Article

2010-07-10 Economy

Christie looks to privatize motor vehicle inspections, other services

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Posted by Fred 2010-07-10 09:19|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 As a Retired Master Mechanic I have past experience with "Privitizing Inspections" I have talked with friends/Mechanics from other states where the Inspections were done by dealerships and Private Gaages.

Almost all said the system GUARANTEED A PROFIT because (Said under your breath If we don't pass them they don't drive,) Much abuse, (Ma'am you need a new set of Mufler Bearings before we can pass you, that'll be 399.99,

PLUS the "Inspection fee (And another inspection FEE when the new Bearings are installed to be sure the problem's corrected)

By the way, for all you Non-Mechanics out there there's no such thing as a "Muffler Bearing".
Or "Halogen Headlight fluid" ETC.

Posted by Redneck Jim 2010-07-10 12:45|| 2010-07-10 12:45|| Front Page Top

#2 Jim,
The muffler bearing trick must be a classic, because I remember my dad telling me 50 years ago about a woman at his shop who was subjected to the muffler bearing trick.
There is a way to privatize the inspections without as much chance for fraud: set up places that ONLY do inspections. They may replace taillights or wiper blades, but that is it. They do no major mechanical work. North Carolina uses that approach and it seems to work pretty well.

Posted by Rambler in Virginia 2010-07-10 16:52|| 2010-07-10 16:52|| Front Page Top

#3 Test Only works fairly well in CA (one of the few things...) but you also need to have State undercover "shoppers" periodically visit to see if what's caught is correct

Posted by Frank G 2010-07-10 16:59|| 2010-07-10 16:59|| Front Page Top

#4 The state of Colorado ran private emissions testing for fifteen years without a problem. The test initially cost $15, was raised to $25 four years ago. All testing equipment had to pass a state licensing inspection, and anyone failing a test was guaranteed a free re-test. ANY service station and most other auto repair shops were allowed to conduct emissions testing, as long as their equipment passed state standards. The program has been so successful that emissions in the state have dropped below where emission controls are needed, and the testing has been suspended until it's needed again.

As with anything else, if you're not an educated consumer, you can get ripped off.

Posted by Old Patriot 2010-07-10 17:14|| 2010-07-10 17:14|| Front Page Top

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