My cars first NCT question

fifth

Hi all,

My current car is four years old this year (2006) and due it's first NCT. When does that have to be done by, immediately? Or during the year?

Thing is, I know the alternator is making a bit of noise because of a loose bearing, had the OH's dad (a mechanic) have a look at it and say it's nothing but he couldnt reach the alternator to fix it. Honda say I need a new alternator and they are asking €1000+ for the courtesy.

So, I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment, I'm thinking are there any garages that might do the work and let me pay off bit by bit, instead of one big huge lump in one go? Considering the recession and all maybe some garages might be a bit less strict, I won't hold my breathe though.

Just wondering if anyone knows of something like that ever happening before. (Aside from the alternator the car needs the usual bits to be done which I could prob do myself even.)

Thanks all

edit: Car is a 2006 2.0l petrol v-tec Accord if that helps

Seth Brundle

You can do your first NCT up to six months before the car's 4th birthday.
As for the alternator, if the mechanic said its fine then leave it. Don't mind Honda or any other main dealer that would prefer to replace the car rather than fix something!
If it fails the test then address it!

niceirishfella

1k+ for an alternator?? Ehhhhhhhhh?

v300

RE NCT ring them and they will give a window for doing your car, it begins 3 months before it;'s strictly necessary, solely based on the exact day of registration.

RE Alternator, get it overhauled (average cost to me recently was 80 euros, Jap stuff inc Hondas may be a bit more though...)
by any of the Electrical rewind workshops scattered all around Ireland.
TOP TIP !!

If you don't know cars, you risk causing much more damage (and hence money) than you can possibly save.

Try to get someone competent to guide you
or even take over the job for a fee.

fifth

v300 wrote: »

RE NCT ring them and they will give a window for doing your car, it begins 3 months before it;'s strictly necessary, solely based on the exact day of registration.

RE Alternator, get it overhauled (average cost to me recently was 80 euros, Jap stuff inc Hondas may be a bit more though...)
by any of the Electrical rewind workshops scattered all around Ireland.
TOP TIP !!

If you don't know cars, you risk causing much more damage (and hence money) than you can possibly save.

Try to get someone competent to guide you
or even take over the job for a fee.

What does it mean to have it overhauled? Will they just tighten up the bearing? I'd be able to do the other bits like changing tyres, oil, plugs, brake pads/shoes etc but the alternator is out of my depth.

kbannon wrote: »

You can do your first NCT up to six months before the car's 4th birthday.
As for the alternator, if the mechanic said its fine then leave it. Don't mind Honda or any other main dealer that would prefer to replace the car rather than fix something!
If it fails the test then address it!

Grand I'll give them a ring. Thanks. :pac:

niceirishfella wrote: »

1k+ for an alternator?? Ehhhhhhhhh?

Yeah it's mad isn't it? I got chatting to one of the guys in the Honda garage locally about the alternator so he said drop it in and we'll have a look. So I brought it down and they said my car isn't covered by warranty anymore and it'd be €800 for the part and at least €200 for labour, they couldn't say exactly. I respectfully declined..

An auto electrician can sort the alternator for you, generally they just need the electrical bushes and diodes replaced, the bearing can be got seperately too, €200 should sort it. The main dealer would just replace it with a new unit and charge a few hours labour. Track down a good auto spark in Wexford and have a chat with them.

It isn't urgent anyway, the bearing will rumble for ages before it gives trouble.