Auto inspection, Seacoast area (rent, inspections, cost)

[quackersnh]

What is the best garage to bring your vehicle for inspection if you have, say, a slight problem that others won't pass? In other words--what's a good place for an easy inspection in the Seacoast area?

Please, do not respond with a lecture or say I should fix the problem before getting it inspected, that is not what I am asking. BTW, it is not emissions related.

Thank you.

[buck naked]

another state.

[quackersnh]

Originally Posted by buck naked

another state.

Funny. But not helpful...

[buck naked]

wasn't meant to be funny

There is no such place. Look elsewhere.

[unit731]

First, no one is going to mention anyplace by name. The state would shut it down.
No garage inspection station wants any issues with the state.

If the vehicle is 1996 (I think) or newer it comes under OBDII.
If you have any check engine light on then that would have to be fixed first.

Why not state what mechanical issues are wrong with car?

Sorry to state but you are going to have to get another car or get this car fixed.

What all should be doing with older cars is to build up a relationship with a local mechanic. An honest mechanic. Ask around in your area. Then have all repairs done by same mechanic/shop.

The best thing is to keep abreast of all mechanical issues and have fixed as soon as they develop. Not wait until there are multiple issues that in sum will cost a lot of money to fix. I fully realize that some just don't have the money for anything. Which is a sad commentary for us all.

And/or find a neighbor or friend that can fix the car.

[quackersnh]

Originally Posted by unit731

First, no one is going to mention anyplace by name. The state would shut it down.
No garage inspection station wants any issues with the state.

If the vehicle is 1996 (I think) or newer it comes under OBDII.
If you have any check engine light on then that would have to be fixed first.

Why not state what mechanical issues are wrong with car?

Sorry to state but you are going to have to get another car or get this car fixed.

What all should be doing with older cars is to build up a relationship with a local mechanic. An honest mechanic. Ask around in your area. Then have all repairs done by same mechanic/shop.

The best thing is to keep abreast of all mechanical issues and have fixed as soon as they develop. Not wait until there are multiple issues that in sum will cost a lot of money to fix. I fully realize that some just don't have the money for anything. Which is a sad commentary for us all.

And/or find a neighbor or friend that can fix the car.

Thank you for your response. I should clarify--what you described above is not the situation at all. We take care of our vehicles and fix what needs to get fixed. This is not a "junker" by any means.

The situation is this: we are up for inspection this month and were just told very recently by a garage that a manifold gasket was needed. It's an unexpected expense at hundreds of dollars, naturally. We attempted to repair ourselves with a mechanically inclined friend, and nearly were able to do it--but it came down to not having all of the right tools.

We are now in a time crunch to get this inspected. I believe there is some leeway here with some garages vs. others as to whether or not this particular problem "has to be fixed" to pass inspection. Hence, my question.

[buck naked]

no leeway - you heard wrong.


a leaking manifold gasket means an exhaust leak - very dangerous to you and and your passengers.

This is almost the exact same post as on the Winnipesaukee forum a year ago. The guy argued and argued with the inspection station claiming it wasn't in the rules of things to be inspected. Eventually the garage people broke down and slapped on a sticker just to make the guy go away.

But they won't do it again.

[unit731]

Buck is right.
It can be dangerous for any riding in car.
Carbon monoxide.

With many decades of inspections in NH here is some advice.

Never go to any chain store or franchise repair place. They only wish to sell you parts.

If you think that there might be any issue with vehicle never give the registration card/paper to the inspection shop before the inspection.
Ask - and pay for - an inspection. If it passes then provide the registration.
If it passes then you will have the sticker.
If it fails for any reason move onto another shop.
Not sure today, but years past, if failed, the inspection shop would mark your registration and then you have zero option until item is fixed.
By not providing the registration to inspection shop - you can just move on to another shop.

Sadly, some shops are unscrupulous and "find" issues/problems with your vehicle whether real or imagined.

Now if your vehicle makes "muffler" noise - too loud exhaust - then no one is going to provide you with any sticker. You will have to get it fixed.

[quackersnh]

Originally Posted by unit731

Buck is right.
It can be dangerous for any riding in car.
Carbon monoxide.

With many decades of inspections in NH here is some advice.

Never go to any chain store or franchise repair place. They only wish to sell you parts.

If you think that there might be any issue with vehicle never give the registration card/paper to the inspection shop before the inspection.
Ask - and pay for - an inspection. If it passes then provide the registration.
If it passes then you will have the sticker.
If it fails for any reason move onto another shop.
Not sure today, but years past, if failed, the inspection shop would mark your registration and then you have zero option until item is fixed.
By not providing the registration to inspection shop - you can just move on to another shop.

Sadly, some shops are unscrupulous and "find" issues/problems with your vehicle whether real or imagined.

Now if your vehicle makes "muffler" noise - too loud exhaust - then no one is going to provide you with any sticker. You will have to get it fixed.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the responses.
There are no noises or loudness at all, which makes us wonder if there truly is an issue or they were looking for something. Also didn't notice anything unusual when disassembling the unit.
We are not OK with driving something unsafe for us or passengers, but the concern is whether they are nit-picking or it's truly a problem.

There are plenty of non-chain places around here, just need one with a good reputation for NOT sticking it to the customer or finding issues.

[miu]

I found an ad on CL for a automotive garage in Bow that rents out their garage bays for DIYers. I think that it was only $30 an hour rental. They probably would also rent out any tools you need too. And having a lift is really helpful when doing exhaust work.