Automotive - Smog Tests and Used Cars

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Smog Tests and Used Cars

Mike Justin

In the economy we live in, most families are going to choose to buy a used car rather than a new car. With that in mind, there are going to be a lot of financial considerations that go into place when buying a used car. When I talk about the financial considerations, I am not just referring to the purchase price.

When you represent a family and were really looking for ways to save money, you obviously don't want to buy a used vehicle that has extra repair expenses that you weren't prepared for. Especially if your budget did not have those extra expenses in it.

So one of the important things you need to be aware of is smog checks. The last thing you probably did not want to do is make expensive repairs due to a failed smog test. I have seen too many used cars in my auto repair business have this happen.

So when you are making the purchase of that used car, some things to consider are here.

In a law that was passed in 2005, 1976 cars or older don't have to get a smog test. So if your vehicle is newer than that your car will need to be tested based on state emission laws. You can learn about your state if you call the Bureauof Automotive repair at (800) 952-5210.

If you live in California and are buying a used car you may need a smog check. If it is being sold or registerd in California for the first time, you will need a smog check. Otherwise, if the car is in it's 5th or 7th year, a smog test done biennially will be needed.

If you purchase the vehicle in another state and live in California, you are going to have to find out if your car can pass the test. In general California is a lot more strict. With that being the case, keep that on your mind when making a purchase of a new vehicle.

Costs for a smog test generally run between $30 to $80. But as stated above, that is not the biggest expense. The biggest cost will be if costly repairs are needed. So in the process of the purchase of a used car, be sure to determine if the car has recently passed a smog check.

You don't want any surprise expenses popping up when your goal was to save money by buying a used car.

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Follow these pieces of advice when making a purchase of a used vehicle and a lot of money will be saved. For great car service,, visit our site at San Diego auto repair. One of the auto repair services we help is San Diego smog check services.

This news arrived on: 06/24/2009

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