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Smog problems welcome

Sell a Car That Failed Smog in California

A failed smog check can freeze a sale — in California the seller has to provide the certificate. We buy cars that failed smog, price it in up front, and pick up free.

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The offer we make is the offer you get for 7 days, when the car matches its description. If hidden or unreported damage is found at pickup, any adjustment is shown with photo evidence before you decide.

Why a failed smog strands sellers

On most California sales, the seller must hand the buyer a smog certificate issued within the last 90 days. Fail the test and a private sale stops cold: no certificate, no transfer. Your choices are usually pay for diagnosis and repairs and test again, apply for state repair or retirement assistance and wait, or sell the car as-is to a buyer equipped to handle it. That last one is us.

Failed-smog cars we buy

  • Failed smog — including gross polluters
  • Check-engine light on for an emissions fault
  • Smog test due, and you don't want to gamble on repairs
  • Expired registration piling up fees while the car sits

How selling a failed-smog car works here

Tell us in the application that it failed smog — smog failure is one of the condition answers on the form, so the offer you receive already reflects it. No repair bills, no retest, no smog certificate from you. If the car matches its description at pickup, the offer stands — guaranteed for 7 days. We arrange the tow free inside San Diego County and handle the smog and DMV side after the purchase. One honest limit: the car does need to start and drive, and have a working key.

Smog questions

Can I legally sell a car that failed smog in California?

Yes — but not the usual private-party way, where the seller must provide a passing smog certificate. Selling to a buyer who purchases the car as-is, knowing it failed, is a normal transaction. We buy failed-smog cars, handle the paperwork, and take care of the smog side after the purchase.

Do I have to repair anything before you pick it up?

No. Don't spend money on diagnosis or repairs for our sake — describe the car honestly in the application, including the failed smog, and the offer already accounts for it.

My car failed as a gross polluter. Will you still buy it?

In most cases, yes. Gross-polluter failures are still cars we evaluate like any other fixable problem. Tell us what the test sheet said if you have it, and we'll price the car on its full condition.

What happens on pickup day?

Our buyer checks the VIN, title, mileage, and the same condition items you submitted. If everything matches, you sign the transfer paperwork, receive payment, remove your belongings, and hand over the keys. We then arrange the tow at no charge within San Diego County.

Tell us about your car

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One vehicle intake, reviewed by hand by our local team. No obligation — and no strangers coming to your door.

Your vehicle

VINs use 17 letters and numbers. You can add it later, but we will need it before booking your pickup.

Please select the year.

Please select the make.

Please enter the model.

Please enter the mileage.

A complete pickup address is required for every vehicle.

Please enter the complete pickup street address.

Please enter the pickup city.

Please enter a valid 5-digit ZIP.

Condition

Check only the issues that apply. Anything left unchecked is treated as working or in good condition. Your offer assumes the car matches your description; the final price is confirmed at pickup after the vehicle is checked.

Title situation
Where should we send the next step?

Please enter your name.

Please enter a valid 10-digit phone number.

Please enter a valid email address.

Your home address — the pickup address above is where the car sits.

Please enter your complete home address (street, city, and ZIP).

Your application goes straight to our local team — every one is reviewed by hand.

Ready when you are

Complete one vehicle intake, see your offer, and arrange free local pickup. No obligation, and no strangers coming to your door.

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