I took my car for the MD inspection there. They failed it for very minor reasons (old wipers, missing battery tie-down, and a light that looked perfectly fine). They also gave me an estimate of $700 to fix whatever issues they found, insisting I needed a headlight replacement. Moreover, after their inspection, the car was returned to me with the bumper hanging on the driver's side, disconnected from the fender. After receiving the car with this damage, I should have given up on them and had it re-inspected at a different station. However, in order to 'save,' I decided to fix it at a trusted mechanic shop and bring it back for re-inspection by these people.
I went to two different places in VA to fix the identified defects. Two different mechanics verified that the battery didn't need the tie-down as it was already in place. During the repair process, I received a call from AMPM Automotive Service that they had my new headlight and were ready to install it. However, I hadn't agreed to any repairs by them before this call.
After fixing everything listed in the report, including the hanging bumper, I called them to schedule the re-inspection appointment. They said I would need to pay $130 again since the deadline for re-inspection was 20 days (the actual rule is 30 days). I objected because it was less than one month after my last visit, and I should still have qualified for the lower $30 re-inspection rate. Surprisingly, they didn't argue here. I brought the car, and they failed it again, blaming it on the broken headlight and claiming it needed replacement. Luckily, I had a spare headlight at home. They agreed to look at it for just an extra $65, so I agreed. After their $65 evaluation, they concluded that no headlight replacement was needed. However, they claimed the problem was much more serious, and the simplest solution would be to pay $200 to fix whatever (I'm already tired of summing up this nonsense). I was close to the deadline, so if paying more meant a fast solution, I was okay with it. The car passed inspection, but the headlight wasn't working at all after their 'fixes,' so I had to ask them to look at it again.
It's a lengthy review and not too entertaining to read. Long story short, at this place, they'll make sure they get their money: they're ready to lie, overcharge you for simple things, and even break stuff in your car just to make a profit!! Want to have a similar struggle to mine? Bring your car to AMPM read more