Car Inspection Station ?

bigdog · 06-25-2012, 07:54 PM

Need to have my annual car inspection !

My old gas service station went out of business, so looking for a state inspection station in Gilford-Laconia area.

Someone gave me a suggestion to go to 'Terry Murphy's Citgo' on Court St in Laconia. Thoughts about this station?

Several years back I went to Midas, and then to VIP service centers, and would NEVER go back to either. They're obviously in the business to sell parts, and inspections seems a way to do just that !

My vehicles are always in prime condition, and excellent working order, so no concern there to pass inspection.

Also would appreciate any other suggestions.

Thanks,
Bigdog

BroadHopper · 06-25-2012, 08:44 PM

is offering $20 state inspections.
Unfortunately I am stuck with Autoserve as they sold me a vehicle with a CEL always on. By taking my car there, they were able to give me a sticker.

Belmont Resident · 06-26-2012, 05:05 AM

Neil at Laconia garage does all but my deisel truck. He's been fair to me and is good on customer service skills. He will inspect it and tell me if there is anything wrong. Giving me the option to fix it or have him schedule it in.
He is on 106 heading south out of Laconia across from Granite State Glass.

bigdog · 06-26-2012, 10:15 AM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.....

Went to 2 service stations for inspection, and they asked me right away if I had an apointment. An appopintment for an inspection, huh?

Well apparently, the repair shops are so busy with work lately, they don't have anyone designated to do just inpsections for walk-ins....

Started to head back home to Gilford, and was just about to pass 'Mike's Automotive', across from T-Bone's restaurant. Why didn't I think if this place to begin with, as I've heard many positive referrals from this Forum in the past.

Anyway, Mike (the owner), was able to get me in for inspection within 15 min. During the inspection, he discovered, I had a missing part in my suspension, which I was unaware about? Something, a safetly concern, as well as affected the ride of vehicle. A simple and moderately inexpensive fix.

That said, the part was ordered and arrived in 10 min, the repair was made, and I was on my way within an hour.

I was treated fairly $, and with courtesy and respect. I'll defintely go back to Mike's Automotive, for future repairs.

Bigdog

Winni-Retired · 06-26-2012, 10:45 AM

I had brake work done yesterday and all I can say is what Big Dog states

I was treated fairly $, and with courtesy and respect. I'll defintely go back to Mike's Automotive, for future repairs.

BroadHopper · 06-26-2012, 12:22 PM

The garage that Mike's automotive is in use to be the former Studebaker dealer. A look inside and you may find part of the old showroom. I have not been in there in a while.

Mr. Prop-B-Gone · 06-30-2012, 11:10 AM

When we moved to the area in 2005, I needed an inspection done on my Lamborghini Kit Car. NH had just passed the computer emissions check law. The car was built on a 1986 Fiero chassis, but was titled by NH as a 1997 reconstructed Lamborghini, and every shop I went to said it needed to be hooked up to the computer, and, since it didn't have the right connector, they said they couldn't inspect it. Even with a letter from Motor Vehicle stating that the car was exempt, no one would give me a sticker.

A friend suggested Chet Downing. I took it to him, he looked at the letter from MV, but said he knew the car was exempt because it did not have the right kind of computer. He did the inspection, and we've been bringing all of our cars to him ever since.

Probably too far from Gilford, but if you're in the Meredith area you should check them out. They do fair inspections, and good work at fair prices.

Downing's Car Care in located on the Meredith/Center Harbor line on Rt. 3/125, just South of the Mug Restaurant.

KTO · 07-09-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

I was treated fairly $, and with courtesy and respect. I'll defintely go back to Mike's Automotive, for future repairs.

Bigdog

I'm usually the last person to write a bad review because I realize that mistakes happen and not everybody or business is perfect. Generally, I'll just forget about a bad experience unless it was terrible.

Based on your suggestion, I took my car to Mike's Quality Car Care recently for an inspection and oil change. It was my first time there.

After the inspection, one of the workers (can't remember his name anymore, but it was irrelevant since he was just the messenger) came and got me in the waiting room to point out what hey had discovered on my car. He pointed out a number of problems, all of which to repair would cost me $1,000 to $1,400 for repairs. I was shocked at this price and disappointed because that meant my car failed inspection.

I took my car to our old mechanic (who is quite far away or I would have done that originally) and told me that everything Mike's said was wrong still were in acceptable condition and they should have never failed my car's inspection. He also noted that there was a hole in my muffler that Mike's didn't even notice, claiming that it should have been the most obvious problem to spot.

Overall, it cost me about $300 for repairs and thus my car had passed inspection instead of $1,000+

Belmont Resident · 07-10-2012, 05:56 AM

Sometimes your damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
For years I’d taken my vehicles to Belknap tire for inspections and tires, then I had problems with service work and customer service was becoming none existent.
Well given they are not a diesel repair shop I found that I had problems that were not being caught at inspection and in turn they snowballed into more money in the end for the repair when they were found at a diesel shop.
So now I take my gas vehicles one place and my truck to a diesel repair shop for inspections.
During this past inspection there were a couple of things that will need attention, one was a small hole in the muffler that was brought to my attention and I will have to replace along with the oil pan that leaks about a quart every month. The oil leak will not cause it to fail inspection though, but I have not had to change my oil in a year, just a new filter.

In the end a lot of what they look at during inspections is open to judgment and not everything falls under pass fail criteria.

Jonas Pilot · 07-10-2012, 07:13 AM

Quote:

"In the end a lot of what they look at during inspections is open to judgment and not everything falls under pass fail criteria."

Well said BR. Most garages are looking to hit a home run but then they lose the game of customer retention. We live in a throw away society and too many people have lost the ability to make a judgement on something that isn't in black or white.

jrc · 07-10-2012, 08:33 AM

When the garage guy gives you the story about what your car needs you have to ask if it passes.

"your brakes are worn" does not always mean you failed. You have to ask. A lot of times the answer will be "yes, it just barely passes but you really should do the brakes, for safety"

Translated this means, your brakes are not brand new and I'd like to sell you a brake job.

Very few of these guys will actually lie to you, but they need to sell services to make a living. So if there is a repair in your near future, they want to do it.

dt5150 · 07-10-2012, 08:38 AM

i've been going to phil at union ave auto for over 10 years. had him do all sorts of work over the years on several different vehicles, both mine and my familys. he's always been an honest guy, treated me and my family fairly, and competitive price wise.

BroadHopper · 07-10-2012, 10:45 AM

My girl friend's Sentra failed inspection at Autoserv in Tilton. They claim it needs a new converter and the CEL is not even on! $2000 worth of work.

On the way out a salesman recomended Phil's. She got her car inspected for $50!

KTO · 07-10-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

When the garage guy gives you the story about what your car needs you have to ask if it passes.

"your brakes are worn" does not always mean you failed. You have to ask. A lot of times the answer will be "yes, it just barely passes but you really should do the brakes, for safety"

Translated this means, your brakes are not brand new and I'd like to sell you a brake job.

Very few of these guys will actually lie to you, but they need to sell services to make a living. So if there is a repair in your near future, they want to do it.

Not sure if you're referring to my situation here, but Mike's said the would not pass me until I got this repaired. My other garage said that he wasn't even worried about the same problems right now. I felt like it was a "get it fixed or else" scenario.

songkrai · 07-10-2012, 07:39 PM

Everyone should be driving a safe vehicle. Good for all of us.
If something is broken that affects vehicle operation or safety then get it fixed.

My many years and many older vehicles makes me wonder at the honesty of many/most inspection establishments.

I have heard too many stories from too many people of having parts replaced that were not broken or worn out.

One of my acquaitences owns an auto body shop that also does inspections. One person operation. I was getting an inspection on my older car at the time when one of his competitors came for a visit. No work needed as I keep mine up to date with all components. The competitor stated and quite seriously - that if a car came into his repair/inspection shop at that age - there would have been at least $250.00 in "repairs" - needed or not. He was not joking.

From my perspective the "chain" store are the worst offenders. They must sell parts to pay their monthly franchise fee. But so are some of the local garage/gas station places. The same holds true for the new car dealer.

The trick from my persepective is to build up a relationship with an honest independent local repair shop/mechanic. Have your oil changes done there. Become a regular customer.

Too many folks with older vehicles get too many parts replaced at inspection time by those that are unscrupulous.

Now . . . if the Check Engine light is on - something does have to be fixed.

For pre 1997 vehicles no computer is necessary. 1997 and newer are OBDII vehicles and must be connected to computer and data sent to Concord.

One tip I have learned over the years. If you do not have a local mechanic/shop already. Before inspection, go to any place and "ask" if the vehicle will pass inspection. You will have to pay for this. But do not provide or give the place/mechanic your registration. Hold the car/truck registration in your pocket. In other words pay for an inspection - just don't provide the registration. Then if all passes - provide them with registration and get sticker. If the mechanic/shop finds issues or problems - ask for an estimate - then go to another place to verify. This will help all from getting ripped off - with replacement of 'Mulligan Pins', "Murphy Pins', 'Tall Joints', 'Lifter Housing Bushings', 'Shankle bearings', 'Front Windward Bushings', 'Lower and Upper Knuckle Suspension Bars', etc.

Jonas Pilot · 07-10-2012, 07:55 PM

... muffler bearings.

Belmont Resident · 07-10-2012, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTO

Not sure if you're referring to my situation here, but Mike's said the would not pass me until I got this repaired. My other garage said that he wasn't even worried about the same problems right now. I felt like it was a "get it fixed or else" scenario.

Out of curiosity did you go back to Mikes and inform him of the outcome of the inspection at the other place?
I’d be interested to here what their reply is.
I’ve often wondered about that place as I like to hit Pizza hut up for their lunch buffet once in a while and can’t help but notice the sign.

06-25-2012, 07:54 PM	#1
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,446 Thanks: 340 Thanked 119 Times in 96 Posts	Car Inspection Station ? Need to have my annual car inspection ! My old gas service station went out of business, so looking for a state inspection station in Gilford-Laconia area. Someone gave me a suggestion to go to 'Terry Murphy's Citgo' on Court St in Laconia. Thoughts about this station? Several years back I went to Midas, and then to VIP service centers, and would NEVER go back to either. They're obviously in the business to sell parts, and inspections seems a way to do just that ! My vehicles are always in prime condition, and excellent working order, so no concern there to pass inspection. Also would appreciate any other suggestions. Thanks, Bigdog

06-25-2012, 08:44 PM	#2
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,572 Thanks: 3,209 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Quick Lane of laconia is offering $20 state inspections. Unfortunately I am stuck with Autoserve as they sold me a vehicle with a CEL always on. By taking my car there, they were able to give me a sticker. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-26-2012, 05:05 AM	#3
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	Laconia Garage Neil at Laconia garage does all but my deisel truck. He's been fair to me and is good on customer service skills. He will inspect it and tell me if there is anything wrong. Giving me the option to fix it or have him schedule it in. He is on 106 heading south out of Laconia across from Granite State Glass. __________________ "better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, then a long life spent in a miserable way.."

06-26-2012, 10:15 AM	#4
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,446 Thanks: 340 Thanked 119 Times in 96 Posts	Car Inspection Station ? Thanks everyone for the suggestions..... Went to 2 service stations for inspection, and they asked me right away if I had an apointment. An appopintment for an inspection, huh? Well apparently, the repair shops are so busy with work lately, they don't have anyone designated to do just inpsections for walk-ins.... Started to head back home to Gilford, and was just about to pass 'Mike's Automotive', across from T-Bone's restaurant. Why didn't I think if this place to begin with, as I've heard many positive referrals from this Forum in the past. Anyway, Mike (the owner), was able to get me in for inspection within 15 min. During the inspection, he discovered, I had a missing part in my suspension, which I was unaware about? Something, a safetly concern, as well as affected the ride of vehicle. A simple and moderately inexpensive fix. That said, the part was ordered and arrived in 10 min, the repair was made, and I was on my way within an hour. I was treated fairly $, and with courtesy and respect. I'll defintely go back to Mike's Automotive, for future repairs. Bigdog

06-26-2012, 10:45 AM	#5
Winni-Retired Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SE Mass / Lake Posts: 125 Thanks: 96 Thanked 102 Times in 22 Posts	I Agree I had brake work done yesterday and all I can say is what Big Dog states I was treated fairly $, and with courtesy and respect. I'll defintely go back to Mike's Automotive, for future repairs.

The Following User Says Thank You to Belmont Resident For This Useful Post:
bigdog (06-26-2012)

06-26-2012, 12:22 PM	#6
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,572 Thanks: 3,209 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	For you history buff The garage that Mike's automotive is in use to be the former Studebaker dealer. A look inside and you may find part of the old showroom. I have not been in there in a while. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-30-2012, 11:10 AM	#7
Mr. Prop-B-Gone Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 106 Thanks: 4 Thanked 30 Times in 17 Posts	Downing's Car Care When we moved to the area in 2005, I needed an inspection done on my Lamborghini Kit Car. NH had just passed the computer emissions check law. The car was built on a 1986 Fiero chassis, but was titled by NH as a 1997 reconstructed Lamborghini, and every shop I went to said it needed to be hooked up to the computer, and, since it didn't have the right connector, they said they couldn't inspect it. Even with a letter from Motor Vehicle stating that the car was exempt, no one would give me a sticker. A friend suggested Chet Downing. I took it to him, he looked at the letter from MV, but said he knew the car was exempt because it did not have the right kind of computer. He did the inspection, and we've been bringing all of our cars to him ever since. Probably too far from Gilford, but if you're in the Meredith area you should check them out. They do fair inspections, and good work at fair prices. Downing's Car Care in located on the Meredith/Center Harbor line on Rt. 3/125, just South of the Mug Restaurant.

The Following User Says Thank You to KTO For This Useful Post:
Belmont Resident (07-10-2012)

07-10-2012, 05:56 AM	#9
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	Pass or fail Sometimes your damned if you do and damned if you don’t. For years I’d taken my vehicles to Belknap tire for inspections and tires, then I had problems with service work and customer service was becoming none existent. Well given they are not a diesel repair shop I found that I had problems that were not being caught at inspection and in turn they snowballed into more money in the end for the repair when they were found at a diesel shop. So now I take my gas vehicles one place and my truck to a diesel repair shop for inspections. During this past inspection there were a couple of things that will need attention, one was a small hole in the muffler that was brought to my attention and I will have to replace along with the oil pan that leaks about a quart every month. The oil leak will not cause it to fail inspection though, but I have not had to change my oil in a year, just a new filter. In the end a lot of what they look at during inspections is open to judgment and not everything falls under pass fail criteria. __________________ "better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, then a long life spent in a miserable way.."

07-10-2012, 08:33 AM	#11
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	When the garage guy gives you the story about what your car needs you have to ask if it passes. "your brakes are worn" does not always mean you failed. You have to ask. A lot of times the answer will be "yes, it just barely passes but you really should do the brakes, for safety" Translated this means, your brakes are not brand new and I'd like to sell you a brake job. Very few of these guys will actually lie to you, but they need to sell services to make a living. So if there is a repair in your near future, they want to do it.

The Following User Says Thank You to jrc For This Useful Post:
Jonas Pilot (07-10-2012)

07-10-2012, 08:38 AM	#12
dt5150 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 401 Thanks: 4 Thanked 107 Times in 72 Posts	i've been going to phil at union ave auto for over 10 years. had him do all sorts of work over the years on several different vehicles, both mine and my familys. he's always been an honest guy, treated me and my family fairly, and competitive price wise.

07-10-2012, 10:45 AM	#13
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,572 Thanks: 3,209 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Phil's at Union Ave. My girl friend's Sentra failed inspection at Autoserv in Tilton. They claim it needs a new converter and the CEL is not even on! $2000 worth of work. On the way out a salesman recomended Phil's. She got her car inspected for $50! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-10-2012, 07:39 PM	#15
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Thanks: 35 Thanked 146 Times in 99 Posts	Everyone should be driving a safe vehicle. Good for all of us. If something is broken that affects vehicle operation or safety then get it fixed. My many years and many older vehicles makes me wonder at the honesty of many/most inspection establishments. I have heard too many stories from too many people of having parts replaced that were not broken or worn out. One of my acquaitences owns an auto body shop that also does inspections. One person operation. I was getting an inspection on my older car at the time when one of his competitors came for a visit. No work needed as I keep mine up to date with all components. The competitor stated and quite seriously - that if a car came into his repair/inspection shop at that age - there would have been at least $250.00 in "repairs" - needed or not. He was not joking. From my perspective the "chain" store are the worst offenders. They must sell parts to pay their monthly franchise fee. But so are some of the local garage/gas station places. The same holds true for the new car dealer. The trick from my persepective is to build up a relationship with an honest independent local repair shop/mechanic. Have your oil changes done there. Become a regular customer. Too many folks with older vehicles get too many parts replaced at inspection time by those that are unscrupulous. Now . . . if the Check Engine light is on - something does have to be fixed. For pre 1997 vehicles no computer is necessary. 1997 and newer are OBDII vehicles and must be connected to computer and data sent to Concord. One tip I have learned over the years. If you do not have a local mechanic/shop already. Before inspection, go to any place and "ask" if the vehicle will pass inspection. You will have to pay for this. But do not provide or give the place/mechanic your registration. Hold the car/truck registration in your pocket. In other words pay for an inspection - just don't provide the registration. Then if all passes - provide them with registration and get sticker. If the mechanic/shop finds issues or problems - ask for an estimate - then go to another place to verify. This will help all from getting ripped off - with replacement of 'Mulligan Pins', "Murphy Pins', 'Tall Joints', 'Lifter Housing Bushings', 'Shankle bearings', 'Front Windward Bushings', 'Lower and Upper Knuckle Suspension Bars', etc.

07-10-2012, 07:55 PM	#16
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	You forgot ... ... muffler bearings.