Moving to CA, will my car pass smog? (buying, DMV)

[barretts08]

I have a 1995 oldsmobile cierra. Everything runs fine as far as I know, im just worried that since it is old it wont pass the test. If this is true, I'd rather sell it bebefore I move. Any ideas?

[Wing Feathers]

I hear stories of certain locations which, upon a bribe, will pass just about any car. However, I am not able to find the details of these shops. People are unwilling to give up the info for fear of getting caught, as it is illegal activity.

The only way to know if it will pass is to have it tested at a CA smog check location. Cars which appear to run just fine can be rejected by the state. Where is it coming from? How many miles? The older the car, the more likely the catalytic convertors are used up.

Are you keeping it for sentimental reasons? If not, you might be able to sell your car over there & buy the same thing here without losing a dime. Some cities outside CA have better markets for basic transportation. Here, it seemed like I had to pull teeth to find a buyer for a perfectly reliable '94 model. Everyone wanted a garage queen, with no miles, for free.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by Wing Feathers

I hear stories of certain locations which, upon a bribe, will pass just about any car. However, I am not able to find the details of these shops. People are unwilling to give up the info for fear of getting caught, as it is illegal activity.

The only way to know if it will pass is to have it tested at a CA smog check location. Cars which appear to run just fine can be rejected by the state. Where is it coming from? How many miles? The older the car, the more likely the catalytic convertors are used up.

Are you keeping it for sentimental reasons? If not, you might be able to sell your car over there & buy the same thing here without losing a dime. Some cities outside CA have better markets for basic transportation. Here, it seemed like I had to pull teeth to find a buyer for a perfectly reliable '94 model. Everyone wanted a garage queen, with no miles, for free.

Thats not entirely true - you can have testing run anywhere with proper testing equipment, but its very difficult to find someone with that knowledge outside of CA, unless your state has similar requirements (doubtful if you're asking the question).

I know a fair amount about the testing, but its explained better in this article.

[barretts08]

I live in Kentucky. We have nothing like smog check. Would you say that it is common for older cars to fail? Or not necessarily.

[ferretkona]

If still in stock condition and in good condition it should pass.
A general way to pass if in good running shape - a spark plug change and a fresh gas cap will get you thru.

[Chuck Simons]

There are two smog codes, so to speak, California and Federal. Your olds is probably under federal smog codes. I agree with an earlier poster, If it is still in good shape, you should pass. This is what I do. Change the oil, make sure there is fresh gas at least a half tank, and a new gas cap. If your check engine light is on, it won't. A low coolant level may trigger a fail. Make sure all fluids are at manufacture level. I was an ASE certified Service Writer, till I became a Realtor. Good Luck

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by barretts08

I live in Kentucky. We have nothing like smog check. Would you say that it is common for older cars to fail? Or not necessarily.

I've got a '97 and it's always passed.
Last smog check was about a year ago ... no problem.
I've kept it in really good condition.

[futbol]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

If still in stock condition and in good condition it should pass.
A general way to pass if in good running shape - a spark plug change and a fresh gas cap will get you thru.

Yes, this and run it for at least 45 minutes before the actual test. Take it on the freeway.

Make sure you have an appointment and don't have your car sitting in a parking stall for an hour before they get to it.

I saw this poor woman have her car fail after the workers at 15 Minute Smog blow off her appointment and made her wait. She had her car running for a while before showing up on time, only to wait and have it fail.

BTW, don't go to 15 Minute Smog (that 15 min. is bs). Go where they can take you right away during your appointment.

[Wing Feathers]

More helpful info: Before Buying a Vehicle From Out of State - Be Sure You Can Register It in California FFVR 29

The other comments are about cars which have a track record of passing CA smog. In this case, the car has never been checked. They may find hoses misrouted or the cats are used up. I am not saying this will be the case, but believe in providing both sides of the story so you yourself can make up your mind. Most of the time you will probably be okay, but if you came from a snow area & your cat(s) are rusted out... BAM failed smog. California cars are not exposed to road salts, so this is not something most Californians think about.

PS - Kentucky is great. I miss living there!!!

[SportyandMisty]

Originally Posted by Chuck Simons

...I was an ASE certified Service Writer, till I became a Realtor. Good Luck

Just out of curiosity, given your background, you might know if a '95 era car might need a new catalytic converter. Is that likely or unlikely? or would that show up as a "check engine light"?