Submitted by WanderingZephyr t3_11cfrm0 in massachusetts
Can anyone suggest a reliable car inspection center that won't overcharge me just because there's a minor rust issue with my vehicle?
Comments
WanderingZephyr OP t1_ja342xb wrote
I don't think it's too bad, and there's no holes to the outside. I just don't want to go somewhere and they try to get me to pay $2000 to "fix" my car before they pass it.
NativeMasshole t1_ja35z3b wrote
So long as you have no holes, jagged edges, or structural rot, then you should be good. I don't know about in Gardner, but I've been going to White Valley in Barre and have never had a problem. Most they ever upsold me was license plate lights.
hiphophippie99 t1_ja399fo wrote
One good piece of info if collected over my years of driving shitboxes is that inspection stations can't check under stickers for rust holes.
WanderingZephyr OP t1_ja39mza wrote
Wait... Really? 🤔
hiphophippie99 t1_ja3g628 wrote
I'm not a lawyer, and I'm sure it was just some dumbass that told me but it's worked for me in the past.
Chippopotanuse t1_ja4nj50 wrote
Buy metal HVAC tape from Home Depot.
Tape a few layers over the rusty areas. If there is a huge hole, use some aluminum flashing (in the siding and gutter aisle) to cover the hole and then tape it in place. That tape sticks incredibly well to clean metal.
Spray that all with color matching spray paint from autozone.
It doesn’t look perfect, but it doesn’t look bad on the audit cameras and you’ll pass unless the garage is full of hardasses.
t00_much_caffeine t1_ja2utxz wrote
I go to Westminster Garage and have had no issues. Idk, I had a 2005 Ford that had quite a bit of rust and they’d tell me that eventually it’s going to fail for that but still pass it.
I used to go to West St but the guy was a condescending dick when I asked a question about why my car suddenly failed for an issue it had for years (wiper motor was on its way out and you had to hold the wiper knob to get them to return to resting position).
WanderingZephyr OP t1_ja2vv3t wrote
Thanks so much, I'll check them out. I recently moved from NH so I don't know any good places down here 😅
isaikya t1_ja621kk wrote
Just a heads up: Westminster Garage closes for a lunch hour, so definitely check that before you go so you don’t end up waiting around forever.
HumbleHubris86 t1_ja3kf4g wrote
I second this. West st are Dickson. Westminster garage said the same thing to me about my 2000 Ford. Eventually it will fail but they keep passing it. Also came in with an e-brake that wouldn't hold, they corrected it for like 30 bucks and gave me the sticker. I'm 90% sure the brake still wasn't passing the true spec but they sent it along without a full replacement. I definitely recommend them.
RiverRATT65 t1_ja34kyo wrote
TJ's on 2A going toward Templeton, near Agway. Very fair and are not jerks . Genuinely nice people throughout the whole place.
WanderingZephyr OP t1_ja39poe wrote
I think I've passed them before. I'll have to check it out, thanks!
Loves-The-Skooma t1_ja3ggdt wrote
CO&S in Templeton (On 2A top of a hill look for the 5 million vehicles parked everywhere) or TJ's (2A by Agway and the Bowling alley) is where I go. Both places are reasonable, CO&S is usually entertaining and TJs is more professional. I haven't used West Street for much other than towing but I know they changed owners last summer, I think Kelly is still on the desk though. I know Westminster garage is fairly thorough if you want a good check over. I'm sure that there are other good places around as well but the ones that I mentioned have all been straightforward and honest with me
SparkDBowles t1_ja3nh7j wrote
Ummm… like every gas station.
NativeMasshole t1_ja30v2m wrote
All inspections are $35. And they're required to have cameras in the bay for audits, so you might have a hard time finding someone who will let you skate by if it's really bad. With rust, the only concern is that there are no holes in the exterior panels, so you can just bondo or spray foam it for an easy fix.