Headache #1: BOUGHT A CAR WITHOUT A SMOT CERTIFICATE

We see this all the time. The worst part of this headache is the car may not pass smog and cost you money for repairs to get it to pass. Rarely is this added expense used to determine if the car is a good deal. It's pretty hard, after the fact, to go back to the seller to get money back to cover the smog. In most cases, the seller has spent the money. Remember this: if you haven't handed over the money, ask for a smog certificate before you do...the seller will get the smog done. They want your money! This way it is a done deal, period! You register it and you know exactly what the car will cost you. This is the smart way to do business.

Headache #2: SELLER SOLD THE VEHICLE, THEN GOT IT SMOG CHECKED -- IT FAILED

The worst part of this situation is: with a price agreed to between the two parties, it is pretty hard to go to the buyer and ask for more money. When you sell your car, you know how much money you want. Get it smog checked before you determine a price. This way, if it costs you more money for repairs to get the vehicle to pass a smog check, you have this information to figure into your selling price equation. Plus, if you have a smog certificate to show a potential buyer, it can be a great sales tool. Again, a smart way to do business.

Note: It is the legal responsibility of the SELLER to have the vehicle smog checked. You can not sell a vehicle "as is" concerning the smog. You may end up spending money months after you sold your vehicle for smog-related repairs. If the buyer takes you to court to collect money they spend to get the smog certificate, the buyer will win the judgment.

Protect Yourself -- Smog Check BEFORE the Vehicle Changes Hands