raptor said:
i spoke to my mechanic today who's doing my MOT and he said that if he noticed distortion of anything and saw that stuff had been 'bent back' he would fail it - i thought i would require on your behalf and showed him on my car where your damage was. he also said it would need sticking on a jig.
Vehicle Structure
Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas. No sharp edges.
ref:
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/mottestersgarageowners/mottesting/carcomponentstested.htm
Car Components Tested
Below is a full list of all elements that are checked during an MOT test.
raptor what are you on the vosa has only two difrent sets of testing VIC and MOT you quoted mot if it passes mot ITS passed to a high enouth standerd the land rove waight is over two tons ???? and what is a punto if you get slamed buy a range rover or any 4x4 you are more likely to be killed at 40mph with a land rover than you are in on a head on colistion with an oradmary car and pluse you dont have ball bars that coted in soft materal dont for get you said the range rover hit head on wall if it was then even newer built car will have trouble on the test as well
this was a test done of various cars into a stationary object - i was merely pointing out that even strong cars such as the range rover (3*) megane (5*) all saved their passengers but by no means would the car be fit to save them again. bear in mind that the punto has a 2* rating and thats at full structural strength. the test wasn't car vs car. i think the conclusion was that a land rover (the modern ones which no longer have bull bars etc.) known as the school run choice oof transport was less safe for its occupants than a fiesta.
punto safety:
http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/details.php?id1=1&id2=7
corsa (as comparison) :
http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/details.php?id1=1&id2=23
all tests performed at 40mph (not fast in the grand scheme of things!
the mechanic i approached said that there is flexibillity within the testing and if at any point the tester sees fit to fail the car under one of the clauses and have justifcation for the clause he\she can do. you can appeal it in which case an independent assesment will be done within 5 days. he also added if it does come to that and the reason is 'damage to specific areas' with the justification being that there has been imapct damage then you won't have any means for appeal.
as Col said, we are effectively looking out for you. i've even gone out my way to ask my mechanic (albeit i did bump into him) about your situation and that i feel reflects the people on this forum, most are willing to go out their way to seek further advice for our fellow forum members.
i'm glad that the new wing fits and seems flush with the bumper - did you repair the inner wing damage you mentioned or have you just covered it up?