Older car inspection

[Talking moose]

^ I’d assume he means hidden components that would indeed take awhile to check like opening up steering box’s etc. To check for worn out parts. (To gaurentee 100% worthy). But too in depth to be feasible for customers.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

^ I’d assume he means hidden components that would indeed take awhile to check like opening up steering box’s etc. To check for worn out parts. (To gaurentee 100% worthy). But too in depth to be feasible for customers.

Just seems odd that a company would be able to check all those things, take it for a test drive, and fill out the form in 30 minutes. Makes more sense if company's aren't thoroughly checking items before checking said boxes, writing it off as a joke, or thinking a form that specifically states "Is the vehicle roadworthy" and "I certify that I have inspected and tested...." does not guarantee/certify the vehicle is roadworthy. Isn't that the entire point of the inspection?

I wouldn't expect anyone to be taking steering racks apart to check road-worthiness, but play in the linkage, rubber isolators, tie rod ends, etc.

[brslk]

Originally Posted by Trochu

Just seems odd that a company would be able to check all those things, take it for a test drive, and fill out the form in 30 minutes. Makes more sense if company's aren't thoroughly checking items before checking said boxes, writing it off as a joke, or thinking a form that specifically states "Is the vehicle roadworthy" and "I certify that I have inspected and tested...." does not guarantee/certify the vehicle is roadworthy. Isn't that the entire point of the inspection?

I wouldn't expect anyone to be taking steering racks apart to check road-worthiness, but play in the linkage, rubber isolators, tie rod ends, etc.

There's no requirement to take it on a test drive to pass an insurance inspection. It's basically a quick wiggle of the front wheels to check for play, turn the wheels from lock to lock, check all the lights and make sure the tires are good. A few other things but that's it in a nut shell.
If you're worried about a potential auto purchase and want a more indepth inspection, take it to a mechanic of your choice and ask for a pre-purchase inspection. Inspectors do what's on the form and nothing more.

[RandyBoBandy]

Originally Posted by brslk

There's no requirement to take it on a test drive to pass an insurance inspection. It's basically a quick wiggle of the front wheels to check for play, turn the wheels from lock to lock, check all the lights and make sure the tires are good. A few other things but that's it in a nut shell.
If you're worried about a potential auto purchase and want a more indepth inspection, take it to a mechanic of your choice and ask for a pre-purchase inspection. Inspectors do what's on the form and nothing more.

This and you are correct about all the other things..You do NOT embellish that lame duck inspection..end of story

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by brslk

There's no requirement to take it on a test drive to pass an insurance inspection. It's basically a quick wiggle of the front wheels to check for play, turn the wheels from lock to lock, check all the lights and make sure the tires are good. A few other things but that's it in a nut shell.
If you're worried about a potential auto purchase and want a more indepth inspection, take it to a mechanic of your choice and ask for a pre-purchase inspection. Inspectors do what's on the form and nothing more.

Again, it says right on the form "I certify that I have inspected and tested the motor vehicle...". If you feel you can test a vehicle without driving it, I guess that's your interpretation. Me, the easiest way to test something, is to try it. Believe it's even in the name, test drive.

[RandyBoBandy]

Originally Posted by Trochu

Again, it says right on the form "I certify that I have inspected and tested the motor vehicle...". If you feel you can test a vehicle without driving it, I guess that's your interpretation. Me, the easiest way to test something, is to try it. Believe it's even in the name, test drive.

You TESTED IT !! Does that say TEST DRIVE?? Where do you see TEST DRIVE?
BTW, I always take them for a spin, even if it's just an oil change, cuts out the "ever since" question

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by RandyBoBandy

You TESTED IT !! Does that say TEST DRIVE?? Where do you see TEST DRIVE?
BTW, I always take them for a spin, even if it's just an oil change, cuts out the "ever since" question

Love to hear the explanation in court of a mechanic "testing a motor vehicle" without taking it for a test drive.

"Well your honor, I had Bill and John push it around the parking lot and the brakes worked really well and the suspension seems to soak up the bumps".

"While Bill and John were pushing?"

"Yes your Honor, I though it perfectly roadworthy."

"Why didn't you just take it for a test drive"?

"Well, to test a vehicle, most shops don't take them for test drives anymore."

[Talking moose]

I think the “test” is the wiggle of the wheel, the visual of brakes, etc. Each one must pass the test. Be it by physicality or a visual test. I’ve never heard of anyone test driving the vehicle for car inspections. But you never know.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

I think the “test” is the wiggle of the wheel, the visual of brakes, etc. Each one must pass the test. Be it by physicality or a visual test. I’ve never heard of anyone test driving the vehicle for car inspections. But you never know.

Could be, not really testing the vehicle though, more testing singular parts individually. The guy I used did (could be he just wanted to take it for a rip I suppose). Seems like it's a race for the bottom, who can do it the cheapest, and the rule of the law, not the spirit of the law, is being followed.

[hogie]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

I think the “test” is the wiggle of the wheel, the visual of brakes, etc. Each one must pass the test. Be it by physicality or a visual test. I’ve never heard of anyone test driving the vehicle for car inspections. But you never know.

Most of the inspection I've seen have included a road test. Maybe it's the form we have at work. I do know they ask if it is roadworthy. They are not a standardized form. There are some horrible forms that companies put out there as well. This is where my frustration comes from

[fed]

When I do them it’s on the hoist and wheels off. Brakes all checked and undercarriage looked at. Front suspension all checked and lights and other things done. Takes about an average of 0.5 a vehicle. I did one the other day that was a mid 80’s Chevy 1 ton. Had to pull the axle to check the brakes. Takes longer but it has to be done. I charge 100 to do one and that’s cheap compared to other places. But when I sign that form for you I know I’ve covered my *****

[Talking moose]

Originally Posted by fed

When I do them it’s on the hoist and wheels off. Brakes all checked and undercarriage looked at. Front suspension all checked and lights and other things done. Takes about an average of 0.5 a vehicle. I did one the other day that was a mid 80’s Chevy 1 ton. Had to pull the axle to check the brakes. Takes longer but it has to be done. I charge 100 to do one and that’s cheap compared to other places. But when I sign that form for you I know I’ve covered my *****

Do you test drive them?

[Sooner]

Originally Posted by Talking moose

Just insure it through AMA. No inspection required. Unless you want one for your own sake.

Never had to get one with Allstate either. The truck i bought last year is 14 yrs old. No inspection required. Ask your provider if they will want one.

[Flight01]

Thanks for all the input. My provider required an inspection for anything over 12 years.

[fishinisgood]

Originally Posted by Flight01

Thanks for all the input. My provider required an inspection for anything over 12 years.

My insurance company requires it after 12 years also. Just had one done. Cost me $116.00