MVA Inspection Nightmare

Submitted by ComprehensiveGear208 t3_z8t78k in baltimore

Bought a 2009 Ford Focus with about 100,000 miles. Problem is the registration expired two months ago and I need it to pass inspection. Unfortunately the sub frame is extremely rusted out.

The last place I tried to get it inspected the guy said that I can register in VA but that requires the title to be transferred to VA. I believe it also requires a VA address which I don't have.

What are my the options that don't include paying to weld an entire frame on a shitty focus?

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AttisofAssyria t1_iyd8r6z wrote

It's not a "nightmare". It's working the way it's supposed to.

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duh_and_or_hello t1_iydi0ve wrote

"how do I bypass a law designed to keep unsafe cars like mine off the road?"

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todareistobmore t1_iydmy1b wrote

No, but it's the purchase experience that's the nightmare, not the inspection/registration. Annual inspections like they make you do in NY are their own sort of annoyance, but they help prevent this sort of thing.

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baltimorecalling t1_iyd6ls0 wrote

Unfortunately, if the rust damage is as bad as you say, you're likely going to have to either get it repaired or just bite the bullet and get a replacement vehicle.

I'd take it to a body shop and get an estimate, but it's probably going to be out of budget to repair.

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RL_Mutt t1_iyd8ywn wrote

If it’s just the subframe, get onto LKQ’s website and try to find a junked Focus of a similar year. Their pick and pull yards are: Baltimore (Erdman ave), Mt. Airy, Hawkins Pt. and Edgewood.

It’ll take some time and effort but you may luck out and be able to find one in better shape for a much cheaper price than from Ford.

You’ll still have to pay for someone to drop the old one and bolt everything up to the new one and install it, but you’ll save some cash that way.

Also a good tip: Pay for a Pre-Purchase inspection for any vehicle you’re looking to buy. $100-$150 will go a long way to prevent this kind of headache. Good luck!

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baltimorecalling t1_iydlygw wrote

I believe it's the sellers job to have it inspected before selling in Maryland.

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wer410 t1_iydo03r wrote

If the car is sold "as is" it is the buyer's responsibility to have it inspected. Almost all private sales are "as is" unless stated otherwise in the sales contract

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RL_Mutt t1_iydnqyt wrote

I’m not talking about a state inspection, I’m talking about a private, pre-purchase inspection at a trusted mechanic. It’s a good way to both see if there are any major issues with the car, and have a little bargaining chip if it needs work.

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Promit t1_iydorm7 wrote

Only if you’re buying it from a registered dealership in MD. Not if it’s out of state or if it’s private sale.

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anne_hollydaye t1_iydplp6 wrote

Junk it or replace the subframe. It's unsafe in its current status and shouldn't be on the road.

I get wanting a cheap car to toddle around town but this ain't it.

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three_stories_tall t1_iydoxk2 wrote

Your best bet is sell the car for what you have in it to someone out of state. Very difficult to sell an as is car in MD for any decent amount because as you learned the inspection cost can kill the value of the car. Sucks to learn this way but that's probably your least expensive option. Get it gone.

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401Nailhead t1_iyechan wrote

Take it to the junkyard and sell as scrap. Use that money to purchase something else. Sorry, if the car is unsafe it is unsafe for you. It is unsafe for other sharing the road.

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shrek2onblurayanddvd t1_iye10xu wrote

I requested a temporary registration while I dealt with the inspection stuff, which bought me more time (another month I believe) and allowed me to drive around legally while I fixed my car for it to pass inspection. So if you haven’t already, you can do that in the mean time. Can’t speak to anything else though, sorry.

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The_Waxies_Dargle t1_iyf02ai wrote

Get a printer and make yourself a temporary tag. Virgina seems to be what all the cool kids are doing these days.

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megalomike t1_iydrrd5 wrote

wait 7 years and register it as historic

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Purple_Box3317 t1_iyedzwl wrote

Slip the inspector 100 and call it a day

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