Selling a car in CA that needs repair
 

I'm looking for any experience or suggestions that folks here might have.

I have a car that I need to sell.
It currently has engine problems that prevent it from running properly, and therefore can't pass a smog test.
The DMV's description of transferring ownership of a car include the need for a current smog test result.

Has anyone dealt with this situation?

I have received a suggestion that this could be handled by:

• Changing the registration to Planned Non-Operation (PNO)
• Selling the vehicle with full disclosure of the problem and current registration status.
• After repairing the car, the new owner would then be required to pass smog before returning to regular operation. They could also choose to keep the car PNO, part it out, etc.

Thanks in advance!

John

I bought a roller In San Diego, un registered, no written disclosures of problems, didn't even have the car registered under his name but had the pink slip. DMV pushed it right thru after I passed the Brake and Light tests. Don' know if that helps, but, the smog thing shouldn't be a big deal, just write out the disclosed issues and have them sign it if you're worried. Pretty simple. Going non op is a PITA.

Thank you - this is very helpful.

If you don't mind my asking, in your case was "un registered" equivalent to an expired registration, or something else?

i guess it would be considered expired. Had been sitting 11yrs in a yard. Payed back fees, did the brake and light and was on my way, no questions asked.

What are you selling and how much are you selling it for? In the market for an rx7 and I'm in LA

Got $3000 on it

My vehicle is in the hands of a new owner who plans to restore it.

Thank you for the interest.

John

:rofl: That had me rolling, $3K HAHA...

Heads up for the future. The proper way to handle this is to have the car registered under non operational. If not registered under non operational, the car does have to pass smog, or the previous owner can take you to court if they’re trying to be a dousche about it. Happened to one of my buddies. A lot of info about this by simply googling it.