Bringing car bought in AL to California -- Will it pass smog emissions test? (insurance, inspection)

[phloxy]

I'm grateful for this info too, as I'll likely be bringing an '04 Civic with me. I still haven't decided though. It might be easier to sell it here and not hassle with moving it, but buying a new (well, new used for me) is always a hassle, and I'd hate to be going through that, too, after relocating across the country to a new town for a new job and all of the other new stuff that goes along with it. It might also be an expense I don't want to deal with. I mean, I already have a car that's fine, and I might actually get to use its sunroof in CA, LOL.

Decisions, decisions. It is good to know that if I do decide to bring it, it won't be an enormous pain to register it. NY has emissions testing, too, and my car has never had problems.

[gogetadbl]

Thanks for all this feedback. I found a cheaper car -- how easy will a 2000 Toyota Camry pass emissions?

[ferretkona]

The older Japanese cars tend to pass better than older American cars. As long as they are left stock.
Gas caps get a lot of attention lately, best to have a new one when testing.

[deathegg88]

Actually getting your car registered, smog tested and insured in CA is not that bad. I used AAA for the registration services, which is FAR better than going to the DMV. I was scared that it would be a lengthy and arduous process, but it went well at the AAA. I can't speak of how hard it is at the DMV. You have to go the the DMV for the drivers license however, and even that took only an hour. I was shocked!! I did not know what to expect since PA does not have a DMV system like CA does.

Having a car that's "50 state emissions legal" has no bearing on whether it will pass smog testing. If your car is in good order, It will pass most likely. Age also has no bearing, since they have different standards for an older car than a newer model (My car is 20 years old, and passed with flying colors).

I still think CA should do a safety inspection each year, like my home state of PA. I'm sure there are cars here running around with horrible brakes etc but don't even know it.. In PA, even though it is a yearly inspection that you have to pay for, It made me feel good to know my car was in good shape.. Out here in CA they only care about the smog testing. I have seen cars here running around with NO DOORS!! Anyway even with all this testing the air here is just horrible. Like the other poster said, you're going to miss the fresh air. Good luck.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by deathegg88

I still think CA should do a safety inspection each year, like my home state of PA. I'm sure there are cars here running around with horrible brakes etc but don't even know it.. In PA, even though it is a yearly inspection that you have to pay for, It made me feel good to know my car was in good shape.

The rational behind not having annual non-smog vehicle inspection is due to the harsh winters and salted roads of many States are not common in California.

When I worked around the Car Business... out of State cars were always cheaper and often to be avoided. All cars sold by any California Dealer are required to undergo brake inspection and needed repairs completed.

Eastern Cars were especially troublesome because of the extensive rust causing suspension and brake failures... it was not uncommon to find rusted frozen brake calipers and badly deteriorated parking brake cables and brake lines on cars only a few years old.

[buckeyenative01]

AAA is a godsend. California DMV is satan incarnate.

Strangely enough, my 1994 Nissan passed CA smog checks if I filled it up with 91 octane and drove for about ten miles before getting the test. When I moved to Arizona and tried to register the car, it failed the emissions test three times. $400 later, it finally passed. Go figure.

[MapleLeaf]

From DMV CA "California law prohibits residents or businesses from importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards. If you acquire a 49-State vehicle (manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country, you may not be able to register your vehicle in California." Doesn't it mean that if you have more than 7500 miles you don't need emission test?

[curiousitykilledthecat]

If I am in California and I buy a car (20 years old) from a private seller out of state but my Bill of Sale says California law is applicable do I have any recourse if the car won't pass emissions?

[phloxy]

MapleLeaf: I just registered my '04 Civic, and it has 92000 miles. You definitely need a smog test, which I had done before I went to the DMV. It passed (whew!). The tidbit you are quoting seems to apply to newer vehicles? I'm not so good with DMV-speak, honestly. Most vehicles need to pass smog.

deathegg88: PA yearly inspection was a *****! They got picky about the most ridiculous things--e.g., tiny little side lights on the '94 Beretta I sold to my brother. I also remember my cash-strapped parents having to fix stuff to keep the car on the road legally, and I am sure they could have used that money more wisely. I am so glad to be done with annual inspections. I think it's a racket when it's so picky.

[carolsala]

My daughter has been living in San Diego for a while. I just received her notice from DMV New York State ( our home state). DMV says her Inspection has expired and she cannot renew her registration until her car passes inspection. What do we do now...since she is still in California living & working???