I am buying a used car in Georgia, it failed emission inspection, what should I do now? The car failed the inspection on 06/01/2004, 12/30/2005, 12/29/2006, 03/14/2007. However passed on 01/21/2005, 01/03/2006.
So is the seller’s responsibility to fix this problem, or how much it will cost me to fix it.
I am buying a used car, it failed emission inspection, what should I do now?
Posted by admin on March 23rd, 2010
Posted in Used Car Inspection 
dont you EVER buy a car that doesnt pass the test….what are u crazy?? could cost thousands to fix….
In most states it is the seller’s responsibility to repair the car if it fails minimum state inspection standards for both smog and safety.
Once you purchase a used vehicle, unlesss it is from a private owner, you would have signed what is called a buyer’s order. That is a straight forward form that details any warranty, and eliminates implied warranties. If there was no other document stating that the emissions were guaranteed to pass emissions, then it becomes your responsibility. This is especially true if the vehicle is sold in "as is" condition. Remember that in repairs, just as in purchase, it is subject to the "best deal" so take it in for estimates, and get a few quotes. If this was a private seller that sold it to you, they have less responsibility than a dealership. Sometimes, you can put pressure on a dealership, to help you with the problem by being reasonable, nice and honest. That always gets you much further than getting upset. S. Laureys
If you bought the car "as is", what you see is what you get. Private owners don’t give you a warranty like you might get through a dealer’s used car lot. Once you know you own it, lock, stock and barrel, you can start reviewing all the tune up items that affect emissions. It will be money well spent anyways since your going to own and drive the car, and you want good gas mileage and performance. Your emissions test results (like high CO, carbon monoxide) give you a clue as to what to fix first. If high CO, remove one of the spark plugs to see if it’s all crudded up and worn out. Replace them if necessary. Change the air filter if you can’t see any light coming through when you hold it up to the sun or bright light. Watch the Advance Auto online video "Today’s TuneUp" for some tips. When your all done tuning it up, put some "gauranteed to pass emissions" from CRC Industries in the fuel tank and get it retested (link below). In my experience the emission’s test station will work with you and give you more time or a release if you show them enough repair bills to correct the emissions.
I had two vehicles that sometimes failed inspections.
The F150 truck with the old high altitude carb was a bear to keep up in its older years. would have cost a bundle to fix permanently.
However, some folks in the family would frequently put too low an octane in the Mitsubishi v6 mini van. then it would flunk emissions. All that would take is some fuel injector/ valve cleaner and 50 mile on the highway, then it would pass real clean.
make sure it passes, you don’t pay, and you know what has been done each time. Have an independent mechanic review this.
Easy, do NOT buy the vehicle! With an inspection record like that, you’d be buying a major nightmare. Move on to something better.
DO NOT buy the car – the seller should fix it. If the seller refuses to fix it before the sale, look elsewhere for a car.
Fixing this problem will cost alot of money.
Hi; You say you are "buying" this car. If you have not payed money for it yet, definitiely make the seller pay for any repairs needed to pass. If you already own the car, chances are you will have to pay for them yourself, unless you were given a 30, 60 or 90 day warranty on the car. Take the car to your mechanic; if you do not have one, ask a friend or co-worker. Hope this helps!!
Mike
Look at the website for Georgia Clean Force; used vehicle sales info
“Georgia law requires that no person (dealers, auctioneers or individuals) sell a used vehicle, if such vehicle is to be registered in one of the 13 covered counties unless such a vehicle has a valid, passing certificate of vehicle emission inspection at time of sale. The seller is not required to provide the buyer with a copy of the VIR.”
It is illegal to sell a car here that can not pass emissions.
You have recourse through the Georgia Clean Air Force by filing a complaint with them. They will investigate, FINE the seller and provide you with documents to take the person, dealership or auctioneer to court and you most likely will win a case against them.
I wonder how many of these respondents on this page are car dealers??