Can i sell my Civic Hybrid in CA if i put on a new catalylic convertor?

Question

I had to replace the factory catalyic converter because it went bad, but in order to save lots of money i bought a replacement part rather than the more expensive from the dealer. I was told this is illegal in CA and will not pass smog check. However, its perfectly legal in NV and WILL pass smog there.

I bought the hybrid in CA, but i am a NV resident. Now i want to sell the car, which i still have CA plates, reason for this...because it would have more value in CA since it has the CA HOV stickers on them.

My question is, can i still sell my car to a private party in CA? Would i have to disclose to the buyer that the car would need the catalyic converter replaced (for about $1500) or it wont pass smog? Or is that their fault/loss ??

PS. Obviously i know it would be the moral thing to do. But i am not asking for morals here.

Answer 1

drive over to Ca and do a smog check, if it passes its ok . I would not worry about it

Answer 2

If any buyer had a right mind, they wouldnt purchase the car UNTIL it passes smog - which YOU are required to do if you intend to sell it in California. So, you can always try to find an idiot who diesnt know, and stick HIM with the smog test. Me personally - I wouldnt give you cash until you handed me a current smog test...

Answer 3

Don't worry about "morals" you're working with the republik of Kalifornia here.

I doubt the smog nazi's will care whether your cat is oem or aftermarket oem replacement so long as it passes the sniffer. I don't think you'd have to disclose that you replaced it but it wouldn't hurt- i would also provide the receipt if you still have it.

OEM parts are overrated.

Answer 4

A catalytic converter does not need to be factory original to pass smog. It is illegal to sell one that won't pass.

Answer 5

You can sell the car "as-is" anywhere !