Selling car. Does it have to pass smog?

[sparticus]

In Calif. does a car have to pass smog before you sell it? I actually bought the e30 a few ys back and the owner had problems smogging it. I bought and did repairs so it passed. Have laws changed?

[e30sd]

When a car is sold, who is responsible for the inspection?

The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.

The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).

Note: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for any motor vehicle that is four or less model years old. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner.

[Tangent]

Here's another case of the law straying from reality. The law says that the seller is responsible for the smog check. In reality if you're buying private party I'd be very surprised if the seller actually took care of that for you. The buyer doing the smog check is just one of those expected things where if you press the seller to take care of it they're likely to simply sell it to someone willing to do it themselves.

[MR 325]

Exactly

[erik325i]

Here's another case of the law straying from reality. The law says that the seller is responsible for the smog check. In reality if you're buying private party I'd be very surprised if the seller actually took care of that for you. The buyer doing the smog check is just one of those expected things where if you press the seller to take care of it they're likely to simply sell it to someone willing to do it themselves.

So true

[Jon325i]

The buyer doing the smog check is just one of those expected things where if you press the seller to take care of it they're likely to simply sell it to someone willing to do it themselves.

I took care of this task when I bought my '91 325i last fall. I asked the seller about taking care of it....he just rolled his eyes then I said, "take another $150 off the price and I will take care of it." I didn't have to repeat myself :D

Car passed the sniff test.....barely :nice:

Jon