Submitted by TwoStepsTooFar t3_xyyd6w in vermont
Heads-up - this is a rant post, but after another frustrating experience trying to get new sticker on my car I need to find solace in shared experience.
I'm what you would call your typical car guy, having spent my childhood growing up around my dads shop. I generally know my way around cars and tend to do most maintenance and repairs on my vehicles myself. I'm not special in this regard as I assume there are many out in this great state just like me - you know, just generally knowledgeable and competent around cars/trucks.
My car has only passed ONCE the first time in my 11 years of living in the state, which has left me extremely apprehensive about any shop in my part of the state. I've even gone so far as reviewing the state's inspection guidelines before I take a car in for the past 5 years. One failure I can admit was legitimate due to a cracked rear spring I missed, but almost all of the others have always been "Everything looks good, except for the drivers/passenger Ball Joint." Every time! It's almost comical if it wasn't so damn predictable. This was the case today when I tried yet another shop in the hopes of success and transparency. I have a new-ish Golf Alltrack that has had its lower ball joints replaced (by me ) THREE times in the 4 years that I've owned it. All changed due to a failed inspection. Also replaced many on a Honda I had previously.
Now, could they all have been bad after just a year? Yes, Vermont is tough on cars. But I can''t get rid nagging feeling that its just the shop's way making a general inspection profitable. It's one of the inspection items that I can't validate as a customer on the spot, so I have to take their word for it.
Maybe some local shop owners or member of the industry can chime in and shut down my apprehensions, but man it sucks to take time out of my weekend as a busy dad, away from my kids, to have what feels like a BS repair noted on my failed inspection.
And just to clarify, I'm not against inspections for vehicles as I can only imagine the safety issues that would arise, but there has to be a more reasonable approach. I REALLY want to find a shop in Vermont I can trust so I can have them tackle real issues when they come up, because frankly, I don't have the time to work on cars like I used to.
Anyway, would love to hear others, views and perspectives.
Edit: I’m in the Barre-Montpelier Area
thisoneisnotasbad t1_irjaubz wrote
It’s not just you. That is one of the spots some garages use. I have tried to get my car alignment done at VT Tire probably 6 times. Every time I needed a ball joint. I stopped trying and found a guy who was more honest. He said, may need a new one in a few years but you are fine now.
It’s hard to find an honest mechanic in general and Vermont strict laws make it easier for mechanics to take advantage of people. If you manage to find one I suggest you treat them well.