I'm in the process of selling my 2006 WRX and need to know if I have to get it smogged before handing it over to the new owner?

Smog is not required on the registration renewal notice that I received recently, but I have a feeling it is required for change of ownership.

Thanks!

 

All cars change of ownership it's the seller's legal responsibility to smog. Certificate has to be within 90 days of sale

 

I think you are going to have to smog it, I believe once it's 4 years old, you have to smog it at change of ownership. I bought my 06 last year at this time and smog was not required to change ownership.

 

Cars 2001 and newer don't need smog until 6 years after the model year. In 2007 I bought my used 2004 STi and smog wasn't needed.... however some credit unions/banks may require it for their own procedures.

 

Lowend has it 100% correct

 

also depends on where the purchaser will be registering it...

 

This is a very good point! For example, if you buy a car in Santa Cruz and you live in Santa Clara and the owner provided a smog from a station in Santa Cruz, you will not be able to register your car as you need the stricter Bay Area smog (forgot the terminology).

But yeah - Lowend answered the question. You smog on transfer of ownership and registering an out of state vehicle every time, regardless of vehicle age.

 

This is what I found on the DMV website:

NOTE: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for a gasoline powered motor vehicle that is four or less model years old. (Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year) the four or less model years old rule does not apply to diesel powered vehicles. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner.

My car is a 2006 purchased beginning of Oct 2006. The car is registered in Alameda county and the buyer lives in the SF Bay Area. Have a feeling I'm right on the edge of the DMV four year rule, so might as well get it smogged before transferring ownership.

Thanks for your help everyone.

 

My advice will be to smog it. I can recommend places on the Peninsula. You seem to take care of your car and I think it's stock right? It will pass. It's insurance in case DMV determines that you DO need it - where you would be in a pinch when selling the car and that sucks (trust me!).

Plus, I had to smog my 2004 R32 when I sold it in 2008. This is why I say "trust me" as this happened to me when the owner tried to register the car (here in CA). He was cool about it, but it could have been awkward.

 

Yeah I've taken care of my WRX, in the sense that I've done all the required maintenance ... but I have certainly not babied it to the extent that I did with my modded Honda Civic Wagon ... and yes my WRX has always been stock.

Took people's advice and got it smogged today. It passed with flying colours.

 

All sussed then. Good show.