2001 Mazda MPV - Moving to California, need smog check.

We're moving back to California. We have a 2001 car that we bought in Louisiana. If it doesn't pass the CA smog test, what is it likely to cost us to bring the car into compliance? Can some cars simply not be brought up to the CA standard? (Ours is a 2001 Mazda MPV.)

Answer:

It's true, there is a difference with California legal and Federal legal emission requirements, and for the most part California is stricter. However, a USED vehicle, such as your 2001 Mazda MPV which has all the Federal required emission components, can pass the California smog inspection without needing any modifications. Any (used) vehicle which is equipped with the necessary Federal Emission Components is eligible for California registration as long as the vehicle's exhaust emissions fall within California's limits.

posted by SmogTips Support