ok so i am about to buy a car that has a jdm motor in it and doesnt pass smog. the owner already passed smog few months ago. my question is.. when i purchase this car, do i have to smog the car again? sorry ima noob never bought a car from ne1 b4

 

u dont have to smog it again , just put that it was a family member that gave u the car, give him the cash but leave no evidence of u actually paying so the dmv doesint see that u bought it from someone cuz for some reason u dont have to smog it if it was from the family but if its an outside buy then you do , please corrdct me if im wrong, but then again i did this when i bought my da with a b20 in it so there ya go

 

I would make sure ya do it all legit and make sure the guy passes smog again before he transfers ownership of the car. It's going to be a real pain in the *** if something goes wrong and you buy the car before it is smogged. I've even seen some people offer up to $500.00 off if the buyer smogs the car. It really isn't worth it though since you could be getting into a huge headache.

 

If I remember right, if the seller smogged the car and wanted to sell he has a 90 day period where they can sell the car and not have to smog again.

 

you are correct, but the family this sounds fishy, never ehard of it, you gotta smog every 2 years no matter what or they suspend your regestration...

 

The family change of title no smog is true. I looked into it when i got sent to the state ref. Just beware, if the owner got popped by the cops and has a ticket to go to the state ref, even if he sells it to you, then you will have to take the car to the state ref, and good luck getting a JDM motor to pass state ref, its a PITA.

 

there is no smog required in order to transfer between family members but you still have to smog whenever its due. Smog needs to be done before the sale no matter when its due to be registered under the new owner.

Pretty sure thats how it goes.

 

well either way if u end up buying it or whatever you do, i have a close firend that works for a smog shop that can smog your car for you under any condition(well basic swaps and what not) , i wont release info in this post but pm me if u wanna know and u live in so cal area

 

Don't do it! Yes you will have to pass again. Even if you have passed within 90 days, you will have to smog again someday. It's jut not worth it in CA. State refs almost always refuse to pass anything that isn't 100% stock.

 

Say its from a family member. I was stupid and said it was from someone else, when it was from a family memeber. Had to re-smog it.

 

You can find all the CORRECT information on the CA DMV website regarding title transfer & smog.

Basics:
-Bi-annual smog check - has to be done ever 2 years

-Title transfer/sale - If smog was done within the past 90 days/3 months, no additional smog required, Unlees the Bi-annual smog is due

-Family Transfer - You better be able to prove that you are actually related. DMV website will outline which family members you can receive a car from without paying taxes or obtaining a smog check. Of course, unless the 2 year check is due.

Smogging a car - It's easier then it looks. Most place you go to will just hook up the car to the roller & sniffer, check for ecu error codes, test the evaporative emissions (gas cap) and send you on ur way. JDM motor or not.

 

I bought my dc with a b20b..all i had to do is claim the original owner was a family member and i didnt have to smog it...if you need to "smog it" and you cant pass pm me..