Does anyone know what you can do if your vehicle fails a smog test because it needs a new Catalytic Converter?

Question

I am transferring title from my sisters vehicle to me and the tags expire November 30th. Her renewal calls for a Smog Test, but it has failed and when I took it for the repairs, they say I need a new Catalytic Converter which will cost over $500. Can I get an extension on the registration and be able to successfully transfer title?

Answer 1

Depends on your state laws. Check with your local DMV. I doubt you can transfer the title until the car passes the smog test.

Answer 2

Is that why your car failed, because you need a new catalytic converter. Spend the money to get it done. In some states their is a minimum you have to spend. Around $400-$500 min.
If the car still fails after spending the $500 you don't need to spend any more then the minimum. They will allow you to get the little sticker after spending the minimum. Two years later you will need to spend that minimum again if it doesn't pass.
BUT, in some states allow you to sell your vehicle with out a smog test. BUT the BUYERS WARNING is that you need to spend an unlimited amount of money for your vehicle to finally pass. In other words your sister may need to only spend a minimum of dollars.You may need to spend more money, if it's transferred to you and the smog test needs to still be done you need to spend as much as it takes to finally pass.
I hope this has been helpful and I hope that you understood everything that I mentioned. If not let me know.
T

Answer 3

Is the converter they only problem with your car ? A universal converter should work if that is the only problem. You should look at other places to buy as the prices can vary a lot. You may need a new oxygen sensor for that car, also. I would have the car pre-tested before tha actual smog test. At the pre=test the shop should be able to tell what he car needs if it won't pass.

Answer 4

Nope, you need to get the smog test done first. Shop around for a better price. $500.00 is on the high side. Most cats retail for around $100 or so and it's not a $400 labor job to install one.

Answer 5

See if you can find a junkyard with a similar make / model and try to get the catalytic from it. Or any similar sized one should work.

Good Luck

MikeC

Answer 6

Put on a new one. But\ make sure why the old one is crap. Why? Is it plugged? If so you have to perform an eng. diagnostic to find out. Leaded gas will clog a catalyst as well. So before you spend good $ on a catalyst; make sure the new one won`t get clogged as well.

Answer 7

Take the signed title and your notice of failure to the DMV and they can issue you one of those pretty little pink stickers which will give you 30 days to get the repairs done.

Answer 8

depending on year you can get after market cats installed a lot cheaper check you muff shops.