dollwithabuyn

I have booked it in to an independent garage recommended by my tattooist (he also builds bikes n stuff) 

After to speaking to him he has assured me it will be fine, to use some Forte in the tank and he'll retest it. 

Feeling much better about the whole debacle now 

To clarify 

Our car does not smoke, it is not dangerous in any way hence the perplexed nature of my OP.

This debate around mot and safe cars is off topic, the dva clearly states my original mot is valid until the date specified as long as it is road worthy (which it is) 

To those being helpful, thank you again, to those weighing in with no real insight.... don't. 

I had a heart attack then! 

Had to double check that we were legal still 

Thanks, the mot is OK til mid April, we took it early because we wanted time to sort out anything that arose. 

I've been doing some research and had seen the Redex fix

I've also found a mechanic through a mate so I'm taking it to him after the Bank holidays. 

I'll update when I have more - thank you to all that responded, it's great to know community is still a thing!

I'm starting to think they are full of bs, the engine runs fine. The car doesn't struggle or misfire and there is no smoke or anything when you rev the engine. It had a whole new exhaust a few months ago so we really weren't expecting this news. 

Nothing like that was given to us, we have one from the previous year like that but not today 

Nope, just a receipt for the mot and the refusal note. No percentages anywhere on it 

It's an s reg solida factory spec, so fairly basic 

The emissions sheet says carbon monoxide excessive/hydrocarbon excessive and lambda outside limit 

Basically that it failed on high emissions in all 3 categories and that it isn't the sensor or cat at fault but the engine.

Hi all

We've just got back from Halfords and are in shock. Our beloved Starlet failed its MOT on emissions and we have been told it needs a new engine! 

The car is perfect in every way, drives like a dream and yet we're now facing the prospect of having to sell her as an engine will cost upwards of 500 quid

Any advice? Has anyone else had similar or is this a normal thing for Starlets?

Cheers in advance