Bringing a 2002 Mini Cooper to California from out of state.

I currently live in Virginia but will be moving to Los Angeles in August. I am considering buying a used Mini Cooper from a friend and driving it out to LA. Is there a way to tell if the car will pass emissions and smog testing before I drive it all the way out there?

Answer:

So long as you do in fact buy a USED Mini Cooper, and its emissions system has not been modified, it will pass the California smog check. It's true, there is a difference with California legal and Federal legal emission requirements. And, for the most part California is stricter. However, a USED vehicle which has all the Federal required emission components and its exhaust emissions fall within California's limits (which a well maintained2002 Mini Cooper should) it can pass the California smog inspection process and be legally registered in this state, without any added expense in terms of emission components.

posted by SmogTips Support