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| - I saw a full page color ad in the newspaper for this chain & decided to go for the state inspection since it was closer than going to any dealer. Last year, after moving here - i first called a dealer for an inspection, so I could register my car in PA. I didn't know that most car repair shops do inspections here.
Last year I paid about $70, which was a a lot more than in VA for the same safety & emissions test. The ad listed all the shops & I called a different one & asked about the coupon. I was told that I should be able to get out the door for about $40 altogether.
I then called this location & set an appointment. I arrived a few minutes early, but they didn't get my car in right away, or even close. After at least an hour I was told that there was a broken component & my car failed the safety inspection. Since the car is still under warranty, I was surprised but figured the component was covered. They did let me use the phone to call a dealer & I confirmed that my car was covered + set an appointment. I went to check-out & was charged about the same $70 as I had paid last year at the dealer, even though the other MONROE I had called told me it would be about $40. I decided I wanted to leave ASAP & just paid it without arguing. If I got it fixed, Monroe would re-inspect the failed part & just charge me for a sticker.
A week later I returned un-announced & was told they could get to my car in a FEW minutes.
When a few turned into 20, I had to leave, but did set another appointment for the next day. I'd estimate I was there a total of 40 minutes. i was charged $6 for the new sticker + for "shop fees" of 10% for just pulling off one wheel. My $40 inspection turned into about $76 all told.
Since my car is under manufacturers warranty for three more years, I'll only be going to a dealer for repairs & most maintenance (so as not to invalidate the warranty) & I've learned that there are lots of other options for future inspections.
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