NCT Test Centers

[BrianF]

Of any of you that have put more than 1 car through the test, have you seen any pattern emerging?? I have.

There are 2 Testcenters near me. TestCenter No.1 has 1 lane and is so busy that they let a lot of cars through that testcenter No.2 wouldnt. Their failure rate is much lower because they are so busy.
I've put a car through Testcenter No.2 (it Failed on 4 minor points) but I didnt get a chance to do anything else with it before it went through Testcenter No.1 - Guess it passed!! I know where they will be going from now on!!

Any similar Stories??

I have an old Series 2 RSTurbo Escort too that I want to get tested. The problem is that the bulkhead is a little bit rusty where the battery sits, and the valance is quite rusty (Although not too rusty yet thank fcuk) - I have a Strut brace to put into the car, and I intend to strip the front of the car to try to repair it by welding it back together (by a qualified Welder) and repainting it. Anybody know id I am pi$$ing up a downpipe trying to get it through??

[BeCos]

I was talking to a friend on Saturday, a mechanic, who told a similar story. He put his wifes car, an 89 Micra through although he knew he had an oil leak and it needed some rubber bushes. He figured doing the gearbox seals would be a bitch so it might be worth chancing. They took the car in to test centre 1 and in about 10-15 mins said it was ok.

He then brought his own car to a different centre. Its a Calibra 16V with very low mileage and it is bodily and mechanically 100%. They spen nearly an hour looking throgh every nut and bolt and probing with maglites, testing this checking that etc. The guy even opened the coolant bottle (a safety issue) which was obviously at the correct level. But the car was very hot and it spewed water everywhere. This guy obviously hadn't a clue. Well the car passed with no problems but the difference between the standard of both centres was amazing!!