If you're buying a used car, you've probably wondered whether a long list of MOT advisories is something to worry about. While many advisories are minor, others can indicate a vehicle that hasn't been properly maintained. The truth is that there isn't a magic number of advisories that automatically makes a car a bad purchase. What matters far more is the type of advisory, whether it keeps appearing year after year, and whether previous issues have actually been repaired. Before buying any used vehicle, it's worth checking its complete MOT history to see whether advisories have been resolved or ignored over time.
What Is an MOT Advisory?
An MOT advisory is a warning issued during an MOT test to highlight components that are worn, deteriorating or likely to require attention in the future. Unlike an MOT failure, an advisory does not stop a vehicle from passing its MOT. However, it does provide valuable information about the vehicle's condition. If you're unsure exactly what advisories mean, read our guide to What Are MOT Advisories?.
Common advisories include:
- Tyres nearing the legal tread limit
- Brake discs showing wear
- Slight oil leaks
- Corrosion beginning to develop
- Suspension components showing wear
- Minor exhaust deterioration
Many vehicles receive one or two advisories during their lifetime, particularly as they get older.
Is One MOT Advisory a Problem?
Usually not. A single advisory for something like a tyre approaching its wear limit or light surface corrosion is fairly common. If the issue is repaired before the next MOT and never appears again, it generally isn't a cause for concern. Whenever possible, ask the seller whether advisory items have been repaired and request invoices or service records as evidence.
How Many Advisories Are Too Many?
There is no official limit. Instead, consider these general guidelines:
- 0–2 minor advisories – Usually nothing to worry about.
- 3–5 advisories – Worth investigating further.
- Several safety-related advisories – Higher risk.
- The same advisory appearing year after year – Significant warning sign.
A vehicle with six minor advisories may actually be a better purchase than one with two recurring brake or suspension advisories. The quality of the advisories matters far more than the quantity.
The Biggest Red Flag: Recurring Advisories
One of the clearest signs of poor maintenance is when the same advisory appears on multiple MOT tests.
Examples include:
- Brake pipe corrosion
- Suspension arm wear
- Tyre wear
- Oil leaks
- Exhaust corrosion
Recurring advisories often suggest previous owners delayed repairs until they became unavoidable. For example, recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories may eventually become expensive repairs or even MOT failures if left untreated.
Advisories That Should Make You Investigate Further
Some advisories deserve closer attention than others. These include:
- Brake pipe corrosion
- Excessive corrosion underneath the vehicle
- Suspension wear
- Steering component wear
- Oil leaks
- Brake disc wear
- Fuel or exhaust system deterioration
These don't necessarily mean you should avoid buying the vehicle, but they do justify a closer inspection or a professional vehicle check.
Don't Judge by the Latest MOT Alone
Many buyers only look at the most recent MOT certificate. That's a mistake. Looking at the vehicle's complete MOT history shows whether advisories were:
- Fixed properly
- Repeated year after year
- Eventually became MOT failures
- Replaced by new issues elsewhere
A vehicle's maintenance history is far more valuable than a single MOT result.
Should You Buy a Car With Lots of Advisories?
Often, yes. Older vehicles naturally accumulate more advisories over time. What matters is whether those issues were dealt with responsibly. A car with several historical advisories that disappear the following year usually indicates the owner kept on top of maintenance. On the other hand, recurring advisories for brakes, suspension or corrosion suggest maintenance may have been postponed. It's also worth reading What Makes a Good MOT History When Buying a Used Car? before deciding whether a used vehicle represents good value.
Check the Full MOT History Before Buying
Before purchasing any used car, always review its complete MOT history rather than relying solely on what the seller tells you.
With The Garage Locator's Free MOT History Checker, you can:
- View every MOT test
- See previous advisories and failures
- Identify recurring issues
- Analyse mileage history
- Estimate potential repair risks
- Receive an easy-to-understand Buyer Score
- Make a more informed buying decision
👉 Check a vehicle's MOT history for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MOT advisories are acceptable?
There is no official acceptable number. One or two minor advisories are common, but recurring safety-related advisories deserve closer attention.
Can a car pass its MOT with advisories?
Yes. Advisories do not cause an MOT failure but highlight items that may require attention soon.
Are advisories a reason not to buy a car?
Not necessarily. The type of advisory and whether it has been repaired are much more important than the total number.
Should recurring advisories concern me?
Yes. Repeated advisories for the same components often suggest maintenance has been delayed, which could lead to higher repair costs in the future.
Final Thoughts
There isn't a specific number of MOT advisories that automatically makes a used car a bad purchase. Instead, focus on the pattern behind them. One or two minor advisories are perfectly normal, especially on older vehicles. However, recurring advisories for brakes, suspension, corrosion or steering should prompt further investigation before you buy.
Before making any decision, use The Garage Locator's free MOT History Checker to review the vehicle's complete MOT history, identify recurring faults and make a more informed purchase.