Need some quick help from CA folks!!! Buying out of state 3rd gen

[MillerPKA]

Hey guys, looks like I'm coming back to the family this weekend! Quick question for you folks and hoping you can help me here in my situation.

The buyer, his 4runner, and myself are all in San Diego. The buyer is active duty military and has the 4runner registered in Washington at the moment.

The 4runner is a 2000 with 115k on the odomenter if it makes a difference. It is a 49 state vehicle, NOT CA approved.

I believe because he is active military he is exempt from having to pass smog because it is registered out of state. I was wondering if it is easier for him to first register it here, then transfer the title to me once it is registered here. Not sure if I would be granted the exemption if this happened though. DMV rep seemed confused too.

Aside from that idea, say I just purchase this sucker and he signs the title over, and I just head to a smog referee to get this thing figured out. Will I need to install another cat? Any information you guys can help me with would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[MStudt]

Even if he tries to register it in CA he'll have to do the same thing as you. Just being active military doesn't give you a pass on federal laws for emissions. He has it registered in WA so he doesn't have to mess with the CA emissions. Through another cat on it and you'r good.

 

[MillerPKA]

Even if he tries to register it in CA he'll have to do the same thing as you. Just being active military doesn't give you a pass on federal laws for emissions. He has it registered in WA so he doesn't have to mess with the CA emissions. Through another cat on it and you'r good.

Are the 49 state vehicles set up to have another cat added easily? I had a feeling it wasn't so easy as there were different sensors and possibly altered a/f ratios.

Edit: Also, this is what the CaDMV site says about smog exemption, which is contrary to what you just said. Anyone in CA who can confirm?

There are a few exemptions to the law. As a California resident, you may be able to register a 49-state vehicle if it was:

Obtained as part of a divorce, inheritance, or legal separation settlement.
Purchased to replace your California-registered vehicle that was stolen while you were using the vehicle out-of-state.
Purchased to replace your California-registered vehicle that was destroyed or made inoperative beyond reasonable repair while you were using the vehicle out of state.
An emergency vehicle, pursuant to California Vehicle Code § §27156.2 and 27156.3.
Registered by you in the state of your last active military service outside California.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm

 

[MStudt]

Are the 49 state vehicles set up to have another cat added easily? I had a feeling it wasn't so easy as there were different sensors and possibly altered a/f ratios.

Edit: Also, this is what the CaDMV site says about smog exemption, which is contrary to what you just said. Anyone in CA who can confirm?



https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm

You need to read that entire page again. What you've posted is for new vehicle sales, or used vehicles with less than 7500. Used vehicles with less than 7500 miles are considered new in CA. He can register it with no issues, but once that title changes hands it's a different story.

 

[MillerPKA]

You need to read that entire page again. What you've posted is for new vehicle sales, or used vehicles with less than 7500. Used vehicles with less than 7500 miles are considered new in CA. He can register it with no issues, but once that title changes hands it's a different story.

Fair enough. Any insight on adding a cat to a 49 state 4unner? Anyone that's been in this situation care to chime in??

 

[MStudt]

Fair enough. Any insight on adding a cat to a 49 state 4unner? Anyone that's been in this situation care to chime in??

Pretty sure it's not as easy as just putting one in. The piping for 50 state vs 49 state is quite different.

49 State


50 State

 

[2014 Warthog]

It is entirely likely that it is a lot more involved than just adding a cat.

I tried doing a little web searching and didn't find anything quickly about that model/year vehicle.

Try to find a shop that does out of state smog conversions and get the truck over there for an estimate if possible... Just make SURE you already know exactly what needs to be done and whose going to do it before deciding to buy the truck! It may just be too cost prohibitive to do, don't want to end up with a non-registerable vehicle

 

[BrianSD_42]

Stop ...... No need to add a 2nd cat or have HIM register it here first as it will make no difference. YOU will need to register and pass smog w/in 10 days of purchase. It's pretty strict and the one thing cops have no sense of humor about is vehicles that are out of registration, even if only a few weeks. Also the late fees go into hundreds $$$$.

And you have no worries because CA law allows for used purchases of non-CA vehicles without issue. There is no requirement to add a 2nd cat, in fact that might cause a red flag.

It will still need to be smogged as that is the law for every used vehicle that is sold here.

If it is a non-CA vehicle then the smog computer will know that and adjust the test accordingly.

So in summary ... Don't buy it without first having it smogged. And given the age of the truck I would check the whole thing out, especially for rust.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Through another cat on it and you'r good.

Sorry but this is SOOOOOO completely wrong. I do like your avatar though.

In CA you can register without issue, any out of state (eg non CA smog) vehicle as long as it is a used vehicle. Practically 1/2 all the vehicles on the road here are not CA-smog vehicles because that law only applies to brand new sales.

 

[MillerPKA]

Stop ...... No need to add a 2nd cat or have HIM register it here first as it will make no difference. YOU will need to register and pass smog w/in 10 days of purchase. It's pretty strict and the one thing cops have no sense of humor about is vehicles that are out of registration, even if only a few weeks. Also the late fees go into hundreds $$$$.

And you have no worries because CA law allows for used purchases of non-CA vehicles without issue. There is no requirement to add a 2nd cat, in fact that might cause a red flag.

It will still need to be smogged as that is the law for every used vehicle that is sold here.

If it is a non-CA vehicle then the smog computer will know that and adjust the test accordingly.

So in summary ... Don't buy it without first having it smogged. And given the age of the truck I would check the whole thing out, especially for rust.

Sorry but this is completely wrong. I do like your avatar though.

In CA you can register without issue, any out of state (eg non CA smog) vehicle as long as it is a used vehicle. Practically 1/2 all the vehicles on the road here are not CA-smog vehicles because that law only applies to brand new sales.

Thanks for chiming in, this is what I was waiting for. Checking it out Saturday morning and I'm getting undercarriage pictures this evening. Says there is surface rust but nothing major at all, and given there's only 115k on the odometer I'm inclined to agree with him.

Thanks again man!!

 

[BrianSD_42]

Might be a good time to consider AAA membership. The special benefit they offer of not having to go to the DMV for registration is worth the $50 annual membership.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Glad to help. Your rig inspired me when I first found this site.

 

[MillerPKA]

Really appreciate that man. Probably not too many new things this time around at first. Since I found out the last one got totaled I'm on a mission to replicate it as best I can. Thank you for the AAA note I'll look into it tonight!

 

[JBurt]

Just to put in my experience, I bought mine from a shop. It is a fed emissions car and after I bought it (previously registered in AZ) I got it smogged and then registered it. No special paperwork or anything. Easy.

I'm glad your getting another one. Should be awesome.

 

[SAC-CA-Runner]

Might be a good time to consider AAA membership. The special benefit they offer of not having to go to the DMV for registration is worth the $50 annual membership.

AAA cannot do out of state transfers or registrations. I tried on my 4Runner when I moved back from CO. They said I had to go to the DMV to do it as they had to do an inspection of the car as well.

 

[TheDurk]

Just to put in my experience, I bought mine from a shop. It is a fed emissions car and after I bought it (previously registered in AZ) I got it smogged and then registered it. No special paperwork or anything. Easy.

I'm glad your getting another one. Should be awesome.

If you are talking about your '97, it's not really relevant as exhaust emissions standards were still unified between Federal and California in 1997.

 

[sn0wrunner]

So is the new one black too????

Looking forward to watching the new build.

 

[pluton]

49 state cars are OK in CA, they just have to pass 49 state smog which the CA test equipment does. Any CA smog check is good for 90 days; if the seller had had it smogged in CA within 90 days, you wouldn't have to get your own smog check. I bought a 49 state '97 with 119K miles that lived it's whole life in Tucson, AZ. Passed CA smog/49 state specs fine. Good luck with the [possible]purchase.
P.S.: The only mechanical surprise I got with mine was leaking rear axle seals. If I had pulled one of the rear wheels off before buying, I would have seen it and been able to nego the price a bit downward.

 

[MillerPKA]

So is the new one black too????

Looking forward to watching the new build.

You're damn right it's black

49 state cars are OK in CA, they just have to pass 49 state smog which the CA test equipment does. Any CA smog check is good for 90 days; if the seller had had it smogged in CA within 90 days, you wouldn't have to get your own smog check. I bought a 49 state '97 with 119K miles that lived it's whole life in Tucson, AZ. Passed CA smog/49 state specs fine. Good luck with the [possible]purchase.
P.S.: The only mechanical surprise I got with mine was leaking rear axle seals. If I had pulled one of the rear wheels off before buying, I would have seen it and been able to nego the price a bit downward.

Glad to hear the success story but sucks about the seal. Going to inspect with cash in hand tomorrow morning, looking great so far.

Still can't get past 115k. Really lucked out if everything else checks out.

 

[JBurt]

If you are talking about your '97, it's not really relevant as exhaust emissions standards were still unified between Federal and California in 1997.

Yeah it's my 97. There are different exhaust parts when your order them though and I have a federal emissions sticker instead of the cali one. Is there really no difference?