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Pep Boys Review

Sunday, February 9th

2025 Vehicle Inspection Service Reviews

Pep Boys Review 2.5 Star Rating

Pep Boys

2.5 Star Rating
  • Inspection costs $129.99
  • ASE certified inspectors
  • Nationwide locations
  • In-person inspections
  • Best for yearly inspections or for selling your car
  • "A+” rating by the BBB for parent company

Pep Boys started back in 1921 as a local mechanic shop. Now, Pep Boys is a popular franchise with locations across the country.

One-stop shop

When it comes to cars, Pep Boys is the ultimate one-stop shop. Pep Boys and their ASE-certified Technicians claim to cover all your automotive needs, from oil changes to transmission maintenance and everything in between, including inspections. Pep Boys has a wide-reaching presence in the United States and Puerto Rico, boasting over 1,000 locations and 9,000 service bays to help you get your car inspected wherever you are. However, there's only one inspection option with Pep Boys, which is limited compared to some of the competition, but the $129.99 price is very competitive.

One inspection for all

With Pep Boys, you can prepay for your assessment online, but you do have to take your car in person for the actual inspection. The price is regularly $129.99, but there are often sales. For example, at the time of this review, the inspection was on sale for $74.99. This inspection includes a 160-point assessment including a review of all major systems and common problem areas. Some of the assessment areas are:

  • Air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Steering and suspension
  • Braking system
  • Wheels and tires
  • Comprehensive vehicle inspection

All inspections from PepBoys include a CARFAX history report with the service price.

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You have to be there in person

Pep Boys works a little differently from some of the other options we evaluated. This service does require the car owner to take the car to a Pep Boys location to have it inspected. While other options in this review offer inspections anywhere across the country, even sending technicians out to the car's location, Pep Boys is more limited. You will have to drive your car to Pep Boys to complete the inspection. Thus, this service will be better for customers who are looking to sell their car or complete the required yearly vehicle inspection required by law in some states.

All technicians are certified

One thing we love is that all of the technicians at Pep Boys are ASE certified. These technicians have completed the required training and have obtained their Automotive Service Excellence Certified Master Technicians requirements, meaning they are qualified to work on every mechanical, electrical component, and system in a vehicle.

Positive reviews for speed and friendliness

In terms of customer satisfaction, Pep Boys sits at about the middle of the pack. The Pep Boys company was acquired by Icahn Enterprises in 2016. Icahn has an "A+” rating from the BBB despite Pep Boys itself being unrated. In terms of reviews, Pep Boys has earned 2.8 out of 5 stars on average across review sites, which doesn't build the most confidence in the business. In terms of positive reviews, customers gave Pep Boys 5 stars for the speed of their service and how friendly their technicians are.

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Some mixed reviews as well

While most of the reviews are not for the inspection service, the general consensus is that Pep Boys is an honest mechanic business, and they won't lie to you to make more money on fixes. However, the lower ratings for Pep Boys completely disagree with these positive reviews. Users noted that Pep Boys overcharged them for things like oil and tire alignment, as well as taking an hour longer than they promised. Similarly, most of the reviews focus on non-inspection services, but with the higher volume of poor reviews, Pep Boys doesn't stand out as an example of customer service.

Good if you're selling your car

Overall Pep Boys is a more limited option compared to other options in this review. You have to go in person to get your car inspected, making this service better for individuals looking to sell their cars or those who need to complete annual inspections by state law. And despite having ASE-certified inspectors and a long-standing business, Pep Boys isn't very popular with reviewers. The feedback offers conflicting reports on effectiveness, prices, and trustworthiness, with the negative reviews far outweighing the positive on all review sites. Thus, Pep Boys gets a lower-than-average rating from us since customer satisfaction is essential, especially with something as important as your car.

What's the Best Place to Get Vehicle Inspections?

Automobile inspections are an essential part of ensuring that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Whether you're buying your next car or just want to make sure that your current vehicle is compliant with state laws, it's important to have it inspected.

While it can be tempting to skip inspections to save time and money, the consequences of a neglected car can be dire, both for you and for others on the road. Fortunately, there are many businesses and services available to check into a car's history and make sure you're not getting scammed on your next car.

The Best Vehicle Inspection Services Compare Vehicle Inspection Services Compare Vehicle Inspection Service Reviews What are the best Vehicle Inspection Services Best Vehicle Inspection Service Reviews

Vehicle Inspection Service FAQ

Exactly what it sounds like: an evaluation of a car's primary systems (for example steering, suspension, or drivetrain). The extent of the inspection varies, from a basic "yes, this vehicle is drivable” to an in-depth bumper-to-bumper examination.
Most vehicle inspections are related to a sale. Prospective buyers often want reassurance that they're not buying a "lemon”, especially if they're looking at a car offered by a private seller and not a dealership.
Costs vary by provider and according to how extensive you want the vehicle to be evaluated. Expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $600, with higher costs for exotic or specialty models.
You're right to think that buyers will want to know that the car you're selling is reliable and doesn't have any undisclosed issues. However, paying for an inspection in advance might not reassure them - after all, you chose the mechanic. It might be wiser to wait until you have an interested buyer; you can then offer to cover or share the cost of an inspection by the mechanic of their choice.
Absolutely! Even cars that seem to be in pristine condition can still have hidden problems. Can you tell just by looking if the vehicle has been in an accident or if the electrical system is on the verge of shorting out? A vehicle inspection is a smart way to know exactly what you're getting, and you can use the information to help in the price negotiation process.
Fortunately, many vehicle inspection services are mobile. Wherever the car is located, the mechanic will meet you there and perform the inspection on-site.
Unfortunately, no. That's why it's important to choose an inspection service with a good reputation, because once the evaluation has been completed you're usually not able to get a refund if you're unhappy for some reason.
Many services offering vehicle inspections have been on the market for decades. It's always a good idea to see what previous clients have to say about any service you're considering, along with looking up the company's rating from the Better Business Bureau. You'll come away with peace of mind regarding the vehicle and the inspection service!
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Regular vehicle inspections are required by law in most states. Inspections help to identify potential safety hazards before they become major problems. Regular inspections can also help you save money in the long run by catching minor issues before they turn into costly repairs. Most people can get a basic inspection done at their local mechanic.

Regardless of whether your car is coming from a dealership or through a private sale, it's always safer for you to get a vehicle inspection done. This is especially true in states like Florida, where regular inspections are not required by law. Whether it's a regular used car, a classic car, or an antique car, each comes with its own host of problems.

With classic cars, you can find parts that have been replaced or even the entire engine was taken out, making the classic car worth much less than the asking price. If you're buying from a dealership, usually these cars have been inspected already. If you want someone in your corner, though, hiring an outside inspector can help you avoid buying a lemon from the dealership or keep you from missing problems you'd be left repairing if you purchased the vehicle.

When it comes to finding a reputable inspection service, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the service is licensed and certified. This ensures that they are following state regulations and have the proper training and equipment to perform inspections correctly. This is especially important if you live somewhere where regular inspections are required by law.

If you're still not sure where to start looking for a good vehicle inspector, here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

  • Cost: Since many states require inspections, you don't want to be paying a ton of money regularly. Instead, look for a reputable option that charges competitive but fair rates. Value for your money is important, but safety is key with inspections.
  • Vehicle type: Not all cars are created equal. Most inspection services will offer a variety of car types, but you want to make sure your inspector services your specific needs. For example, most inspectors will service exotic cars, but not all will inspect antique cars.
  • Certification: Make sure that the inspection service that you're considering uses certified mechanics and professionals who know what they're looking for. This is especially important if your state requires inspections by law.
  • Service locations: It's important if you want to order an inspection online that they service the area where you or the car are located. Some offer nationwide service while others provide international services, allowing you to order inspections on cars in another country.

To help you feel confident about ordering your next vehicle inspection, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best companies that offer inspections online today. We hope this information helps you feel confident about your next car and supports you through your purchase or ongoing maintenance!

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