Failed emissions test twice due to visible smoke...and will require extensive engine work to repair?

Question

I have a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport with ~130k miles on it, and I recently failed my emissions test due to visible smoke. The repair shop I went to told me that there is quite a bit of oil leaking into the engine and may cost around $2500 to fix everything. The car isn't worth more than $4000 at this point, so I'm wondering what my options are if I want to get rid of it. Does insurance typically cover something like this, or will I be able to sell with a failed emissions test and expired registration?

Answer 1

The best thing that could happen to you would be to have your car *ahem* stolen.
Maybe park it in Oakland with the keys inside.

Answer 2

you purchased some extraordinarily stable information yet you purchased some extraordinarily bum propose besides. a million) do no longer do away with the bulb. The tech WILL understand, in view this is an element of the emissions try, the sunshine has to artwork mutually as cranking, and pass out mutually as working. in case you DO take it out, how can you recognize if there is a few thing else that fails later? 2) There ARE 2 sensors. One in the exhaust flow earlier the Catalytic Converter, and one after the converter. verify the code for the awesome sensor. 3) they are able to get replaced extraordinarily fairly, and in case you will do it your self, replace the two one in each and every of them, and shop your self somewhat of time (and the pc device will like it extra appropriate besides). 4) After the upkeep are made and confirmation is made that there are no longer any further faults or mess ups, turn the sunshine out (Code reader, scanner, or pass to AutoZone, O'Reilly's, more suitable, etc.) and then ------> 5) stress the vehicle for a minimum of three hundred miles, utilising frequently at end and pass, universal site visitors, cruise around at 40 5 - 50 mph, and a few throughway (ideally utilising the Cruise administration). the pc has to purpose a number of structures that are no longer pc aspects, and it may require a number of days to end this. If the video demonstrate units have/t run, and the pc announces them no longer waiting, you will nonetheless fail your emissions try. stable success

Answer 3

The smoke is probably because of wear in the Piston rings that is why the repair shop said it would be that much. I would leave the vehicle the way it is. If there is someone willing to buy this vehicle the way it is then sell it. The most probable person to buy it would be a "do it yourself" kind of guy. The value of this kind of vehicle doesn't depressiate as one might think. Depending on the condition of the vehicle it would probably still be worth the same within a couple more years.

Answer 4

If you're in California, File a non-op registration form and put it up for sale. No insurance is going to cover mechanical problems. If you're not in California, just sell it. You're not going to get any 4000 out of it. You might consider trading it off for another car, unless you already have one.

Good luck
By the way, every Mitsibushi I have ever looked at had visible smoke.

Answer 5

Insurance does not cover mechanical failure. I would check with your local laws to see if it's legal to sell a car that can't pass emissions testing.

You will probably have to fix it or sell it cheap. According to my calculations you're looking at a value of around $2500 for a Montero in poor condition (won't pass inspection)

Answer 6

Move somewhere with out emissions tests.

Thirty-two states and Washington, D.C., test statewide or in big cities with pollution problems. Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Upstate New York, North Carolina and Vermont test only 1996 and newer cars.

Missouri requires tests in the St. Louis area, will stop testing vehicles older than '96 models this fall.

Wisconsin is debating whether to end testing of pre-1996 model cars in seven counties that now require it.

Answer 7

yea id say even if you just scrapped it it would probably be a good idea in the long run. use the auto trader website and try to get some money for it, but yea, 2500 on a 4000 dollar car is time to toss it. i guess your only other option would be to ask another garage to see if this guy is yanking your chain, but if not it sounds like your only bet is trying to sell it for maybe 1000-1500 as is. of course if it looks decent, you could definitely attempt to get a trade in on it. it would be a quick easy way to get rid of it, and would be a chip in your pocket when you need a new car.

Answer 8

Insurance won't cover it, any more than they would cover worn-out brakes. This is normal wear. I wouldn't fix it unless the rest of the car is in outstanding shape, and you're really attached to it. Your best option is to sell it, probably in a state/province that doesn't have emissions testing if there's one nearby.

Answer 9

I hear that you are only required to put in a certain amount towards correcting the test. Go ask your nearest admissions office what you can do.