Do I need a smog check if I am buying a vehicle in Vista?
Pass 'N Go Smog Center
Do I need a smog check if I am buying a vehicle in Vista?
In Vista, the seller of a vehicle is responsible for having the vehicle pass a smog check PRIOR to the vehicle's delivery to the buyer. Selling a car "as is" is not recognized by California courts and sellers can still be found liable in small claims court (even if money changed hands, if the buyer took possession, or if a seller signed a buying "as is" contract).
The best advice for buyers is to avoid the hassle of buying a lemon and suing in small claims. If a buyer really wants a car, and the seller doesn't want to pay for a smog check, simply make a passing smog check a stipulation in the purchase and take the car together to a trusted smog check station like Pass 'N Go Smog Center. If the vehicle doesn't pass smog check, simply hand back the keys. It is better to be out the price of a smog check than being out thousands of dollars.
TIPS:
- A California smog check certificate is valid only for 90 days, so check the date of the smog check on the certificate from the Buyer.
- A smog check is still required even if the DMV registration and tags are current.
- If you see copy marks (black splotches or lines) on the smog check certificate, it could be a fake, simply come into Pass 'N Go Smog Center and we will check the test history for free.
- If a vehicle cannot pass smog check, a title transfer / registration into the buyers name cannot be completed.
- Buyers should take the vehicle being purchased to their preferred mechanic for a once over since smog check inspections are not all encompassing (i.e. brake checks, transmissions, other)