Wanting to buy one but no MOT info on DVLA

[firstlook]

There is a lovely home conversion motorhome for sale. It is 17 years old. But I’m confused and hoping someone can help me please.
It was apparently an ex fire truck, weight 5.5 tonne.
On DVLA it shows 5.5 tonne, 2.8cc, 2 axles rigid body. It shows also road tax paid but says ‘no details held by DVLA’’.
My confusion is that it’s 3 axle, it’s not registered as a motorhome with DVLA.
So when I go into check MOT details it gives a different engine size (1800 and not 2.8) and no record of previous MOT’s but when checking that it says first annual test was due 2008 but confirms it hasn’t had an annual test ever.
Can someone explain to me please?
Is this all correct and normal?
Would I encounter problems if I purchased it?

 

[firstlook]

Just to add, it says the MOT expired in 2010 and has not been renewed?

 

[Figaro]

Can you ask the seller, that sounds like a hornets nest of trouble to me ?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Just to add, it says the MOT expired in 2010 and has not been renewed?

May have been used on a site to live in permanently.

 

[marpool]

Walk away.

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[firstlook]

May have been used on a site to live in permanently.

Jimbohorlicks Thank you for your reply. I do happen to know that it’s not been on a site, has been on a public road and has been driven and on ferry in and out of the UK and therefore driven ‘abroad’.
Can you enlighten me please why there are anomalies as I’ve described above on DVLA site and same info on other car check sites.
I thought needed to have an MOT in order to tax it?
Also thought if changed to motorhome then supposed to register it as such with DVLA but then I know nothing, hence I’m asking you guys. Its sale price is £27,000.

 

[firstlook]

Can you ask the seller, that sounds like a hornets nest of trouble to me ?

Figaro, Thank you ever so much for replying. But why, ‘walk away’’?
It’s a lovely conversion but I’m just confused as to all the legal side of it because nothing seems to fit?
Why walk away? What can you see or understand please from all of this? Am I being naïve?

 

[firstlook]

Walk away.

@marpol Thank you so much for replying. I’m trying to understand.
Please can you explain to me (as I’m possibly an idiot ) why you say walk away?
What is specifically wrong with this that I should walk away?
When I googled for info I found that some vehicles eg ex RAF fire trucks as an example are exempt from MOT? It’s confusing because it’s obviously not a fire truck now and I thought should now be registered as a motorhome with DVLA?

 

[Figaro]

I've no idea but I'd be asking the seller to sort out the confusion before buying
If it's advertised, can you post a link, you'll get some useful advice

You also need to look at the insurance aspect which may be problematic unless it is registered correctly with dvla.

 

[Clivefog]

May have had a reg plate change?

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[PaulW2]

Was it on a private plate that the previous owner then took off it before selling it, perhaps?

But I would definitely ensure that all questions are fully resolved before parting with any cash.

 

[marpool]

to much conflicting info, could end up being a complete money pit. Look for something with a good service and mot history, they are about if you look, remember always have buyer beware at the front of your mind, I would hate to hear of you wasting your money. 5.5 tonne is also a big lump to drive around.

 

[eurajohn]

Must admit sounds a bit iffy to me, I notice you appear to be in France, perhaps it's not been in UK since 2010 and possibly one of the dodgy individuals moving around on the continent with no regard to the rules and laws.
You also mention that there appears to be a discrepancy ref engine size, if it is an ex fire truck even a 2.8 would seem a bit minimal, what base vehicle is it?
Where will you need to register it should you buy it? If in France you will definitely be buying a can of worms that you'd be unlikely to resolve.

 

[PeterCarole29]

There is a lovely home conversion motorhome for sale. It is 17 years old. But I’m confused and hoping someone can help me please.
It was apparently an ex fire truck, weight 5.5 tonne.
On DVLA it shows 5.5 tonne, 2.8cc, 2 axles rigid body. It shows also road tax paid but says ‘no details held by DVLA’’.
My confusion is that it’s 3 axle, it’s not registered as a motorhome with DVLA.
So when I go into check MOT details it gives a different engine size (1800 and not 2.8) and no record of previous MOT’s but when checking that it says first annual test was due 2008 but confirms it hasn’t had an annual test ever.
Can someone explain to me please?
Is this all correct and normal?
Would I encounter problems if I purchased it?

If you need to register it outside the UK I very much doubht you can as the regulations are so strict in the EU for anything thats been altered
In the uk if you want the paperwork correct and the log book to say it has 3 axles it will have to be inspected (likely)
What would you do if it didnt pass
Changing to a motorhome is not important as long as you inform the insurance company

I suspect the mot is not relavent for a fire engine just like i think a crane doesnt (but i,m sure someone can confirm that
Ambulances dont need to be taxed so possibly as its an emergency vehicle it does eigther but as a camper in truth you will be leaving yourself wide open for procecution. As for the one MOT they would not see the log book and mot the vehicle as presented

If you have not seen it yourself be aware there are an awfull lot of bad homebuilds

 

[PeterCarole29]

Just checked a fire engine is exempt from an MOT that would explain why DVLA has no record
However to be exempt it need to be a fire engine and not camper
Ask the GUY would he MOT it go along to the mot station if you really want it even offer to pay the garage
If he wont i think you will know its going to need a lot of maintenance to get it through an MOT
How much money do you have to chuck at it
All brakes will have to be working and not out of balance brake pipes in good order tyres in good order
Light beams dirrected in the correct position
Windscreen no cracks or chips in drivers vision
Theres a huge list of things for an mot
Rubbers perish does it have a service history at least

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[Spriddler]

On DVLA it shows 5.5 tonne, 2.8cc, 2 axles rigid body. It shows also road tax paid but says ‘no details held by DVLA’’.

The number it has now might have been on retention.
If it's taxed it must be insured so see if there is any info or clues on the insurance database........

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[TDub49]

Are we sure this isn't a wind-up? Free member and all that . . . .

 

[Speve]

I can confirm that emergency service vehicles are exempt from MOT whilst in service however once on the open market probably had mot prior to sale

 

[westhamman]

If a free member,they will not be back until paid so no answers to questions.

 

[gus-lopez]

Also thought if changed to motorhome then supposed to register it as such with DVLA but then I know nothing

These days the dvla will not change anything to "motorhome".
You also need to be aware that they won't change coaches to something else either. I'd want to be 100% sure that a 'fire engine' could be reregistered as something else before parting with any money

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[pappajohn]

Many emergency vehicles dont require an MOT.
Even spec frame recovery vehicles are exempt.
It is most likely tax exempt as well being a fire service vehicle.
The convertor probably never changed vehicle use from fire service vehicle to motor caravan.

 

[Nanniemate]

I think you already have doubts £27,000 is a lot to gamble with. It could cost lots to get the legals sorted and if it doesn't work out can you sell it.

There is a lovely home conversion motorhome for sale. It is 17 years old. But I’m confused and hoping someone can help me please.
It was apparently an ex fire truck, weight 5.5 tonne.
On DVLA it shows 5.5 tonne, 2.8cc, 2 axles rigid body. It shows also road tax paid but says ‘no details held by DVLA’’.
My confusion is that it’s 3 axle, it’s not registered as a motorhome with DVLA.
So when I go into check MOT details it gives a different engine size (1800 and not 2.8) and no record of previous MOT’s but when checking that it says first annual test was due 2008 but confirms it hasn’t had an annual test ever.
Can someone explain to me please?
Is this all correct and normal?
Would I encounter problems if I purchased it?

 

[Spriddler]

It is most likely tax exempt as well being a fire service vehicle.
The convertor probably never changed vehicle use from fire service vehicle to motor caravan.

He said it's taxed, (so regardless of whether it was previously exempt) surely to tax it now it needs insurance and MOT?

 

[chaser]

It's just got too many ifs and buts. Just leave it and get a proper one. Probably for less money.

 

[TheBig1]

When was the van taken out of service? As a government owned vehicle it will not have been subject to MOT or tax. It will however have been meticulously maintained every few months during service regardless of cost. I have seen many for sale and one had been fitted with a brand new engine just before leaving service. Used to frequently see such vehicles going through specialist auctions. They never made big money at auction, as many folk are nervous about buying them

At one time I owned an ex police car. It came with a printout of it's maintenance record. I had to apply for the log book to be changed as first time I took it for an MOT it wasn't on the system and came up as tax exempt. Took a couple of months to sort as I recall

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[Jez1966]

There is really too little information to provide an informed response.
Link to advert or registration number?

Given my experience of MOT checking using gov or apps the scenario is implacable.

If it had been on cherished plate then historical MOT's would be listed under it current registration, usually
the one originally removed.

 

[tacr2man]

AFAIK if a vehicle is tested as an HGV (ie not a class4 as a m/cvn) then DVLA will not have record as that is held by DVSA

 

[Jez1966]

AFAIK if a vehicle is tested as an HGV (ie not a class4 as a m/cvn) then DVLA will not have record as that is held by DVSA

From OP "On DVLA it shows 5.5 tonne, 2.8cc, 2 axles rigid body. It shows also road tax paid but says ‘no details held by DVLA’’."
That's why I think the scenario is implacable

 

[TheBig1]

Another interesting point would be to double check you have the C1 licence to drive HGV above 3.5 tonne but under 7.5. What used to be possible converting big vans like ex library busses or mobile control centres is getting near impossible via DVLA now.

 

[Peterd82]

Getting it insured could be a challenge and worth checking before you commit.