New Zealand WOF system is it a genuine necessity or a scam?

[Scuba_Steve]

Hence why any WOF process should involve a road test.

The problem of people thinking their vehicle is safe simply because it has a WOF is a fault with the attitude of that person - not with the WOF system.

maybee it is BUT when you're forced to pay for a "safety" check why would you do it yourself?
Just like people with cleaners don't clean up after themselves, people with receptionists don't answer the phone themselves, people with accountants don't do their own accounting, see where this is going?
When you're paying someone else to do a job (especially when forced to) you expect them to do the job & for you not to have to, that's why you're fucking paying them...

[Katman]

maybee it is BUT when you're forced to pay for a "safety" check why would you do it yourself?

The WOF process has never been presented as something that guarantees your vehicle is safe for the next 6 months.

The onus is still on the owner to maintain their vehicle to that standard.

That is the attitude change that to needs to be instigated.

[oneofsix]

The WOF process has never been presented as something that guarantees your vehicle is safe for the next 6 months.

The onus is still on the owner to maintain their vehicle to that standard.

That is the attitude change that to needs to be instigated.

and the quickest way to instigate it is to remove the presumed safety net of the WOF. Whether or not it has been presented by TPTB as a guarantee it is a de facto guarantee to most of those you share the road with, often made so because they know they don't have insurance cover unless they have one regardless of vehicle condition.
All a WOF guarantees is that some numbity will assume their vehicle is safe because it has a WOF and they will never check for themselves.

[Katman]

and the quickest way to instigate it is to remove the presumed safety net of the WOF. Whether or not it has been presented by TPTB as a guarantee it is a de facto guarantee to most of those you share the road with, often made so because they know they don't have insurance cover unless they have one regardless of vehicle condition.
All a WOF guarantees is that some numbity will assume their vehicle is safe because it has a WOF and they will never check for themselves.

Nothing in that post points fault at the WOF process.

The fault lies with the individual who doesn't grasp the concept of the process.

[Gremlin]

Some people do not maintain their vehicles at all... I'm sure any WOF person could tell you stories.

At least the WOF system somewhat keeps that in check (assuming the people try to get a WOF - some don't).

Yes, it annoys me on a personal level as the shop handles all servicing by the book, they're well maintained, items are replaced whenever required etc. However, when I occasionally see what some fail for, I'm relieved...

[SMOKEU]

The WOF system is necessary because in general New Zealanders seem to be obsessed with paying crazy money for old Japanese wrecks that the rest of the developed world doesn't want. They treat their vehicles like an appliance that only needs "servicing" when it starts making a funny noise or fails a WOF, and think that the magical Japanese badge on the front will fully protect them from a complete lack of maintenance.

[Clockwork]

The WOF system is necessary because in general New Zealanders seem to be obsessed with paying crazy money for old Japanese wrecks that the rest of the developed world doesn't want. They treat their vehicles like an appliance that only needs "servicing" when it starts making a funny noise or fails a WOF, and think that the magical Japanese badge on the front will fully protect them from a complete lack of maintenance.

I've just spent near as damn it NZ$60,000 on a new car that would cost me no more than US$30,000 is the states!

When we can by new cars for a similar price there will be no market here for those "old Japanese wrecks"

On the subject of WOFs. I think they're a good idea but maybe a little too pedantic given the stupid shit they can fail a car for!

As for VTNZ, if I was buying I may want them to WOF the car but I wouldn't recommend my kids to take their cars there if they're strapped for cash!

[5150]

The WOF system is necessary because in general New Zealanders seem to be obsessed with paying crazy money for old Japanese wrecks that the rest of the developed world doesn't want. They treat their vehicles like an appliance that only needs "servicing" when it starts making a funny noise or fails a WOF, and think that the magical Japanese badge on the front will fully protect them from a complete lack of maintenance.

You obviously have not been to USA. In Chicago for example, I've seen rusted out cars almost breaking in half because the chasis is so rusted, but they are still driving on the road (legally as long as their emission has passed)

[5150]

I've just spent near as damn it NZ$60,000 on a new car that would cost me no more than US$30,000 is the states!

When we can by new cars for a similar price there will be no market here for those "old Japanese wrecks"

Exfuckingactly

[Robert Taylor]

In New Zealand we have such a piss poor "she'll be right" attitude that I shudder to think what we'd have out on the road if there weren't a periodic opportunity to ensure faults are remedied.

Indeed, many have to be protected from their own ignorance.

[Big Dave]

In Qld the only time a vehicle has to have a roadworthy certificate is if you buy/sell it.

Doesn't seem to be too many dungers on the road though - the cops get 'em.

[Katman]

Doesn't seem to be too many dungers on the road though - the cops get 'em.

Over in Oz people have been trained to accept that the last thing they ever want is to be made to have their vehicle put "over the pit".

At that time every single fault becomes an issue to be repaired - right down to every little oil leak.

Do we really want the police to become roadside WOF testers?

[Brian d marge]

Boi racers

nuff said

Need WOF , tested by people that know what they are doing

Stephen

[98tls]

Theres a fair percentage of Kiwis on the road that never have nor never will have any idea re the workings of a motor vehicle,take my dear old mum for instance shes a prime example.When i am up her way i check her tyre pressures/oil etc but other that the cars not looked at bar the 6 monthly wof so for my money its not a bad thing,she drives a late model car but many dont in her position and at least the wof ensures the vechile gets inspected (of sorts).

[neels]

For as long as you have people failing a wof for headlights not working, bald tyres etc then the system probably needs to exist, if they can't even be bothered to take 5 minutes for a look before taking it to be checked.

Unless there is a system as per other countries that keeps your car off the road until repaired and reinspected when it's found to be faulty, there needs to be something in between.

The other scary thing is that after your car has failed it's WOF check, they let you drive it away.......