clean carfax but smog history missing

RayM · 10-27-2004, 04:14 PM

I've been a stalker on the site for quite some time but have yet to puchase my first 911. Last car I was considering was the same black RS replica that Wayne bought at the Ventura show! I was about to e-mail him a question about the motor when I read on this site that he bought it!

Anyway I have gotten over that one that got away,at least I know it went to a good home

Now I am looking at a silver 88 carrera with only 53k miles. Never sat too long just consistent weekender. The carfax came back clean but last smog check on the carfax was 1993 at 19k miles. It's on its 3rd owner now so I don't understand how the past smog checks don't register. I know there can be discrepencies but if anyone has any possible explanantion I'd appreciate it. I am still scheduled for a PPI as well.

The seller is asking $23.5 - any thoughts? I know a little high but for an 88 in original condition and 53k miles I have to take that into consideration.

Thanks for your help,
Ray

rjp911 · 10-27-2004, 04:21 PM

Did you do a record check on the DMV site using the vin number? You can also do a check using any known license plate the car has had.

RayM · 10-27-2004, 04:41 PM

Thanks for the suggestion rjp. I tried it out just now and there's no history there either. Really wierd considering this car supposedly is a ca car. I'll have to ask the seller for the explanation at this point but now I am more wary.

Thanks again
Ray

goat · goat's Garage

There are areas where smog checks are not required in CA every two years. could he have lived in such a location?

RayM · 10-27-2004, 05:56 PM

I don't think so but I didn't know that. I thought all of Calif. was the same. Where are these places? an Indian reservation or something? It would be worth moving there cuz I hate smogging my car especially after making some mods. I recently did the top end on my M3 and withheld putting in a schrick cam because of the mixed reports of whether it would pass smog or not.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

If you live in an area that has less stringent smog rules and buy a car in an area that has the most stringent CA rules....beware.

ALL DMV transactions require the SELLER to provide a smog cert on sale....it's ignored a lot and DMV is NO help when you take delivery and transfer funds without a certificate....watch yer butttt....

kycarguy 935 · 10-27-2004, 07:33 PM

My mom lives in Northern California and she has never had to get a smog check.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

there are a few counties, one as i understand it is lake county up north by clear lake.

i would not go to a great deal of effort to relocate there, as soon as you do the state will close that loop hole too.....

RayM · 10-28-2004, 02:49 PM

Thanks guys its all good advise. I say we all pitch in and maintain a mailbox in Clearlake to register our cars under.

CarreraS2 · 10-28-2004, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kycarguy 935
My mom lives in Northern California and she has never had to get a smog check.

Maybe your mom is really clean running and doesn't need one!

Just kidding!

How old is your mom's car? Late model cars don't need biannual smog checks. Our 2001 has never had a smog check, for example.

anthony · 10-28-2004, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Late model cars don't need biannual smog checks. Our 2001 has never had a smog check, for example.

I think that is for the first four years. You also pay when you first register the car for this priviledge.

mmm · 10-28-2004, 03:54 PM

I'd say that price sounds about right for a low miles 88 Coupe. Be sure to get a PPI and to have a body shop look it over as well so that you know what you're dealing with.

cowtown · 10-28-2004, 08:46 PM

Price sounds OK, not great. If the owner gets it to pass smog now in your area I wouldn't be too concerned about the lack of history on the smog tests.

If you're in a Smog2 (rolling dyno test) area, it's a tough test, and it's a good idea to make it the seller's problem, not yours.

kycarguy 935 · 10-28-2004, 10:27 PM

SoCal911SC,
She lives in Trinity County up near Mt. Shasta and has since 1988. She has a new SUV 4x4. Nobody that I know of has to get a smog check in that area. I remember trying to get smogs done on cars when I lived in Orange County and it got to be a nightmare. I had troubles right before I left California 5 years ago on a chevy dually crew cab with a 454 and smog issues. Seems every year they wanted my truck to burn cleaner and cleaner. I kept the thing running excellent with a new factory engine and tuned. Luckily one of my good customers was a state gross polluter station and we got it fixed.