Hi All. New to the forum on the AM side. I purchased a 2009 Vantage from out of state. Was wondering if any DMV area folks might be able to suggest a place to get a MD state inspection done? Unfortunately, the only AM dealer I am aware of is in Northern Virginia. So they can't do it. And I am hesitant to let just any old shop start poking around it. Any indy shops (preferably on the DC side of town) that anyone might recommend? Thanks so much.

 

Did you call the AM shop in Tysons? Normally a dealer is capable of doing multi-state inspections (otherwise a VA dealer couldn't sell vehicles to folks in DC or MD).

Having lived in DC, VA and MD, I can say that each locale is unique. In MD they are proud of their ability to keep klunkers out of the state, but once in the state they welcome them with open arms.

 

Yea. Not sure about the other states. But MD requires the inspection be done at an authorized and licensed place. And those are only in state. For most brands it’s not an issue since all the dealerships are licensed to do it. But for some luxury/exotics like Aston, where there isn’t a dealer in the state, you basically have to use an authorized Indy shop or something like that. I’m just not familiar with local MD Indy shops that work on Astons that I could seek out. So looking for some suggestions.

 

What's does the MD state inspection involve? Is it just a safety and emissions check like in VA? Or is it more involved?

 

Make sure you have jacking pads for lifting the car. Matt at HSM makes the best out there..

 

And make sure the shop knows the correct jack points for their lift. Bad news if they aren't aware of proper placement.

 

Rather than take the three hour drive to my 'local' dealer I asked the local Chevy dealer if he could do it. The answer was yes. Not sure what was involved but got my smog certificate electronically sent to state and only cost $40.

 

MD has a standard emission test, which involves hooking the car up and reading the OBD computer. The safety inspection is pretty rigorous and involves the mechanical aspects of the car and is subject to the vagaries/perversions of the inspector.

 

Minnesota had obscure inspections with stations and used dyno rollers. I had a pristine Aston Martin Lagonda at the time and they refused to have me in the room while they inspected the car. On the dyno, the idiot floored the car and it slid sideways and hit the booth that held the equipment, luckily it was on rollers and by some miracle did no damage. You can guess I lost it, and pretty much put the inspector in his place. Shortly after we elected Jesse Ventura as governor and one of his first steps was to abolish the inspection requirement.

 

Thanks all. Appreciate the replies. Thanks for the tip about the Chevy dealer. Maybe I will take it to the local Porsche dealer where I had my Cayman done. I guess my biggest concern is hearing about the jack points. In a shop like that, I don't suspect they'll take kindly to my asking to go into the bays and showing the mechanic how to jack it up. So maybe an indy might be a better option. I guess then I am just concerned with some random indy poking around it. Anyone have a recommendation then for a local MD exotics indy mechanic?

 

I painted yellow where the jacking points were to 'assist' any shop that may need to put it on a lift.

 

False, dealers are ONLY responsible for doing instate inspections, oos buyers are responsible for their own inspections, unless written liability is taken by oos dealer; typically they’ll have a sign in there establishment stating they are NOT responsible for out of state inspections.

 

Drew,

When I bought my V8 Vantage from Pennsylvania, I had the Caton Auto Clinic in Catonsville, Maryland do the state inspection. I've used them for many inspections over the years, as well as maintenance and various repairs. They're honest, knowledgeable, and skillful.

I cautioned them about the lifting points and the torque specifications for the wheel bolts. It all went smoothly (and my car passed without needing anything, which is always nice).

Rick F.

 

I just got my 2012 Vantage inspected at Gili’s in Rockville. Took 1.5 hrs... $170. They had look up the brake wear (no Maryland insp has the full Aston Martin spec book except a Maryland dealership). Needed to remove rear tint and replace side marker bulb...

http://www.gilisautomotive.com/servi...iAAEgI69vD_BwE

Good people... They will do my ASM II flash when he gets the software from UK..

 

I live in MOCO and I got my cars from over in Tysons Corner... Yes, Maryland isnt kind to auto resellers... thats why you wont find many exotic dealerships in Maryland and why all the exotics are over the bridge in VA...