one.
If they stop the rolling 30yr examption for the tax and VRT,then that will **** up everything.

+1

Dades

unkel wrote: »

Not sure what your question is?

Didn't have one - was just surprised the NCT center couldn't answer cmac's question.

Rust or Weld

how can you prove your year of manufacture? i have a 1981 car registered in aug 1981 but how can i prove when it was made?

mgbgt1978

I'm afraid the date of manufacture means nothing when it comes to the NCT. They will ONLY use the date of first registration to determine when/if your car is due to be tested.

cian1500ww

This is pure crap, I don't want some tester revving the crap out of my immaculate '82 Datsun Cherry. Last time I brought an old car there, they tore of door panels and damaged the car in ways that were way uncalled for. I wouldn't let them near a classic car.

Rust or Weld

ok thats what i thought but how do you find the date your car was made?

mgbgt1978

If the car has an owners club you could contact them and they might be able to give you a date of manufacture using the chassis number. otherwise your best bet is to contact the manufacturer directly.