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songkrai · 07-10-2012, 07:39 PM

Everyone should be driving a safe vehicle. Good for all of us.
If something is broken that affects vehicle operation or safety then get it fixed.

My many years and many older vehicles makes me wonder at the honesty of many/most inspection establishments.

I have heard too many stories from too many people of having parts replaced that were not broken or worn out.

One of my acquaitences owns an auto body shop that also does inspections. One person operation. I was getting an inspection on my older car at the time when one of his competitors came for a visit. No work needed as I keep mine up to date with all components. The competitor stated and quite seriously - that if a car came into his repair/inspection shop at that age - there would have been at least $250.00 in "repairs" - needed or not. He was not joking.

From my perspective the "chain" store are the worst offenders. They must sell parts to pay their monthly franchise fee. But so are some of the local garage/gas station places. The same holds true for the new car dealer.

The trick from my persepective is to build up a relationship with an honest independent local repair shop/mechanic. Have your oil changes done there. Become a regular customer.

Too many folks with older vehicles get too many parts replaced at inspection time by those that are unscrupulous.

Now . . . if the Check Engine light is on - something does have to be fixed.

For pre 1997 vehicles no computer is necessary. 1997 and newer are OBDII vehicles and must be connected to computer and data sent to Concord.

One tip I have learned over the years. If you do not have a local mechanic/shop already. Before inspection, go to any place and "ask" if the vehicle will pass inspection. You will have to pay for this. But do not provide or give the place/mechanic your registration. Hold the car/truck registration in your pocket. In other words pay for an inspection - just don't provide the registration. Then if all passes - provide them with registration and get sticker. If the mechanic/shop finds issues or problems - ask for an estimate - then go to another place to verify. This will help all from getting ripped off - with replacement of 'Mulligan Pins', "Murphy Pins', 'Tall Joints', 'Lifter Housing Bushings', 'Shankle bearings', 'Front Windward Bushings', 'Lower and Upper Knuckle Suspension Bars', etc.

07-10-2012, 07:39 PM	#15
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Thanks: 35 Thanked 146 Times in 99 Posts	Everyone should be driving a safe vehicle. Good for all of us. If something is broken that affects vehicle operation or safety then get it fixed. My many years and many older vehicles makes me wonder at the honesty of many/most inspection establishments. I have heard too many stories from too many people of having parts replaced that were not broken or worn out. One of my acquaitences owns an auto body shop that also does inspections. One person operation. I was getting an inspection on my older car at the time when one of his competitors came for a visit. No work needed as I keep mine up to date with all components. The competitor stated and quite seriously - that if a car came into his repair/inspection shop at that age - there would have been at least $250.00 in "repairs" - needed or not. He was not joking. From my perspective the "chain" store are the worst offenders. They must sell parts to pay their monthly franchise fee. But so are some of the local garage/gas station places. The same holds true for the new car dealer. The trick from my persepective is to build up a relationship with an honest independent local repair shop/mechanic. Have your oil changes done there. Become a regular customer. Too many folks with older vehicles get too many parts replaced at inspection time by those that are unscrupulous. Now . . . if the Check Engine light is on - something does have to be fixed. For pre 1997 vehicles no computer is necessary. 1997 and newer are OBDII vehicles and must be connected to computer and data sent to Concord. One tip I have learned over the years. If you do not have a local mechanic/shop already. Before inspection, go to any place and "ask" if the vehicle will pass inspection. You will have to pay for this. But do not provide or give the place/mechanic your registration. Hold the car/truck registration in your pocket. In other words pay for an inspection - just don't provide the registration. Then if all passes - provide them with registration and get sticker. If the mechanic/shop finds issues or problems - ask for an estimate - then go to another place to verify. This will help all from getting ripped off - with replacement of 'Mulligan Pins', "Murphy Pins', 'Tall Joints', 'Lifter Housing Bushings', 'Shankle bearings', 'Front Windward Bushings', 'Lower and Upper Knuckle Suspension Bars', etc.