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Old November 20th 05, 10:16 AM posted to rec.autos.tech
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Default Failed SMOG, now what???

Change the engine oil then go immediately to the testing station. Clean oil
is supposed to be a help in passing the tests. Maybe someone else can verify
whether this is true or not.

"Ted Mittelstaedt" > wrote in message
...
>
> "skuba" > wrote in message
> ups.com...
>> Hi, I am trying to sell my 1992 Toyota Tercel, it runs good but has
>> 200k miles on it.
>>
>> I failed the smog test and now I don't know what to do.
>>

>
> Sell it as-is.
>
>> The emission problem could be o2 sensor, catalytic converter or EGR
>> valve. Or even more than 1 of the 3. So this could cost me a lot.
>>
>> I was asking $1400 for the car. Now, I don't know if I fix and try to
>> ask for more, if I should donate, etc...
>>

>
> $1400 would be out of the question even if it passed the smog check.
>
>> Do you think I could replace the 02 sensor or catalytic converter
>> myself? I amnot a mechanic. If the problem is in the 02 sensor or
>> converter it wn't cost so much, but I believe the EGR valve costs
>> around $200
>>

>
> Even if you do your own work you will never recoup the money
> you spend on it.
>
>>
>>
>> Some people are calling me and saying they will buy the car as is. But
>> I am afraid of that, because without smog they can't transfer to their
>> name.
>>

>
> Why would you be afraid of that? Unless the state laws specifically
> prohibit title transfer you don't need to worry about this. And many
> if not most states do not prohibit title transfer just because it fails
> smog.
> They prohibit REGISTRATION but titling a car isn't the same thing as
> registering it. You should check
> your state laws carefully. And another thing, even if your state
> explicitly prohibits someone from titling a car unless it is smog checked,
> you can easily sell it out of state to someone who does not live in
> a state that has such Nazi laws.
>
> If I modify a car to use for off-road racing or whatever, it will by
> definition fail a smog check. So are you saying that in your state
> that people are prohibited from selling ATVs, dragsters, and other
> offroad vehicles? I think not.
>
>>
>>
>> What do you suggest?
>>

>
> Sell it and make sure to get identification from the buyer, such
> as their drivers license number, and verify that with their actual
> license, and make sure to have their signature on a bill of sale or
> some such that proves legally that you transferred ownership to
> them. Once they own the vehicle, you cannot be held liable
> for anything they do with it even if they never transfer the title.
> By law they are probably required to transfer the title within 90
> days of buying it from you, so if your still paranoid you can
> call the cops if they don't do it.
>
> Ted
>
>



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