Purchasing an Oregon 4Runner in California

[octanejunkie]

Looking at a private party sale of a 4runner that's registered in Oregon being sold in california, no check engine light but no recent smog test, actually never a smog test. Apparently Oregon doesn't require emissions testing.

Besides the potential that I'll have to replace the catalytic converters, any issue with purchasing it out of state vehicle, Oregon, and registering it, titling it in California that you guys can think of?

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[phattyduck]

Should be zero issues. You won't have to update to CA emissions or anything like that. It only has to match the emissions requirements it originally came with.

-Charlie

 

[octanejunkie]

Should be zero issues. You won't have to update to CA emissions or anything like that. It only has to match the emissions requirements it originally came with.



-Charlie

Thanks for the quick response, Charlie
According to the VIN number search I did it has the same emissions standard that mine does.

The Oregon tags are current through the year, I wonder if I should just keep it with Oregon tags for now LOL

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[pluton]

Should be zero issues. You won't have to update to CA emissions or anything like that. It only has to match the emissions requirements it originally came with.

-Charlie

Correct answer. I have a 49-state 4Runner, originally sold in AZ (Camelback Toyota, as it turns out). It has to pass the 49-state emissions that were in effect in 1997. The smog operators and their computers know all about this and smog tests are routine. Suggestion: Drive it 50-100 miles on the freeway right before the smog test.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Thanks for the quick response, Charlie
According to the VIN number search I did it has the same emissions standard that mine does.

The Oregon tags are current through the year, I wonder if I should just keep it with Oregon tags for now LOL

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California did crack down of people living here and running out of state plates, however. It used to be 6 months til you had to get CA plates if you are a resident, but now it's 20 freakin days before you can start incurring fines and whatnot. Enforcement aggressiveness depends on where you live, of course, but keep that in mind if you want to keep it on the streets. If you want to be legal you'll have to deal with a smog and plates sooner than later.

 

[Pyral]

Looking at a private party sale of a 4runner that's registered in Oregon being sold in california, no check engine light but no recent smog test, actually never a smog test. Apparently Oregon doesn't require emissions testing.

Besides the potential that I'll have to replace the catalytic converters, any issue with purchasing it out of state vehicle, Oregon, and registering it, titling it in California that you guys can think of?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

I did this. The only problem was Oregon has no sales tax, and when you purchase in cash with a private party California has to take you at your word for what you paid.

I purchased mine with 167k miles and I don't think it had ever been smogged either. I passed CA smog with the original cats no problem (mine isn't CA spec either). Do a visual inspection, if everything looks stock and not rusted through it should pass.

 

[octanejunkie]

I did this. The only problem was Oregon has no sales tax, and when you purchase in cash with a private party California has to take you at your word for what you paid.

Oh my, that is a problem... and the seller wants cash