Can I order a new car with California emissions if I live in another state?

Question

I'd like to get a car that pollutes less, but unfortunately the car I want to buy has a pretty big engine (no hybrid version is available). I know that California has strict requirements for emissions standards, and I think that the auto manufacturers make "California emissions" versions of their cars that meet that state's minimum emissions requirement.

So my question is, can I get the California emissions configuration if I live out of the state, and will the exhaust be noticeably cleaner if I do??

(I know that the air would be cleaner if we all drove Priuses, but that's not my question. I'm trying to take this "lower emissions" step instead of doing nothing.)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes you most certainly can, there are several other states besides california that require california emissions. Vermont my home state is one of them, cars bought in vermont are california spec. For years now pickups bought in vermont had either two or four catalytic converters depending on the style converter used, same vehicle purchased in New york had one or two catalytic converters, half the vermont counter part.
As far as how much cleaner, I'm not sure but we run these vehicles at work if you keep them long enough for the cat to go bad your looking at almost 1000dollars more for the california spec models.

Answer 2

It would be simpler for you to buy a diesel. Even if you never buy biodiesel fuel, it will still pollute less than a gasoline powered car the same size. They also last longer because the diesel engine has to be made to a higher standard than a gas motor. Look around and you will still see many of the Mercedes Benz 300D turbodiesel sedans from the 80's around. You could go 300,000 to 400,000 miles with ease in a diesel. Which means less car in the landfill.

The turbo diesel Jetta gets much better fuel economy, 46 miles per gallon, compared to the gasoline Jetta's 31 miles per gallon. So the car is using 30% less fuel than it's gas counterpart. New diesel engines are cleaner than most people think. The actually produce less co2 than a gas motor but slightly higher N02 and particulates. Since your saving 30% of your fuel though.....

Answer 3

Actually no, you will have to go to Cali to get a Cali car. Buy a d@mn Honda LEV ( light emisions vehicle ) if it matters but you cant have the best of both worlds, a big motor and clean exhaust

Answer 4

YES BUT,

WHY DON'T YOU JUST CALL YOUR LOCAL DMV OFFICE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER ANY AND ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL BE GETTING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION.

Answer 5

You can buy anything, you will just have to pay for it.