Any California folks feel that it’s getting more difficult to find shops that do smog inspections on pre 1995 cars? In the past, I have been turned away due to broken smog inspection equipment or the shop only inspecting 2000 and up. This wasn't a big deal, because I would just drive down to the next shop to get the inspection done.

This year has been bizarre to get the smog done on my 1993 240sx. I went to 3 places and they all said the machine was broken and waiting on the repair guy.

I guess they don't lose that much business. Most of the cars I see on the road are 2000 and up, so obd2 cars are easy to inspect. My 2013 subaru was done in less than 20 min.

Arkansas is nice. Texas and Florida, too.

If you think it's a coincidence, or believe their stories, you're missing the bigger picture.

The goal is simple: CA wants everyone in a newer, small-displacement, hybrid or electric vehicle, and they're not above pulling some bullshat to make life uncomfortable for residents.

Go to a state testing station. The little scams the local garages were pulling is being cracked down upon, so just hit an official facility and be prepared to record everything.

AZhitman wrote: ↑

Sun May 08, 2022 6:15 pm

The goal is simple: CA wants everyone in a newer, small-displacement, hybrid or electric vehicle, and they're not above pulling some bullshat to make life uncomfortable for residents.

Welcome to the DPRC.

Oh, yah. And Oklahoma's nice too. Kansas, Idaho, Montana....

I can't imagine being a car enthusiast and actually living in that oppressive 3rd world country. Does CA not allow Antique or Classic vehicle registration and allow them to be exempt from certain modern requirements?

AZhitman wrote: ↑

Sun May 08, 2022 6:15 pm

If you think it's a coincidence, or believe their stories, you're missing the bigger picture.

The goal is simple: CA wants everyone in a newer, small-displacement, hybrid or electric vehicle, and they're not above pulling some bullshat to make life uncomfortable for residents.

Go to a state testing station. The little scams the local garages were pulling is being cracked down upon, so just hit an official facility and be prepared to record everything.

For the 240 and mostly all the obd1 cars, the CA DMW requires a smog test at a star certified facility. These are facilities that pass the states performance requirements. It was introduced around 2013 or 2014. I didn't really notice a difference in the inspection procedures. All the previous smog facilities that I went to got the new star certification. There is the state referee smog inspections, but I've only heard people going there for special reasons like engine swaps or being dinged by the police for illegal mods.

Idno what these smog facilities are pulling. State conspiracy? Maybe they are paranoid of undercover operations or making a business decision to not test older cars.

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Sun May 08, 2022 8:09 am

Arkansas is nice. Texas and Florida, too.

I hear South Dakota is nice too.

The shops were the ones pulling the shenanigans. Roll in to a shop your buddy works at, slide him a wad of cash, and roll out with a smog cert.

The shops can pass the requirements, that's no big deal. Until there's meaningful oversight, the nonsense will continue, air quality will suffer, people with mildly modded cars will keep getting screwed, and CA politicians will line their pockets and act like they accomplished something.

zer0c123 wrote: ↑

Mon May 09, 2022 10:30 pm

I hear South Dakota is nice too.

I heard that too, love Kristi Noem. I also hear North Dakota is very nice, on both days of the summer.