There are lots of extra costs that can sneak up on you when buying and running a car.

MOT

• A vehicle’s first MOT is carried out when the vehicle reaches three years old.
• After this a MOT is required on a yearly basis.
• The MOT is a basic safety check and if your car passes the test then it means that everything checked was working correctly at the time of the test.

The costs involved can vary as some garages may offer discounts.

The current (2008) MOT fee is £53.10.

MOT FAILURES

• If the vehicle fails and you leave it at the garage to be repaired there's no extra fee other than the cost of the repair.
• If the vehicle fails on certain items, and you take it away to be repaired, but return to the garage within 24hrs, there's no fee for a re-examination. These items are limited and are listed on the rear of the failure slip which you are given.
• If you take the vehicle away after a failure and either return out with the 24hrs or it has failed on items other than the ones listed on the slip a FULL RETEST fee is applicable e.g. £53.10.

It's an offence to drive on the road if your vehicle does not have a current MOT. The only exceptions are if:

• you are taking it to the testing station for a test which has already been pre-booked.
• taking or returning your car from a motor repairers where a previous arrangement has been made.
• or taking it home after a test failure.

INSURANCE
There are three types of insurance available:

1. Fully Comprehensive.
The most expensive insurance because most possibilities are covered.

2. Third party, fire & theft.
Repairs the vehicle/property you crashed into if it was your fault, but doesn't pay for your vehicle repairs. If your car is stolen or goes on fire then you are covered.

3. Third party, the basic legal minimum.
Repairs other vehicles or property damaged by you.

Costs vary by car and you should call a few insurance companies to get 'quotes'. You will be asked a large number of questions such as:

• your driving history.
• type of policy required.
• make & model of vehicle.
• value & age of vehicle.

The phone directory has a large number of insurance companies listed.

ROAD FUND LICENCE
The 'tax disc' can be bought to last six months or twelve months.

You will need to take your certificate of insurance and MOT (if vehicle is over three years old) along when buying a new tax disc.

As of 1st January 2004 it's the registered keepers responsibility to keep the vehicle taxed or make a SORN declaration if it's off the road. If you do not re-licence or declare SORN, then a penalty of £80.00 will be due (reduced to £40.00 if paid within 28 days).

SORN = Statuary Off Road Notification

If your vehicle was registered before 1st March 2001 the costs are:

Under 1549cc

12 months = £120.00

6 months = £66.00

Over 1549cc

12 months = £185.00

6 months = £101.75

If your vehicle is registered after 1st March 2001 then the duty is related to the vehicle emissions. There are six different bands (based on actual CO2 emissions) and three different groups (Diesel, Petrol & Alternative fuel).

Example:

Band D co2 151-165g/km (petrol)

12 months = £145.00

6 months = £79.75

Changes are planned for 2009 which will increase the tax on vehicles with higher co2 emissions.

Visit the DVLA website below for full details.

SERVICING
A major service carried out at a main dealer can cost around £165.00 on a small car such as a Saxo or Corsa. A minor service will cost around £90. On both of these services there may be additional work required which will increase the final cost. The costs can be reduced if you know a local technician who would do the work, or if you do it yourself you'll only be paying for the parts.

Related Links:

• Association of British Insurers
• Auto Trader
• The DVLA
• RAC
• The AA