Anyone have a general idea of how much I'm looking at if I decide not to do this job myself?

[Donald]

Inspections can be all over the place. Varies from state to state. In NY they need to pull one wheel to look at brake pads, then lights, wipers, and horn. Maybe look for crack in windshield. No check of suspension. In DE they did the normal lights, wipers, horn and brake equilibration. But no suspension.

 

[Kurtatron]

Inspections can be all over the place. Varies from state to state. In NY they need to pull one wheel to look at brake pads, then lights, wipers, and horn. Maybe look for crack in windshield. No check of suspension. In DE they did the normal lights, wipers, horn and brake equilibration. But no suspension.

This is true,

You don't really know which diagnosis is correct. Just because one is more convenient does not make that diagnosis more truthful. You won't know unless you take a look yourself.