Garages in some parts of England and Wales are charging motorists up to 60% more for basic MOT and servicing than others, according to a new study by Bookmygarage.com.
Describing this as the postcode lottery of prices, research shows that Newham, in London, is the most expensive area, charging an average rate of £232.92.
In contrast, motorists in Penzance, Cornwall, are paying the cheapest rate in the UK at just £138.93, making a saving of £93.99.
The second cheapest was Caernafon, Gwynedd, where the average cost was £141.91, followed by Bliston in the West Midlands, at £145.05, and St Austell, Cornwall, at £145.50.
Camden, London had the second highest cost at £228.17, followed by Braintree, Essex £225.23, and Horsham, Surrey, £216.39.
Douglas Rotberg, CEO of BookMyGarage.com said:
“Our research shows that unsurprisingly, prices tend to be higher in wealthier parts of the country. There is certainly a link between price and the number of garages in a town – competition drives down prices.
“So it pays for motorists to shop around online to find the cheapest MOT and servicing costs in their area.
“In some towns and cities, motorists are being hit hard by higher labour charges and parts.
“Lamps and reflectors are one of the top reasons for failure, but can cost as little as £10-£50 if motorists fit them. Another top reason for MOT failure is the driver’s view of the road and windscreens that are dirty, or blunt wiper blades can lead to MOT failure.
“A quick check over the vehicle before a MOT can undoubtedly save motorists costs.
“Motorists who use our site can compare MOT and servicing prices and book instantly from a choice of over 8,000 garages.”
The top five most expensive areas for MOT and servicing costs in England and Wales:
| Town/City | Average Cost of MOT & Servicing |
| Newham, London | £232.92 |
| Camden, London | £228.17 |
| Braintree, Essex | £225.23 |
| Horsham, Surrey | £216.39 |
| Tower Hamlets, South East London | £216.24 |
The top five cheapest areas for MOT and servicing costs in England and Wales:
| Town/City | Average Cost of MOT & Servicing |
| Penzance, Cornwall | £138.93 |
| Caernafon, Wales | £141.91 |
| Bilston, West Midlands | £145.05 |
| Saint Austell, Cornwall | £145.50 |
| Diss, Norfolk | £148.17 |
Garages in some parts of England and Wales are charging motorists up to 60% more for basic MOT and servicing than others, according to a new study by Bookmygarage.com.
Describing this as the postcode lottery of prices, research shows that Newham, in London, is the most expensive area, charging an average rate of £232.92.
In contrast, motorists in Penzance, Cornwall, are paying the cheapest rate in the UK at just £138.93, making a saving of £93.99.
The second cheapest was Caernafon, Gwynedd, where the average cost was £141.91, followed by Bliston in the West Midlands, at £145.05, and St Austell, Cornwall, at £145.50.
Camden, London had the second highest cost at £228.17, followed by Braintree, Essex £225.23, and Horsham, Surrey, £216.39.
Douglas Rotberg, CEO of BookMyGarage.com said:
“Our research shows that unsurprisingly, prices tend to be higher in wealthier parts of the country. There is certainly a link between price and the number of garages in a town – competition drives down prices.
“So it pays for motorists to shop around online to find the cheapest MOT and servicing costs in their area.
“In some towns and cities, motorists are being hit hard by higher labour charges and parts.
“Lamps and reflectors are one of the top reasons for failure, but can cost as little as £10-£50 if motorists fit them. Another top reason for MOT failure is the driver’s view of the road and windscreens that are dirty, or blunt wiper blades can lead to MOT failure.
“A quick check over the vehicle before a MOT can undoubtedly save motorists costs.
“Motorists who use our site can compare MOT and servicing prices and book instantly from a choice of over 8,000 garages.”
The top five most expensive areas for MOT and servicing costs in England and Wales:
| Town/City | Average Cost of MOT & Servicing |
| Newham, London | £232.92 |
| Camden, London | £228.17 |
| Braintree, Essex | £225.23 |
| Horsham, Surrey | £216.39 |
| Tower Hamlets, South East London | £216.24 |
The top five cheapest areas for MOT and servicing costs in England and Wales:
| Town/City | Average Cost of MOT & Servicing |
| Penzance, Cornwall | £138.93 |
| Caernafon, Wales | £141.91 |
| Bilston, West Midlands | £145.05 |
| Saint Austell, Cornwall | £145.50 |
| Diss, Norfolk | £148.17 |