MOT – Figaro fails because they tested on ‘Year of Import’ and not ‘Year of Manufacture’
In summary For UK MOT standards
The date of first use is as defined in Regulation 3. For the purpose of these Regulations, the date on which a motor vehicle is first used is; (iv) ‘A vehicle which has been used on roads outside Great Britain before being imported into Great Britain; so in the case of the Figaro they were all made in 1991‘ (the exact date can be checked on the VIN on the below link).
The V5 can be used as further evidence it shows both the Date of first registration and the date of first UK registration. However, it’s worth noting that these are often both set incorrectly when first registered in the UK!
This can be corrected by contacting the DVLA Click here
Therefore the test should be based on the below, due to the age being pre-August 1992 there is no need for a Catalytic converter
References:
- Details of Date of First Use: Click here
- DVSA Emission Standards: Click here
- MOT Inspection Manual: Click here
- Manufacture date from VIN: Click here
Emissions
If a vehicle first used before 1 September 2002 is fitted with an engine that’s older than the vehicle, you must test it to the standards applicable to the engine. The vehicle presenter must have proof of the age of the engine. If a vehicle first used on or after 1 September 2002 is fitted with a different engine, you must test it to the emissions standards for the age of the vehicle.
Thanks to Brian Crockett and Simon Smith for help with this subject