Vehicle inspections for new residents

[maverickeastwood]

I'm new to town and need to find a decent mechanic/shop to perform a vehicle safety inspection...one thats honest and won't try to soak me for more money. Any ideas???

[Cal-Gal]

I switched my plates over last summer. I don't know where in the city you live, but I took my car to Certec in the NW, in Ranchlands. They did a good job, and only charged me for what actually needed to be done. Best advice I can give is to take it anywhere BUT a dealership....those guys will hose you every time.

[maverickeastwood]

Thanks, I guess I shoulda said whereabouts I am. I live on the west side of downtown...I'll have to check that out.

[browna]

Having gone through this kind of in the last month or so, out of province inspections are now pretty standard...and fairly strict.

Canadian Tire can do it. Many others too...but Canadian Tire can usually slide you in without an appointment.

I think they used to pass too many people too easily. Now its a fairly standard checklist, mainly safety related...if you're car is newer and unmodified, I don't think you have to worry wherever you go.

But call around..look in the yellow pages.

[jar_e]

I went through Canadian tire...and got charged $900. It may have been valid, but it was quite the shock on how strict they were on inspecting a vehicle.

[MacDougalbry]

Originally Posted by Cal-Gal

I switched my plates over last summer. I don't know where in the city you live, but I took my car to Certec in the NW, in Ranchlands. They did a good job, and only charged me for what actually needed to be done. Best advice I can give is to take it anywhere BUT a dealership....those guys will hose you every time.

Actually, I'd almost say it's the other way around. The dealerships around here are so busy that they don't need to make up BS work, whereas some of the smaller places use the inspection as a way to drum up business and have a vested interest in failing you on marginal issues. When I got my vehicle done a couple of years ago I took it to a dealership (Chrysler). They only charged me $50 and I passed with flying colors. My father just took his older Odyssey to Honda West and he also had no problems passing, and they didn't even charge him the full amount for the inspection!

Personally, I have found Chrysler dealerships to be very reasonable for repairs. Independent shops may post a lower hourly rate, but they tend to hide some of the labour cost by charging a huge markup on parts.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by fotze

When you do take it somewhere tell them that this is a second opinion and you want to confirm what they find. Maybe they will be more honest.

Phone Courtney Auto (its on the west side of downtown) they have tried to save me money everytime my car has broken down and fixed a few things for free.

Good idea Fotze. Never thought of that.

[Bobblehead]

Myself and a few other people I know have had excellent service from the Blaskin & Lane on 32nd NE.

[maverickeastwood]

Originally Posted by fotze

When you do take it somewhere tell them that this is a second opinion and you want to confirm what they find. Maybe they will be more honest.

Phone Courtney Auto (its on the west side of downtown) they have tried to save me money everytime my car has broken down and fixed a few things for free.

Thats a good idea. I'll definitley give that a shot as well, I don't want some bogus work made up that'll cost an arm and a leg.

[Go_Flames_3]

there is a good place in marda loop kinda by the safeway i think its called mikes auto, also on 17th ave btwn 37 and 45street, it is an oriental shop, great work, but sometimes is hard to get in