Auto inspections

93redzj

93redzj

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Location
Albemarle
I’m sure auto shops are just as short handed as every other business these days, but has anyone else had a hell of a time getting an inspection done lately? Seems every time I try, the “guy” is off today, or he just left, or just went to lunch be back in an hour. I’ve got a place in concord I usually try to go as he gets me in and out quick and pretty lenient, at least I’d say. Went there last Wednesday and he was closed, so went to my backup place, their guy just went to lunch. Tried again today, first place couldn’t get me for a couple hours so I went down the road to the next, their guy wasn’t there today. Pretty frustrating
 
Assuming everything is legit on the car and you don't need "a buddy"... why not go by one of the places that just does inspections?
 
My go to place that a couple vehicles have to go to moved about 25 min away. But i needed the 100% stock new dd inspected so i took to a place close by on lunch. Sorry we have a car on the lift in our inspection bay. OK so tomorrow? Umm it maybe next week.... Next two places, They had all the bays full as well, or the inspection guy was gone for the day.

I definitely get your frustration, especially if on lunch or something. I cant stand some of typical places that wants to sell you something so they threaten to fail you bc your wipers are a little bit dried out. etc..
 
I had to wait maybe 30 mins when I did my truck. But I have a go to guy, and wont go anywhere else. I like him because he actually does a safety inspection (tires, lights, horn "you didnt drive through my shop so your brakes work") inspection but doesnt bother me about my exhaust or wipers or park brake ect. I could take the wifes car anywhere, but I still take it to him because he does me right.
 
RatLabGuy said:
Assuming everything is legit on the car and you don't need "a buddy"... why not go by one of the places that just does inspections?
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I had an issue with getting my Jeep inspected a few years back at a spot where I actually knew the owner, but his guy failed it on some nit picking stuff and he basically said his hands were tied. I can’t remember all he failed on it but do remember them saying horn didn’t work, which it did, just the cover was gone (93 XJ now) I don’t believe he even attempted to test the horn. I waited about a month and a half, took it to another place I had gotten inspections done, passed no issues. And I hadn’t done anything to the Jeep. So basically I like to go where I know I’m not gonna encounter stupid stuff. But even the one here local, I’ve never been to, but last two times I’ve tried, the “guy” has been off that day.
 
Make an appointment, problem solved. I run a shop and there is nothing that pisses us off more than. Someone rolling up and wanting us to stop doing whatever we've had scheduled to look at whatever their issue is. Make an appointment and you'll save yourself a lot of driving around. We stay booked out 2-3 weeks and the wait time has only gotten longer in the last few years. People get pissed and want what they want right now, but I tell them we can only do but so much in a day, sorry
 
I waited until near the end of the month this spring when my F250 was due. Went to 3 different places, all said they were booked until mid next month. Who the hell schedules an appt for inspections?!
Anyway, last place I tried recommended I go to the val online inspection place in front of Concord Mills. I got there, 3 bays, all of which were at least 3 cars deep. So I waited in line and got it done.

I don’t care what political jersey you wear, but if you will promise me you will eliminate vehicle inspections, I’ll vote for you. And if you make it happen, I’ll campaign for your reelection. And I hate politics.
 
The price on inspections is regulated by the state. There’s not much profit in a $13 safety inspection or a $30 emissions
 
91samurai said:
The price on inspections is regulated by the state. There’s not much profit in a $13 safety inspection or a $30 emissions
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Which is why you get failed for a 1/8" tear in a wiper blade, or why they'll replace that license plate bulb for the low, low price of $25.
 
91samurai said:
The price on inspections is regulated by the state. There’s not much profit in a $13 safety inspection or a $30 emissions
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shawn said:
Which is why you get failed for a 1/8" tear in a wiper blade, or why they'll replace that license plate bulb for the low, low price of $25.
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Exactly. They only do it to bring in some business.

Maryland's model is a little different. State doesn't set the fee, but they set the max # of hours it can be and it has to be whatever the normal hourly rate is.
Of course it's also only 1 time, at registration, and a really thorough anal raping of the car.

A buddy is an inspection station inspector and they bust people both for letting stuff slip through and up charging unnecessary things.
 
91samurai said:
The price on inspections is regulated by the state. There’s not much profit in a $13 safety inspection or a $30 emissions
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No way in hell I'd ever inspect cars at our shop. No money in it unless you milk the customer, not to mention if you're an inspection station you have to inspect whatever rolls up, even if its a vehicle brand you don't work on. Then if you make a mistake or let someone slide, the state will fine the hell out of you. The whole thing is a money grab from the bottom to the top.
 
VortecJeep said:
I waited until near the end of the month this spring when my F250 was due. Went to 3 different places, all said they were booked until mid next month. Who the hell schedules an appt for inspections?!
Anyway, last place I tried recommended I go to the val online inspection place in front of Concord Mills. I got there, 3 bays, all of which were at least 3 cars deep. So I waited in line and got it done.

I don’t care what political jersey you wear, but if you will promise me you will eliminate vehicle inspections, I’ll vote for you. And if you make it happen, I’ll campaign for your reelection. And I hate politics.
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I hear ya...and I hate anything the man tells me I have to do, and you're probably like me where you keep your cars in top shape for your own safety and convenience so inspection is a burden to you..but the vast majority of the idiots driving around could care less about you or your family or themselves. No brake lights, piss poor wipers, one headlight, bald tires, rusted out muffler, worn out brakes are a safety hazard to YOU. Now, if you elect me as governor, I'll do away with mandatory emission testing, possibly safety testing, but I'll implement a strict policing policy that will pull over and ticket anyone with non functional lights on their car or expired plates ....the things that cops look the other way on now.

Oh, and completely overhaul the current crooked as hell property tax rules on houses and cars.

Vote for me!
 
kcox506 said:
You can try Win Auto in Kannapolis. Sketchy in a good way if that’s what you need. Did my wife’s HHR in 15 minutes and I swear they didn’t do a thing.
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I got it all taken care of. Place here in albemarle got me, stanly county only does safety I believe. So the 03 TJ and 93 XJ were in and out. Just a matter of catching them when “the guy” is there. They did recommend calling beforehand to be sure.
 
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