High Tech Automotive in Norton Massachusetts was a huge let down this past Saturday 11/21/2015. I had been here once before for an automotive inspection with my girls car, found the place clean efficient and friendly.
I stopped in on my way to pick up my daughter for visitation (she's 17 years old, yet luckily still enjoys spending time with her Dad) and asked if they had time for an inspection, and they confirmed that they did.
The auto tech came out quickly and got my truck and pulled it into their garage, closing the doors. Five minutes later I hear my truck being revved excessively three times, thought it was odd though did not think much more about it. I've spent a lot of money on my truck this past summer and everything is top notch. For example, the exhaust was completely gutted from the manifolds all the way back to the tail pipes by a professional shop. The exhaust has both resonators intact as we wanted an improved sound, not one that was annoying, I'm 47 years old and not looking to race anyone. Brand new tires, full tune up all, brand new belts and so on…
When the inspection was completed approximately 40minutes later I was told everything passed, however you know it's loud don't you? I was then told I had sixty days to fix the problem, the paper work said the exhaust check failed and it was a safety hazard. As a result they gave me a Rejected sticker.
I then called my Toyota dealer where my truck is serviced and explained to them what happened, and they too were surprised as they have had my truck in many times this year. They confirmed there is NO decibel check done against your exhaust, it is a call by the mechanic if he feels it's too loud. I don't understand how they could rev my vehicle excessively (in an enclosed space) and then state it is too loud? Unless you have diagnostics against the claim that can show the decibel limit was breached by say a State minimum you cannot make such a judgment call effectively. The vehicle was never taken outside and driven while at 1500rpm, or 2000rpm on back roads and highway speeds or even listened to while in gear at a light to confirm, had they done this it would have been clear the exhaust was not too loud. I’m posting this as I hope they make this right and I can update this report to confirm so.
#2Author of original report
Fri, November 27, 2015
**Update 11/25/2015
I called High Tech Automotive LLC Automotive Norton Massachusetts and explained that my truck should not have failed after speaking with other authorized inspections stations and did not wish to take my vehicle elsewhere and be charged another inspection fee $70 in total to have my truck inspected. There was some hesitance at first and the comment again "You know your truck is loud", and then after placing me on hold for around 5min said come back in and you can speak to the manager if you want to. I spoke with the manager and then the tech who performed the inspection, long story short he explained my vehicle was in excellent condition and the exhaust was very well done and yes no louder than a stock Vette or Harley Davidson bike, yet that is just the way they come, however since it was louder than OEM he had to fail it. This of course would put countless custom shops out of business in the state if it was truly accurate, rookie mistake.
I walked out wishing them a nice Thanksgiving with their families and will simply choose to not do anymore business with them.
My advice is if you have a vehicle to be inspected and it is safe and well maintained go elsewhere.