I just bought a car without smog test (attorney, buy)

[melodysam]

Hi there, I think, I'm in trouble.. I did a mistake, i have already paid for the Honda Civic 2000. I went for the smog test. I had learned engine was replaced and current engine is 1999 honda's. The guy told me you are not able to pass smog test. Engine number and Vin number doesn't match. They recommend me i have to change engine with newer one. What should i do? Seller lied me. Also car has a clean title paper. I went to dmv, i have to make smog test. THEY gave me a paper that is INCOMPLETE APPLICATION (i paid tranfer fee) I m waiting your responses please, i m not a american, only fresh foreign student.. Thank you.

[skelaki]

The transaction is totally illegal. (1) Report it to the police and insist on a police report even though they proibably won't actually do anything unless the car happens to have been stolen. (2) Report to the DMV. (3) Return the car and demand your money back. If they refuse, take them to small claims court. Or, if you paid more than allowed in small claims, consult an attorney.

By the way, by law, any one selling a car in California MUST smog it when they sell it if the car has not been smogged withing the past 3 months (90 days).

Do the above but also be prepared for the fact that you might have just learned a valuable, but expensive lesson.

[melodysam]

I got it, thank you for your concern skelaki.

[hitman619]

Try to Take it to another smog station. Unless the Person at the smog station ran the VIN on the replacement engine, he's is Full of crap. The D167Y engine came in most Honda Civics from 1996-2000.

[blktoptrvl]

Originally Posted by skelaki

The transaction is totally illegal. (1) Report it to the police and insist on a police report even though they proibably won't actually do anything unless the car happens to have been stolen. (2) Report to the DMV. (3) Return the car and demand your money back. If they refuse, take them to small claims court. Or, if you paid more than allowed in small claims, consult an attorney.

By the way, by law, any one selling a car in California MUST smog it when they sell it if the car has not been smogged withing the past 3 months (90 days).

Do the above but also be prepared for the fact that you might have just learned a valuable, but expensive lesson.

IMO, this is the best plan of action.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by melodysam

Hi there, I think, I'm in trouble.. I did a mistake, i have already paid for the Honda Civic 2000. I went for the smog test. I had learned engine was replaced and current engine is 1999 honda's. The guy told me you are not able to pass smog test. Engine number and Vin number doesn't match. They recommend me i have to change engine with newer one. What should i do? Seller lied me. Also car has a clean title paper. I went to dmv, i have to make smog test. THEY gave me a paper that is INCOMPLETE APPLICATION (i paid tranfer fee) I m waiting your responses please, i m not a american, only fresh foreign student.. Thank you.

If the vin doesn't match then engine number DMV will refer you to CHP for a vin verification, sometimes people do replace parts so VIN numbers don't always match. That has nothing to do with passing the smog test, if that is what the smog shop told you you need to call the BAR office closest to you and tell them what the smog shop said. https://www.bar.ca.gov/About_BAR/Contact_Us.html

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

If the vin doesn't match then engine number DMV will refer you to CHP for a vin verification, sometimes people do replace parts so VIN numbers don't always match. That has nothing to do with passing the smog test, if that is what the smog shop told you you need to call the BAR office closest to you and tell them what the smog shop said. https://www.bar.ca.gov/About_BAR/Contact_Us.html

This^^^
Miramar College and Southwestern College Both have California Smog B.A.R Referee Stations.
These Guys are very helpful and will Stir you in the right direction. When i swapped out my Honda Engine years ago, i had to go to the Referee Station out at Southwestern College.
Call and make an Appointment, make sure you bring all your paperwork with you.

Before i buy a car i always look up the smog history
Vehicle Test History

[1AngryTaxPayer]

I put a used motor in my BMW and didn't have to jump through any hoops. Did they just not catch it? I sold it no problems and the guy is still driving it.

[ShelbyGirl1]

How many cars have replacement engines, after their originals were blown? LOTS! Either the OP misunderstood, or we're not hearing the entire story correctly. There shouldn't be any problem in the smogging of it, unless it's been greatly modified.

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

I put a used motor in my BMW and didn't have to jump through any hoops. Did they just not catch it? I sold it no problems and the guy is still driving it.

Yep!
Honda's carry a certain bad stigma to them. Because they are very easy cars to Steal and many of the Honda/Acura parts fit multiple generations of Honda's/Acura's.
Most Smog people know this, so instead of risking lose their Smog License they will come up with a phony excuse not to smog the car. The State does send out agents to act like customer, so Smog Tech have to be extra careful whose car they smog.