I had the same sort of problems with the inspection process when I moved from FL too. When the mechanic did the inspection, there were all sorts of "problems." These included the stitching in the drivers seat coming undone to the headlamps were too foggy to the passenger window that wouldn't roll down (there were also engine issues as well). The bill was ~2k and I even took it to a second opinion which came out to about the same. Mind you, my car was in decent order and no beater by any stretch.

I understand the importance of having a safe car but it felt like the mechanics were taking me for a spin. Turns out that this is the norm from what coworkers have said. The inspection checklist that Maryland has is ridiculous but at least it not PA where you have to do this every 2 years!