I purchased my 2004 Crossfire Coupe three weeks ago from ebay out-of-state. PA inspection is no good in Maryland where I live.
The car is MINT! Still smells new with less then 15,000 miles. It runs perfectly. Not one mark on it.I really enjoy this car!

I have until May 8/08 to get the inspection, and I have been putting it off in fear of getting an dis-honest inspection. Also them F...king my car up when they get done with it.
I have narrowed it down to a local Chrysler Dealer instead of the local shops. Has anyone gone through this before.
I have the "When it's working leave it alone syndrome". When I get it back I hope nothing is screwed up. Although State inspections can be good, I think they open doors up for the shop to rip you off or some incompetent
mechanic messing up your car. The Government always has to have a piece of the pie at our expense. This is the most informative forum I have ever belonged to. Great people and great information. I appreciate your feedback in advance.
I apologize for the large amount of text.

 

Take it to the dealer if they can do inspections there. I don't see why you're worried -- just tell them the car is under warranty (even if it's not, haha) and I highly doubt they'll try and pull any funny business.

Kind of weird how you're worried about that. Where I live no one fails for inspection -- because we pay $80 to some guy that passes us even if our exhaust system starts and stops at headers.

 

I agree with you. The reason for the inspection makes sense, but I feel that it causes more harm than good. If the states really want to implement an inspection, they should have state-hired, independent inspectors that have no reason to fail your car unless something is actually wrong with it. I'm lucky to now live in a state that does not require inspections (or front tags). If you take it to the Chrysler dealer, ask them if they have a Certified Crossfire Technician. Also tell them that you will be waiting for the vehicle. (don't ask, just TELL them, because if you ask, they will say "no, it will take all day") I usually take a walk around the dealership and peer in the open garage door to check on the car... If the mechanics and techs understand that you really care about your car, I think they tend to take better care of it (well some do at least)

 

I'm not worried about failing the inspection. More worried about them screwing the car up. Bad experiences here in the past.

 

I've never heard of someone being worried about an inspection. A dishonest inspection? What's that about?

If you are that paranoid, take it to an inspection house where you can watch them do it. Oh and, watch out who may be following you!

 

dont they just plug it into the diagnostic port on newer cars? If you dont have any lights on in the dash I wouldnt worry about it.

 

Texas ain't Baltimore. Happens all the time here. I would say I'm concerned, not paranoid. It's just a car. Although I do look over my shoulder when I'm downtown.
Appreciate your input though.

 

I live in the state of confusion. No inspection required were I live, but some counties you have to have a smog inspection (big rip off). Not mine. They stick a pipe up the exhaust and rev it up and that about it. Not too much they can screw up there.....

 

For the safety inspection, ease your mind a bit by inspecting the car yourself. About 15 minutes should do it. With a car in as good of condition as you state, chances of something wrong seems very small.

One thing that I always do is make sure my car is clean inside and out ( including the engine compartment). I figure that if the inspector gets the idea that I take car of my cars, he will not be expecting as much to be wrong. On that same note, if you show up with a filthy car or show up with a minor problem ( a burnt out parking light, or a bad wiper ), the inspector will surly proceed to nit pick your car to death.

Quick do it yourself Safety Inspection list.
- Check all exterior lights ( including liscense plate light )
- Check turn signals ( make sure side marker lights are working )
- Check hazard lights
- Check hi and low beams
- Check Brake lights ( may need a second person )
- Check tire tread and tire condition
- Inspect the the brake pads through the wheel spokes
- Look under the car at each wheel looking for any leaks coming from the brakes or shocks
- Check the exhaust for noticable superficial problems.
- Check door locks
- Check that windows operate properly
- Windshield washer...they might check that it works
- Check the emergency brake
- All seatbelts and seatbelt warnings are operational
- Ensure that there are not any check engine lights on
- I'm sure I missed something, but you get the point.

Remember, don't give the inspector a reason to nitpick.

As for the emissions, newer cars can just plug into the computer ( ODBIII equipped cars? ). Treadmills and exhaust pipe hose tests should not be necessary. I would avoid the treadmill emissions test at all costs.

I'm in VA and I take my cars to a Shell station during my lunch hour. I would never drop it off and leave it. Also, I do not go during the first or last week of the month. Its busier during those times which makes your wait much longer and increases the chances of getting a pissed off inspector.

Good luck and after you perform your own safety check, you will be more confident.

One last thing, if your car is out of warranty, I might avoid the dealership. An inspection will give them the opportunity to hand you a laundry list of things that need fixed.

 

iamabenz,
We also have Treadmills and exhaust pipe hose tests here. My M3 failed it recently. I won't need it right away for the Crossfire though. My State doesn't miss much when it comes to taxes and water bills, trash collection,emissions any and all applicable fees, taxes...taxes, etc.
thanks for the advice.

 

Good News.....Just googled MD emissions........From the MVA site, you should be able to have the ODB test which only requires a hookup to a computer from your Crossfire's ODB port.

Pasted the below info from the MVA site

What is the Right Test for Your Vehicle?
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Test
1996 or newer model year vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less and equipped with a computer controlled engine and fuel system
Instead of testing your vehicle’s exhaust, your emissions test will involve scanning your vehicle's computer for emission control malfunctions. During an on-board diagnostics scan, a lane inspector will connect to your vehicle's computer through a connector under the dashboard to determine the presence of recorded “trouble codes” that illuminate the “check engine” light on the instrument panel. Vehicles with an illuminated “check engine” light automatically fail the emissions test.
Treadmill Test (IM240)
1984 to 1995 model year vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less.
Your vehicle will be driven on a treadmill while the exhaust is collected and analyzed. The treadmill test is simple and safe, and usually takes less than four minutes to complete. The vehicle’s emissions are measured under a range of operating conditions including acceleration, deceleration, cruising and idle.
Idle Test
1977 to 1983 model year vehicles and on trucks weighing 8,501 to 26,000 pounds regardless of model year.
Your vehicle’s emissions will be analyzed while the engine is at idle. The idle test is more appropriate for older cars because of their vehicle design.
Gas Cap Leak Check
All vehicles that are required to have an emissions test are required to have a gas cap leak check.
Because a cap can look OK but still leak gas vapors, we check all gas caps of vehicles presented for emissions testing in Maryland. The gas cap leak check is the first step in the emissions test, and involves placing the cap on a testing adapter and pressurizing it with air to ensure that it seals tightly.
How a VEIP Test Works
Here is some important information you need to know before you take your vehicle in for testing.
You will receive a test notice from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) about eight weeks before the deadline for your vehicle should be tested. You may bring your vehicle to be tested as soon as you receive the notice, or at any time during your eight week inspection period. Bring your notice and your vehicle to any one of the testing stations.

1. If you forget the notice, bring your vehicle registration card as a substitute.
2. When you pull into the lane for the test, put the vehicle in "park," and keep the engine running.
3. A certified emissions inspector will check for leaking fluids, excessive smoke, signs of tampering with the exhaust system, a gas cap, dashboard warning lights, and badly worn tires. Nothing is disconnected.
4. The test fee of $14 is collected. We accept cash, VISA, American Express and MasterCard, traveler's check, money order, or a personal check (with 2 current ID's) made payable to VEIP.
5. At the end of the test the inspector will present you with a vehicle emissions certificate that shows whether your vehicle passed or failed the test and the date of your next test.
6. At the end of the test the inspector will present you with a vehicle emissions certificate that shows whether your vehicle passed or failed the test and the date of your next test. If you do not pass the test, you will be referred to the station representative and given a brochure. The station representative can discuss the results with you and point out the area(s) on your vehicle's engine or emission control system to be checked and repaired.

PLEASE VISIT THE STATION REPRESENTATIVE BEFORE LEAVING IF YOUR VEHICLE DOES NOT PASS. DON'T FORGET, your first re-test is free. To speak to the station representative, please move your vehicle to one of the convenient parking spaces, and enter the office. Our station representatives are fully prepared to answer any and all questions you may have.
To Help Your Vehicle Pass

1. Be certain you have the proper gas cap.
2. Keep your vehicle properly maintained - manufacturer's recommendations are found in your owner's manual. Make sure all of your vehicle's emissions control equipment is present and connected.
3. Make sure your exhaust system is free of leaks or holes, and that the tailpipe is easily accessible.
4. Make sure no gasoline, oil, or coolant is leaking from your vehicle. Check for bald tires or a temporary spare on the drive wheels. We cannot test a vehicle if any of these conditions exist.

 

If it passed PA inspection then you have nothing, I mean nothing!!, to worry about. PA is among the strictest (up there with California). People come from all over the US to Manheim Auto Autcion because that PA inspection sticker raises the resale price about 400-500$ because of how strict and thorough PA state inspectors are. I'll be going for my PA State inspection license in the next coming months whenever I can schedule off time from work and school to do so.


Justin

 

Thanks Guy's for the information. Especially the emissions for MD. Although my Crossfire has less then thirty six thousand miles, it is four years old. Imabenz had a good point. I decided to take it to a local garage instead of the Chrysler dealer. I don't need a list of recommended Chrysler repairs just yet.
That said, I take it in tomorrow and will wait the 1-1/2 hour it takes.

 

I live on the eastern shore of Maryland and got my crossfire in PA. Didn't have a single problem with maryland inspections at all. In fact I just sold my BMW 840cdi and was worried about emmissions but it also passed with 80k miles. Enjoy your new car.

 

Like you, I purchased my 04 in PA and live in Southern Maryland.
Took it to my local Chrysler dealer for inspection and it passed without any problem.

The only problem I had, when I picked it up and got home I noticed a scratch on the passenger seat that wasn't there before. I called the service manager and he talked to the mechanic and called me back and said it didn't happen there. No way to prove it, but no one ever sits in the passenger seat and it wasn't there the day before.

 

That's exactly what I mean. There isn't one ding ,scratch, or mark on this car, inside or out. It's a 2004 with only 15,000 miles on it.
When i dropped the car off this morning the first thing the service manager said was.. Quote: "You never know we might find something wrong".
I'll see what happens when I go to pick it up.
I had a custom Miata in a shop for some minor adjustments. The day I picked up the car it was raining and early evening. The next day I looked the car over and found a large ding on the drivers side door.
I had just painted the Miata. It was perfect.
They said they didn't do it. I couldn't prove it, so I had to repair and paint the door myself. It happens. Lets face it, they were careless. Wasn't their car.

 

Unless I am mistaken, sounds as if you went ahead and dropped it off at a dealership for a mere safety inspection.

I'm assuming such because Ive never had to speak to a service manager in order to have a safety inspection done in either PA and VA (MD could be different). I just get in line at an official inspection station, usually a regular gas station, and wait for my car to have its safety inspection done. During the entire process, my cars never leave my sight. This includes my factory mint '73 Cougar and '94 Cutlass. If you think you worry about your Crossfire, you should see me on Cougar and Cutlass inspection days.

If you are so worried about your car, why did you just drop it off? Why take that chance on something as quick as a safety inspection?

Also, when the service manager said "You never know we might find something wrong", you should have run for the hills.

Anyway, good luck. Tell us about the laundry list. They shouldn't find anything wrong with a non-abused 2004 with only 15k miles. Especially, if you performed your own safety inspection before dropping it off.

 

In Maryland you only have your car inspected when you purchase it. It is a detailed inspection and you don't find inspection stations that will inspect it while you wait. Let's face it, Maryland is weird.

Another dealer had my car for 3 days one time and 4 days another to fix my seat heaters. Scared me greatly but everything ended up okay with no damage inside or out.

The way we have to look at it is that these are cars and we enjoy driving them. They will get dinged and chipped, it is part of having a car on the road. I have 25k miles and yesterday while waxing it I saw lots of stone chipss on the bumper and hood. If you want to keep a car perfect, don't drive it (or at least wear a bra).

 

I took my car to a local garage instead of a dealer. I also waited there while it was being done. Took about 1-1/2 hours so it wasn't a big deal. It passed.
My 98 M3 has taken a beating in the parking lots here. I think people enjoy door pounding. At least by the way my car looks. Serious dings/dents. Oh well there is always dent doctor.

 

Great to hear. At least you will never have to go through that again since you live in MD.

As much as I dislike the yearly safety inspection it does help keep un-safe vehicle off the road. Now if we could only keep unsafe drivers off the road.

However, I do see a lot of MD plated junkers on the DC beltway that sure look like they could use a safety inspection. I'm sure the police can perform an instant safety check anytime they wanted but I'm sure they have better things to do.

With fewer people knowing anything about cars, how many MD cars are driving around with bad lights, brakes and tires without the driver even knowing?

Too bad there wasn't a happy medium between MD and VA safety inspections.

It could be worse. Back in the 70s in PA, they made you get two inspections per year. That didn't last long.