I thought the whole thing was strange as well. He said it would be too much of a hassle to get an inspection 15 min away from his house which I would pay for. drew935, on the DMV website, it says vehicles are exempt from a smog test if their model year is four years or less old. I then called the DMV and they told me that it needed to be done regardless. I'm confused on what needs to be done for the next WRX I look into. Thanks.

 

Brett, if you purchase a car from someone, a smog has to be done. That's hasn't changed any. After you buy a car that is 02 and newer, it does not have to be smogged every 2 years. It is exempt from smog for 4 years and you have a one time exemption in addition for a year if you need. So 5years total. That's the exempt rule for 02 and newer.

 

Yup bought an 03 last year and they had to smog it before the purchase. Even if you were to buy a used 05 they'd still have to smog it. BTW that is the owners responsibilty not yours to have the smog check done.

 

drew935, thank you for clearing this up, I was very confused. I guess I will just have to wait for a more reasonable seller. Thanks for all the help.