Why haven’t you had to get a smog check in 5 years? It’s ridiculous to have to get a smog check every two years in California with newer cars. The only time there is usually a problem is if the check engine light goes on and if that’s the case then just have them going somewhere and check to see if the check engin light has been on if it hasn’t they pass. I have a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse I’ve gone for smog test never had an issue and I talked to so many people they’ve never had an issue its a rip off. I rarely get away with less than $50 for my smog check.

I don’t think it should matter how old your truck is. It matters how many miles are on the odometer. I know people with 1995 trucks with only 75,000 miles. Mechanically it’s still a youngster. If the smog program had any credibility they would go after HIGH MILEAGE CARS and ignore the year of the vehicle. The year has nothing to do with it’s propensity to create pollution. Any car with over 150k miles should get special attention – no matter if it’s a 2011 model. But the idiots in Sactown don’t think logically. All they’re after is your loot. And they love to screw with poor people with smog checks on old cars and with taxes on a pack of smokes.

I have a 22 year old truck that could emit 5 times more pollutant and still pass yet I have to have it smogged eveery 2 years and I get to pay extra for a more extensive test because it is so old. Last one costs me nearly $90.

And I have a Honda Civic. It has an LEV sticker on it. Know what that means? Low emission vehicle. Yet I also have to have it smogged every two years and it too always passes way, way under the max allowed.

The smog program is just a rip-off. Other states have gotten rid of it.

Maybe it depends on where you live, John. But in most urban areas you’re not going to find a $25 coupon. The test itself is generally $30 or so with the coupon and then you gotta pay another $8 or so for the certificate. And if you need repairs generally if you have them done at the testing site they’ll retest for free. Otherwise, you’re on your own. Older cars sometimes have to go to specially designated smog test stations. And it costs even more. SUV’s and trucks generally cost about $50 out the door even with the coupon. Prices have gone up with QE. Just like groceries and everything else. I drive an old beater. So I gotta take mine in every 2 years. You must drive a late model with your big journalism salary. 😀

I haven’t had to go for 5 years, so maybe that price is low. But what I do is look for a $25 coupon at a smog-repair place, then take that coupon to a smog-only place that advertises, “beat any coupon.” Maybe prices are higher.

Depends on where you go, bob. I know places that’ll do it for about $38 w/certificate. SUV’s and trucks cost a little more. $25? Maybe 5 years ago. Not anymore as far as I know. But be careful where you go. Don’t let them fool you into believing you have a problem when you don’t. Smog repairs are pricey. Reduce your income and you might qualify for state assistance even if you drive a Massarati. Be a good American. Follow the incentives, man. Go Galt!

You’re kidding, right? More like 75 – 85.

“I am required by law to take each of my seven vehicles in to be “inspected”

“Over the course of 20 or 30 years, it amounts to several thousand dollars.”

I’m thinking, if you can afford to purchase, register, insure, and maintain seven vehicles, $105 a year isn’t going to dent your budget.

TMI