Is the seller responsible for emissions testing in Colorado?

[yankeefan98121]

Hmm, seems I have it backwards then. If that is the case, how can I, as a buyer, be certain that the vehicle I'm buying will pass emissions?

If you're buying from a "lot" then usually they'll have that done for you. If it's a private seller then it's up to the buyer as part of the registration requirement at the DMV. We've had a situation before, the seller we were buying from, has agreed to get the emissions done prior to the sale. Maybe this is an option for you. Discussing the cost of the testing was also a part of that conversation. For our situation it wasn't so much the cost of the testing but the time to get it done. If you're a serious buyer I don't see a situation where the seller would refuse such a request, unless of course it won't pass.

[JohnTRourke]

the law says the seller must provide a current emissions proof.

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/buy-s...egulations.php

"If the buyer resides in an emissions region, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a current inspection certificate."

[blacklabel]

the law says the seller must provide a current emissions proof.

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/buy-s...egulations.php

"If the buyer resides in an emissions region, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a current inspection certificate."

That's what I was thinking as well.

I know I wouldn't purchase a vehicle without knowing that it would pass emissions.

[Rooskibar03]

This is correct. I sell cars here in Colorado and have been for a long time. Seller is on the hook to cover the emission test.

The best way to address this is to go an inspect the car and agree on a sale and price. Drive the car to the E-test location with the seller, or have them follow, whatever works for you both.

Verify the car passes the test before you pay. Seller should pay $25 fee. Make sure you draw up some sort of buyers order/bill of sale that you both sign and keep copies of.

the law says the seller must provide a current emissions proof.

http://www.dmv.org/co-colorado/buy-s...egulations.php

"If the buyer resides in an emissions region, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a current inspection certificate."

[Irving]

Thanks for the info guys.

Jerry, I'm in a similar situation, with similar money to spend, but as of right now, our family has 0 cars. We're currently borrowing one, and I want to drive it as little as possible. I could use my insurance money as a down payment, but with less than 40 hours a week, it will be very tough to make payments. Not to mention my credit just took a big hit as well.

[Tweety Bird]

If buying from a private party, you might want to beware of the way that law is worded. It just states that they provide a "passing emissions inspection certificate." It doesn't state that it has to be recent. If it's more than a month or two old, you might want to put some conditions on it. Have it stated in the Bill of Sale that you have the right of return/refund if it doesn't pass the test. Put a down-payment on the car and withhold the balance, then take it straight to the testing center (take the seller along if necessary). Or, better yet, have them go get a FRESH E-test so you know it'll pass.

Caveat Emptor!

[hammer03]

Interesting. So does that mean people in emissions testing areas just don't buy cars from outside the area? I know if I were selling a car, I wouldn't get or want to pay for an emissions certificate, since El Paso county doesn't require anything.

[jerrymrc]

Thanks for the info guys.

Jerry, I'm in a similar situation, with similar money to spend, but as of right now, our family has 0 cars. We're currently borrowing one, and I want to drive it as little as possible. I could use my insurance money as a down payment, but with less than 40 hours a week, it will be very tough to make payments. Not to mention my credit just took a big hit as well.

I do understand. I have one small payment on my car but that was all there was. The wife has not worked in years so the old Astro was it. I had been locked into a Pontiac (ya think?) but so many were trashed that I started looking at others.

Better to just buy outright and not have to worry about all the crap that comes with financing. Our ins payment was lower with the GP so I added Comp to it. Both of us are very defensive drivers so collision is a joke for us.

Both of us have been run into 3 times each in the last 10 years. She had one and I have never had a chargeable accident in the last 30 years.

One thought might be a used Buick with the 3.8l Just got a coworker to buy one that was a cream puff for $5K for a 2003 with 80K on it. Not the flashiest but very reliable and roomy.

Something like this that might be had for $4K out the door. http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/2440125743.html

Your looking to get the best bang for the buck and not break the bank while driving it.

[Zundfolge]

This is correct. I sell cars here in Colorado and have been for a long time. Seller is on the hook to cover the emission test.

So if I live in a part of the state where emission testing is not required and I'm selling a car to someone in a required testing area that I absolutely guarantee WILL NOT pass emissions, can I have a buyer sign something saying that emissions are their responsibility?

My 1970 Porsche 914 is heavily modified and I don't believe can be made to pass emissions without SIGNIFICANT work (dual carbs instead of original FI, header instead of original heat exchangers, Supertrapp muffler, Fat Performance cam, large valve head).

Here in El Paso county I don't have to get emissions testing, but I was considering selling it ... but if I have to take responsibility for emissions I'll just have to tell people in the Denver Metro area that they can't buy.

Stupid government.

[Irving]

So if I live in a part of the state where emission testing is not required and I'm selling a car to someone in a required testing area that I absolutely guarantee WILL NOT pass emissions, can I have a buyer sign something saying that emissions are their responsibility?

Of course you can. It has to be a deal between both parties. If you are in an emissions exempt area, you would let people know and if they don't like it, they can pass. That's basically what I plan to do. If they can't show me a recent emissions test, I'll pass. As the buyer, I always have the option to spend my money however I chose, to include buying a car that won't pass emissions.