The state I live in has determined that all cars must undergo an inspection just after purchase. For new cars this really is not a big deal... I am not known to buy new cars. The silly thing is that once your car passes inspection, it never needs to be reinspected until the next owner buys it. I fail to see the point of a state inspection unless it is periodic. I might get my car past the inspection meaning its safe on the road only to never replace the brakes for 12 years.

Most of my vehicles have been high milage so needless to say I am used to failing the inspection. The Saab was no exception. The final list of items to be repaired:

1. Reverse lights dont work
2. Tag light burned out
3. Rear view mirror glazed
4. Both front axles need replacement
5. Complete exhaust system needed
6. Front and rear pads and rotors needed

I cant say that the list suprised me too much. Even though the Saab is a dream to drive they have to find something wrong. Ok so the reverse lights work fine but there is only 1 in the back, not 2. The other light back there is a reverse fog light. I will explain this when I get it reinspected. Both the inner and outer boots on the axels were ripped so they said replace the entire axle. I was going to complain like crazy but new boots were about $25 per side while a whole new axle with boots was about $100 per side. Thats not too bad so I will bite the bullet.  The brake pads and rotors is no surprise. I swear the state has the wear limits set to rediculously high value. Every single vehicle I have ever had inspected has always been sighted for brake rotors and pads and all the vehicles have always braked just fine. I do get a little peeved that I am replacing the brakes probably 20k miles earlier than I need to.

The final item is the full exhaust. On one hand, the reason they gave me for replacing the exhaust system is BS; they said it was full of holes. I can say for certain its not as I was under the car the day prior patching the only hole in the exhaust and that hole was after the cat anyways. On the other hand, this finding gives me a unqiue opportunity to replace the exhaust system with something a little nicer. I did some research and a car older than 96 with greater than 50k miles can replace the catalytic converter if, and only if, a state mandated inspection has determined its faulty. My car now fits all these criteria so I guess its time to fit a race cat while I still can legally.

Personally I feel that if I am going to replace a part on a car or motorcycle that I should replace it with something better. This was always the case on the contour and both motorcycles but not so much on the Bronco. Well the Saab is definately in store for some nice upgrades as mandated by the state. I will keep you posted as I get the aftermarket parts installed.