A Mission of Emissions!

What is more certain than death and taxes?  How about Emission Testing just before your birthday!

It’s that time of year for Mitch and his 2003 & 2006 vehicles.  No spanking new, state-of-the-art, high tech vehicles in this household.  My 2003 still has a tape deck for crying out loud!  They are, however, very well maintained, never miss a check up, and most importantly – all paid for.

I’ve never failed an emission test for either vehicle.  I don’t think I’ve even come close as far as I can tell.  I’m pretty confident the farts from my 8 pound cat are emitting more CO2 than my vehicles, but hey, I play along and do my part so we all can breathe a little better.  I pull in, sit in the little waiting area there, pay the nice emission testing guy, get my little print out, and I’m on my way. 

I chuckle to myself when I see the places that still charge $25 while I laugh at the fools that still go to them.  I haven’t paid the full $25 since the first couple years they started doing this when they all seemed to have some kind of double secret agreement to keep the charge at $25.  All it took was one desperate location to pull out of their little alliance and try $24.  I’m sure he really cared what the other locations felt about him as his line into his station went all the way down the street.

Every year I am on a mission to find the cheapest location.  It’s almost like a fun little game.  Last year I paid $13.99.  Yes, the attendant actually gave me a penny back.  This station is holding steady at the same price this year and I haven’t found one any cheaper. 

So, this is where you fellow Patch readers come to help.  Has anyone seen a testing site charging less than $13.99?  I’m willing to drive hundreds of miles.  Really, even out of state if needed.  Okay, that doesn’t make any sense given that testing is only required in the Atlanta surrounding counties, but you get my point.

Come on, I can’t pay the same rate as last year…I’m banking on paying only $1 by 2025.