Car Inspection

[Cindido]

Do all places charge the same for a car inspection or is the cost up to each individual location? We're new here and need to get our NH drivers license, car registration and inspections.

[Scott's Yott]

Most are the same @45$ for safety and emissions ....Watch out for the ones offering same for less

[robmac]

NH Inspection stations can charge up to 45.00 dollars but you'll find most discount that amount to attract more customers. With NH having one of the states toughest inspection laws it's a good way to increase their business. Just be careful when they come out with a laundry list, for every honest shop there are a few that mislead or represent whats needed. Like a DR. you may want a second opinion. JMHO

[BroadHopper]

There is no set rule. Generally, I have seen charges between $20-$50. Dealers will throw in free inspections if you purchase the car new. I have heard of one dealer that will provide free inspection only if they perform some kind of work on the vehicle so beware.

http://doj.nh.gov/consumer/sourcebook/auto-inspections.htm

[tis]

As I recall the emissions test is the bigger part of the charge or at least half??

[TheProfessor]

Do all places charge the same for a car inspection or is the cost up to each individual location? We're new here and need to get our NH drivers license, car registration and inspections.

The short answer is no.
Garages/shops can charge whatever they want.

So if you wish to take the newspaper coupon for the $9.95 or $19.95 inspection then by all means do so.

If your vehicles are newer and still under warranty it might be a good idea to take to brand new car dealership and get a relationship going.

If vehicles are out of warranty then find yourself a good honest mechanic/shop. Ask your neighbors, friends, church, or folks at civic organizations for recommendations.
Then pick a mechanic/shop and get all of your oil changes and such from that mechanic shop. And build up a relationship.

I personally would avoid "chains". Too many of those shops only wish to sell parts for your vehicle whether broken or not.

Since 1996 or thereabouts all personal vehicles have OBDII. If the 'check engine' light is on you will not pass inspection. There are two parts to these inspections - the computer hook up and the visual mechanical part.

If you know that your car/truck is all fine then just go to any place that offers inspection. If you are unsure about all then go to any mechanic/shop/garage and have the car checked first. This will give you time to have items fixed and to shop around if necessary or a 2nd opinion.

Good Luck. And welcome to the area.

[Cindido]

Thanks everyone! :)

[Kamper]

As suggested above, some shops use this program to generate "up sale" revenue. If your car fails it is entered into the data base and it can be hard to find another shop to over-ride the failure. If you believe your car has been incorrectly failed you can contact the DMV. They have a couple places you can go and they will check your car. You will have to pay for that inspection as we'll.

It is useful to ask around for an honest shop in your area.

Good luck!